How hard is Larriston Fells?

We grade Larriston Fells at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Ground conditions: Heather moor, forest rides and tussocky grass on the ridge.

How much drop does Larriston Fells have?

The drop is 159m: measured from the summit of Larriston Fells 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 Larriston Fells?

Park at NY 52000 94000. 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 Larriston Fells?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November on Larriston Fells. 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 Larriston Fells?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Andrew Curtis / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Larriston Fells

A 512m moorland top above Newcastleton on the Anglo-Scottish border, looking south into Kielder Forest and the Cheviots. The summit sits on the historic divide of the Debatable Lands. 512 m — a Borders hill.

Quick facts

Height: 512m/ 1680ft
Prominence: 159 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NY 56903 92094
Parking: NY 52000 94000
Nearest city: Carlisle· 40km
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 60% · heather 30% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A 4-5 hour round from Newcastleton or the forest roads above Hermitage takes in heathery moorland and forest edge. Some walkers continue to Tudhope Hill on the same outing.

Terrain

Heather moor, forest rides and tussocky grass on the ridge. Wet underfoot near the boundary fence.

In winter

Sheltered by Kielder plantation to the south but exposed to easterly fronts. Forest tracks help winter approach when the hill itself is snowy.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 23m
Edinburgh2h 18m

Parking: NY 52000 94000

OS maps: OS Landranger 80, OS Explorer 042W, OS Explorer 324

Mobile signal: Good. Borders near England; EE reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 41mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:15
Sunset: 21:20
Civil dawn: 04:27
Civil dusk: 22:08

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Larriston Fells 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

43km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Larriston Fells — common questions

How hard is Larriston Fells?: We grade Larriston Fells at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Ground conditions: Heather moor, forest rides and tussocky grass on the ridge.
How much drop does Larriston Fells have?: The drop is 159m: measured from the summit of Larriston Fells 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 Larriston Fells?: Park at NY 52000 94000. 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 Larriston Fells?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November on Larriston Fells. 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 Larriston Fells?: 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 Larriston Fells?: Good. Borders near England; EE reliable.
Is Larriston Fells safe in winter?: Sheltered by Kielder plantation to the south but exposed to easterly fronts. Forest tracks help winter approach when the hill itself is snowy.

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