How hard is Ellson Fell?

Ellson Fell is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forestry tracks, clearfell debris and rough heather on the open summit.

Where do I park for Ellson Fell?

Standard parking is at NT 40400 05500. 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 Ellson Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Ellson Fell 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 Ellson Fell?

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

How hard is Ellson Fell?

Ellson Fell is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forestry tracks, clearfell debris and rough heather on the open summit.

Where do I park for Ellson Fell?

Standard parking is at NT 40400 05500. 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 Ellson Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Ellson Fell 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 Ellson Fell?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: David Purchase / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Ellson Fell

A 537m hill above Teviothead, close to the head of the Teviot Water. Surrounded by extensive forestry plantations but with open moorland on the summit dome. Reaches 537 m in the Borders.

Quick facts

Height: 537m/ 1762ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NY 41037 98497
Parking: NT 40400 05500
Nearest city: Carlisle· 43km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

grass moorland 60% · heather 30% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Forestry tracks from near Teviothead church give the best approach, then open hill to the cairn — around 3-4 hours return. Watch for active timber operations.

Terrain

Forestry tracks, clearfell debris and rough heather on the open summit. The going can be tussocky once off the tracks.

In winter

Shelter from the surrounding plantations softens the winter conditions, though clearfell areas are exposed and snow-bound after storms.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 44m
Edinburgh2h 52m

Parking: NT 40400 05500

OS maps: OS Landranger 79, OS Explorer 324

Mobile signal: Good. Borders and Dumfriesshire area; EE gives reliable coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 23mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:30
Sunset: 21:55
Civil dawn: 03:31
Civil dusk: 22:54

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Ellson Fell 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

Ellson Fell — common questions

How hard is Ellson Fell?: Ellson Fell is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forestry tracks, clearfell debris and rough heather on the open summit.
Where do I park for Ellson Fell?: Standard parking is at NT 40400 05500. 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 Ellson Fell?: The standard good-weather months for Ellson Fell 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 Ellson Fell?: 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 Ellson Fell?: Good. Borders and Dumfriesshire area; EE gives reliable coverage.
Is Ellson Fell safe in winter?: Shelter from the surrounding plantations softens the winter conditions, though clearfell areas are exposed and snow-bound after storms.

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