Graham · Borders
Gathersnow Hill
Gathersnow Hill (689m) is exactly what the name promises — a high grassy hump above Biggar in the NT05 square that catches and holds easterly snow long after the surrounding tops have cleared. Set among the Culter Fells on the watershed between Tweed and Clyde, it is one of the highest summits south of the Forth-Clyde line.
Quick facts
- Height
- 689.5m/ 2262ft
- Prominence
- 211 m
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 565 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT058256
- Parking
- NT057265
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 50km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%
From the parking at Coulter Reservoir near Culter Allers follow the access track west, then climb north-west onto Culter Fell. From there the watershed fence runs south-west across Hudderstone and Chapelgill Hill to Gathersnow. The cairn sits beside the fence at a slight rise.
Terrain
Reservoir track, then a clear path onto Culter Fell. The watershed fence carries you from top to top across cropped grass and minor peat. The going is among the firmest of any Southern Uplands ridge.
In winter
True to its name this NT05 ridge holds snow for weeks after thaws elsewhere. Wind-driven build-up beside the boundary wire often buries the worn track, and cornices form along the eastern edge above the Coulter burn. Excellent for ski-mountaineering when the cover is sufficient.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 27m
- Edinburgh1h 15m
OS maps: OS Landranger 72
Mobile signal: Good signal throughout; EE reliable with clear views across the Pentlands and Moorfoot.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:49
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 03:54
- Civil dusk
- 22:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 July 2026
Around Gathersnow Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Gathersnow Hill — common questions
- How difficult is Gathersnow Hill?
- Gathersnow Hill carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 565m of ascent and a 3-6 hour day on the standard route. Terrain: Reservoir track, then a clear path onto Culter Fell.
- How prominent is Gathersnow Hill?
- Gathersnow Hill has 211m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Gathersnow Hill?
- Standard parking is at NT057265. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Gathersnow Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Gathersnow Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Gathersnow Hill?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Gathersnow Hill?
- Good signal throughout; EE reliable with clear views across the Pentlands and Moorfoot.
- Is Gathersnow Hill safe in winter?
- True to its name this NT05 ridge holds snow for weeks after thaws elsewhere. Wind-driven build-up beside the boundary wire often buries the worn track, and cornices form along the eastern edge above the Coulter burn. Excellent for ski-mountaineering when the cover is sufficient.
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