How hard is Gathersnow Hill?

Gathersnow Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 565m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Reservoir track, then a clear path onto Culter Fell.

Where do I park for Gathersnow Hill?

Standard parking is at NT057265 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to 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?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Gathersnow Hill?

Gathersnow Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 565m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Reservoir track, then a clear path onto Culter Fell.

Where do I park for Gathersnow Hill?

Standard parking is at NT057265 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to 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?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 565 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NT058256
Parking: NT057265
Nearest city: Dumfries
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%

13km · 565m ascent · 3.5 hrs

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

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow1h 27m
Edinburgh1h 15m

Parking: NT057265

OS maps: OS Landranger 72

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable with clear views across the Pentlands and Moorfoot.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 53mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 21:43
Civil dawn: 03:45
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Gathersnow Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Tweedbank station

Borders Railway terminus; Eildon Hills, Melrose, Tweed Valley

50km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Gathersnow Hill — common questions

How hard is Gathersnow Hill?: Gathersnow Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 565m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Reservoir track, then a clear path onto Culter Fell.
Where do I park for Gathersnow Hill?: Standard parking is at NT057265 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to 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?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Gathersnow Hill?: Good signal on summit; 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.