Is Lamington Hill a hard climb?

Lamington Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Improved pasture on the lower slopes giving way to rough grass on the summit dome.

How much drop does Lamington Hill have?

The drop is 161m: measured from the summit of Lamington Hill down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

Where's the parking for Lamington Hill?

Park at NS 98000 30800. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.

What's the best month to climb Lamington Hill?

Aim for most of the year on Lamington Hill. 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 Lamington Hill?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

By Gary

Photo: thejackrustles / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Lamington Hill

A 492m hill rising above the upper Clyde valley near Lamington in South Lanarkshire. The summit gives panoramic views over Tinto Hill and the Lowther Hills to the south. A 492 m top in the Borders.

Quick facts

Height: 492m/ 1614ft
Prominence: 161 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 00161 30479
Parking: NS 98000 30800
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 50km
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

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

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A direct approach from Lamington village climbs through pastures and onto open hill for around 2-3 hours return. Often combined with neighbouring Coulter Fell for a fuller day.

Terrain

Improved pasture on the lower slopes giving way to rough grass on the summit dome. A few stiles and gates on the route.

In winter

A solid winter option close to the M74 corridor. Snow rarely lies thick at this elevation and the southerly aspect clears quickly.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Lamington Hill. 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

Glasgow2h 53m
Edinburgh1h 26m

Parking: NS 98000 30800

OS maps: OS Landranger 72, OS Explorer 336

Mobile signal: Good. South Lanarkshire; EE and Vodafone both steady on this summit.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 07mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:44
Sunset: 19:36
Civil dawn: 06:07
Civil dusk: 20:14

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Lamington Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Edinburgh Haymarket

West-end Edinburgh; Highland departures; Murrayfield

49km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Lamington Hill — common questions

Is Lamington Hill a hard climb?: Lamington Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Improved pasture on the lower slopes giving way to rough grass on the summit dome.
How much drop does Lamington Hill have?: The drop is 161m: measured from the summit of Lamington Hill down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
Where's the parking for Lamington Hill?: Park at NS 98000 30800. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
What's the best month to climb Lamington Hill?: Aim for most of the year on Lamington Hill. 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 Lamington Hill?: 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 Lamington Hill?: Good. South Lanarkshire; EE and Vodafone both steady on this summit.
Is Lamington Hill safe in winter?: A solid winter option close to the M74 corridor. Snow rarely lies thick at this elevation and the southerly aspect clears quickly.

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