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
- Prominence
- 167 m
- Grid ref
- NT 79657 21926
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 75km
- 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 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
- 05:12
- Sunset
- 21:20
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 22:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 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?
- We grade Hownam Law at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: 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.
- How much drop does Hownam Law have?
- The drop is 167m: measured from the summit of Hownam 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 Hownam Law?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Hownam 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 Hownam 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 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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