How hard is Belling Hill?

We grade Belling Hill at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Roxburghshire grass and heather slopes typical of the inner Cheviot foothills.

How much drop does Belling Hill have?

The drop is 152m: measured from the summit of Belling Hill down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Belling Hill?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Belling Hill. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.

Can dogs go up Belling Hill?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

By Gary

Photo: Rude Health / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Belling Hill

Belling Hill rises to 354m in the Cheviot foothills of Roxburghshire, above the Bowmont Water near Hownam (NT 64203 11835). A quiet grass and heather hill close to the English border with views toward the main Cheviot ridge and the Schil.

Quick facts

Height: 354.4m/ 1163ft
Prominence: 152 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 64203 11835
Nearest city: Carlisle· 61km
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

heather moorland 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Approach from the minor road near Hownam Mains or Cocklawfoot, following sheep tracks and shepherds' paths up the south-west flank to the 354m summit. About 5km return — allow 2-3 hours.

Terrain

Roxburghshire grass and heather slopes typical of the inner Cheviot foothills. Sheep tracks help; the upper slopes are pathless but easy underfoot.

In winter

A gentle winter target. The southern Borders rarely hold deep snow, though the upper slopes can be windswept and exposed in storms.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Belling Hill. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS Southern Uplands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 31m
Edinburgh2h 9m

OS maps: OS Landranger 80, OS Explorer 016W

Mobile signal: Good. Roxburghshire; EE reasonable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:40
Sunset: 19:32
Civil dawn: 06:03
Civil dusk: 20:09

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Belling 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

24km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Belling Hill — common questions

How hard is Belling Hill?: We grade Belling Hill at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Roxburghshire grass and heather slopes typical of the inner Cheviot foothills.
How much drop does Belling Hill have?: The drop is 152m: measured from the summit of Belling Hill down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Belling Hill?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Belling Hill. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Belling Hill?: Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Belling Hill?: Good. Roxburghshire; EE reasonable.
Is Belling Hill safe in winter?: A gentle winter target. The southern Borders rarely hold deep snow, though the upper slopes can be windswept and exposed in storms.

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