How hard is Dirrington Great Law?

We grade Dirrington Great Law at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Farm tracks low down, then deep heather and tussocks on the steep cone — no path on the final climb.

How much drop does Dirrington Great Law have?

The drop is 158m: measured from the summit of Dirrington Great Law 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 Dirrington Great Law?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Dirrington Great Law. 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 Dirrington Great Law?

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

By Gary

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Dirrington Great Law

Dirrington Great Law, 399m, is the conical landmark north of Greenlaw in the NT-prefix eastern Lammermuir fringe. Together with its lesser twin it forms a pair of unmistakeable cones on the Berwickshire skyline.

Quick facts

Height: 399.5m/ 1311ft
Prominence: 158 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 69784 54913
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 48km
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 60% · grass slopes 30% · rocky summit 10%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A short approach from minor roads near Westruther climbs farm tracks before tackling the steep heathery cone directly. Around 5km return, 2 hours.

Terrain

Farm tracks low down, then deep heather and tussocks on the steep cone — no path on the final climb. A summit cairn marks the top.

In winter

A reliable low Borders winter walk. The steep heather slope drains fast and the conical shape keeps the summit clear of drifted snow.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Dirrington Great Law. 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 34m
Edinburgh2h 52m

OS maps: OS Landranger 67, OS Landranger 74, OS Explorer 345E

Mobile signal: Good. Berwickshire/Lammermuirs; EE reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 08mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:39
Sunset: 19:32
Civil dawn: 06:02
Civil dusk: 20:10

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Dirrington Great Law on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Dunbar station

John Muir Country Park; surf and coast walks

24km from the hill

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Dirrington Great Law — common questions

How hard is Dirrington Great Law?: We grade Dirrington Great Law at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Farm tracks low down, then deep heather and tussocks on the steep cone — no path on the final climb.
How much drop does Dirrington Great Law have?: The drop is 158m: measured from the summit of Dirrington Great Law 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 Dirrington Great Law?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Dirrington Great Law. 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 Dirrington Great Law?: 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 Dirrington Great Law?: Good. Berwickshire/Lammermuirs; EE reliable.
Is Dirrington Great Law safe in winter?: A reliable low Borders winter walk. The steep heather slope drains fast and the conical shape keeps the summit clear of drifted snow.

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