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
- 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%
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.
Best time of year
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
- Sunrise
- 05:11
- Sunset
- 21:22
- Civil dawn
- 04:22
- Civil dusk
- 22:11
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Dirrington Great Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
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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