How hard is Greatmoor Hill?

Greatmoor Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Open Borders grassland with patches of heather and tussocky going on the broad summit dome.

Where do I park for Greatmoor Hill?

Standard parking is at NT 47000 06000. 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 Greatmoor Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Greatmoor 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 Greatmoor Hill?

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

How hard is Greatmoor Hill?

Greatmoor Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Open Borders grassland with patches of heather and tussocky going on the broad summit dome.

Where do I park for Greatmoor Hill?

Standard parking is at NT 47000 06000. 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 Greatmoor Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Greatmoor 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 Greatmoor 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: Callum Black / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Greatmoor Hill

A 599m summit on the watershed above the Borthwick Water, the highest ground between Teviotdale and Liddesdale. Quiet hill country with sweeping views toward the Cheviots, Eildon Hills and the upper Teviot valley.

Quick facts

Height: 599m/ 1965ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NT 48982 00687
Parking: NT 47000 06000
Nearest city: Carlisle· 46km
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

A pathless route from the minor road in the Borthwick valley climbs grassy fellsides directly to the summit, around 3-4 hours round-trip. Some walkers extend the day by traversing south along the watershed toward Pikethaw and Wisp.

Terrain

Open Borders grassland with patches of heather and tussocky going on the broad summit dome. Fence lines aid navigation on the higher ground.

In winter

Modest elevation keeps conditions manageable, though snow drifts can collect on the broad plateau in easterly weather. Good visibility makes navigation simple in clear conditions.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 0m
Edinburgh2h 57m

Parking: NT 47000 06000

OS maps: OS Landranger 79, OS Explorer 331

Mobile signal: Good. Scottish Borders; EE signal solid. Download maps for backup anyway.

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 Greatmoor 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

35km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Greatmoor Hill — common questions

How hard is Greatmoor Hill?: Greatmoor Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Open Borders grassland with patches of heather and tussocky going on the broad summit dome.
Where do I park for Greatmoor Hill?: Standard parking is at NT 47000 06000. 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 Greatmoor Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Greatmoor 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 Greatmoor 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 Greatmoor Hill?: Good. Scottish Borders; EE signal solid. Download maps for backup anyway.
Is Greatmoor Hill safe in winter?: Modest elevation keeps conditions manageable, though snow drifts can collect on the broad plateau in easterly weather. Good visibility makes navigation simple in clear conditions.

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