How hard is Fastheugh Hill?

Fastheugh Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep grassy lower flanks, easing onto a broad open summit.

Where do I park for Fastheugh Hill?

Standard parking is at NT 40500 29500. 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 Fastheugh Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Fastheugh Hill are most of the year. 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 Fastheugh Hill?

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

How hard is Fastheugh Hill?

Fastheugh Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep grassy lower flanks, easing onto a broad open summit.

Where do I park for Fastheugh Hill?

Standard parking is at NT 40500 29500. 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 Fastheugh Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Fastheugh Hill are most of the year. 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 Fastheugh 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: Gordon Hatton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Fastheugh Hill

A 501m grassy summit on the south side of the Yarrow Water near Yarrowford, lying south of the Southern Upland Way ridge between Minch Moor and Broomy Law. Views into the Ettrick Forest beyond.

Quick facts

Height: 501.7m/ 1646ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NT 39329 27710
Parking: NT 40500 29500
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 48km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

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

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A short walk from the B7039 climbs steep pasture and forestry edge for 2-3 hours return. The ridge can be linked north into the SUW for a longer outing.

Terrain

Steep grassy lower flanks, easing onto a broad open summit. Plantation edges to negotiate on the way up.

In winter

Snow rarely lies long on these south-facing slopes. The steep grass becomes slippery in frost — care needed on the descent.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 26m
Edinburgh1h 12m

Parking: NT 40500 29500

OS maps: OS Landranger 73, OS Explorer 337

Mobile signal: Good. Borders; EE and Vodafone both reliable. Good coverage on summit.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 29mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:28
Sunset: 21:57
Civil dawn: 03:28
Civil dusk: 22:57

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Fastheugh 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

18km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Fastheugh Hill — common questions

How hard is Fastheugh Hill?: Fastheugh Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep grassy lower flanks, easing onto a broad open summit.
Where do I park for Fastheugh Hill?: Standard parking is at NT 40500 29500. 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 Fastheugh Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Fastheugh Hill are most of the year. 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 Fastheugh 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 Fastheugh Hill?: Good. Borders; EE and Vodafone both reliable. Good coverage on summit.
Is Fastheugh Hill safe in winter?: Snow rarely lies long on these south-facing slopes. The steep grass becomes slippery in frost — care needed on the descent.

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