How hard is Mendick Hill?

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.

When is the best time to 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?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Mendick Hill?

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.

When is the best time to 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?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

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
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 12155 50530
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 27km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

grass moorland 60% · heather 30% · rocky summit 10%

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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.

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

19h 34mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:29
Sunset: 22:00
Civil dawn: 03:27
Civil dusk: 23:01

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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

How hard is Mendick Hill?: 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.
When is the best time to 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?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal 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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