Is Mendick Hill a hard climb?

Mendick Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Farm tracks and a short stretch of sheep pasture, then steep grass on the final cone.

How prominent is Mendick Hill?

Mendick Hill has 165m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Mendick Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Mendick Hill 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 Mendick Hill?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary

Photo: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Mendick Hill

Mendick Hill is the conical 451m landmark north of West Linton, an NT-prefix outlier of the southern Pentlands that stands clear of every other ridge. The shapely cone is visible from the A702 for miles.

Quick facts

Height: 451m/ 1480ft
Prominence: 165 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 12155 50530
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 27km
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% · rocky summit 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A short walk from West Linton or the minor road above Romanno Bridge climbs farm tracks before a steep direct line to the summit cone. Around 5km return, 2 hours.

Terrain

Farm tracks and a short stretch of sheep pasture, then steep grass on the final cone. A trig pillar marks the top.

In winter

A reliable winter mini-hill — the conical south face dries and clears quickly after snow, while the steep slopes test footwork after a freeze.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Mendick 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 13m
Edinburgh1h 46m

OS maps: OS Landranger 65, OS Landranger 72, OS Explorer 344

Mobile signal: Good. Peeblesshire; EE reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 08mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:43
Sunset: 19:36
Civil dawn: 06:05
Civil dusk: 20:13

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Mendick 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

26km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Mendick Hill — common questions

Is Mendick Hill a hard climb?: Mendick Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Farm tracks and a short stretch of sheep pasture, then steep grass on the final cone.
How prominent is Mendick Hill?: Mendick Hill has 165m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Mendick Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Mendick Hill 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 Mendick Hill?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Mendick Hill?: Good. Peeblesshire; EE reliable.
Is Mendick Hill safe in winter?: A reliable winter mini-hill — the conical south face dries and clears quickly after snow, while the steep slopes test footwork after a freeze.

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