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.

By Gary

Photo: James T M Towill / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
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%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

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.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Hownam Law. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS Southern Uplands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 4m
Edinburgh3h 32m

OS maps: OS Landranger 74, OS Explorer 016W

Mobile signal: Good. Roxburghshire; EE reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 07mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:39
Sunset: 19:31
Civil dawn: 06:02
Civil dusk: 20:09

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Hownam Law 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

27km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

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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