Marilyn · Borders
Hownam Law
Hownam Law is a prominent 449m hill above the village of Hownam in the Cheviot foothills of Roxburghshire (NT 79657 21926). A massive Iron Age hill fort crowns the summit — among the largest in the Borders — with sweeping views over the Kale Water and the Cheviots beyond.
Quick facts
- Height
- 449m/ 1473ft
- Grid ref
- NT 79657 21926
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 75km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%
Best approached on foot from Hownam village in the Kale valley, following the farm track up the west flank onto open grass slopes and the broad summit ramparts. About 4km return for the 449m top. Allow 2-3 hours.
Terrain
Roxburghshire farmland and rough grazing on the lower slopes, giving way to grassy hillside and the earthworks of the hill fort on the summit plateau. Generally dry going.
In winter
A friendly winter walk. Borders snow rarely deep and the open south-facing slopes drain quickly. Watch for icy fence stiles after frost.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 4m
- Edinburgh3h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 74, OS Explorer 016W
Mobile signal: Good. Roxburghshire; EE reliable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:26
- Sunset
- 21:54
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 22:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Hownam Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Hownam Law — common questions
- How hard is Hownam Law?
- Hownam Law is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Roxburghshire farmland and rough grazing on the lower slopes, giving way to grassy hillside and the earthworks of the hill fort on the summit plateau.
- When is the best time to climb Hownam Law?
- The standard good-weather months for Hownam Law 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 Hownam Law?
- 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 Hownam Law?
- Good. Roxburghshire; EE reliable.
- Is Hownam Law safe in winter?
- A friendly winter walk. Borders snow rarely deep and the open south-facing slopes drain quickly. Watch for icy fence stiles after frost.
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