How hard is Blackwood Hill?

Blackwood Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mix of conifer forestry tracks and open heather moorland.

When is the best time to climb Blackwood Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Blackwood Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Blackwood Hill?

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

How hard is Blackwood Hill?

Blackwood Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mix of conifer forestry tracks and open heather moorland.

When is the best time to climb Blackwood Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Blackwood Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Blackwood 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: Sarah Dalrymple / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Blackwood Hill

Blackwood Hill stands at 447m above the Borthwick Water in southern Roxburghshire (NY 53172 96191), a broad heather-clad top with extensive forestry on its lower slopes. The summit gives views toward Teviotdale and the Cheviot Hills along the English border.

Quick facts

Height: 447m/ 1467ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NY 53172 96191
Nearest city: Carlisle· 42km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Approach via forestry tracks from Roberton in the Borthwick valley, breaking out of plantation onto open heather for the final pull to the 447m summit. About 6km return — allow 2-3 hours. No marked trail; navigate by map.

Terrain

Mix of conifer forestry tracks and open heather moorland. Tussocky going above the tree line with some peaty hollows on the summit plateau.

In winter

Modest Borders winter walking. Tracks usable year round; the open ridge may collect a dusting of snow but rarely more.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 12m
Edinburgh2h 8m

OS maps: OS Landranger 79, OS Explorer 042W, OS Explorer 324

Mobile signal: Good. Borders; EE signal solid on summit and approach. Vodafone also reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 23mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:29
Sunset: 21:54
Civil dawn: 03:30
Civil dusk: 22:53

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Blackwood 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

39km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Blackwood Hill — common questions

How hard is Blackwood Hill?: Blackwood Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mix of conifer forestry tracks and open heather moorland.
When is the best time to climb Blackwood Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Blackwood Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 Blackwood 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 Blackwood Hill?: Good. Borders; EE signal solid on summit and approach. Vodafone also reliable.
Is Blackwood Hill safe in winter?: Modest Borders winter walking. Tracks usable year round; the open ridge may collect a dusting of snow but rarely more.

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