Marilyn · Borders
Minch Moor
A 567m heathery summit standing on the Southern Upland Way between Traquair and Yair Bridge. The Cheese Well, a roadside spring traditionally given offerings by passing drovers, lies on the long-distance path just below the top.
Quick facts
- Height
- 567m/ 1860ft
- Grid ref
- NT 35864 33055
- Parking
- NT 33000 34700
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 42km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%
The waymarked Southern Upland Way climbs from Traquair on a good track for a 3-4 hour return trip. The route can be continued along the Minchmoor ridge to Broomy Law for a longer Borders ridge day.
Terrain
Good waymarked Southern Upland Way track underfoot for the entire ascent, with heather and grass on either side of the path. Easy navigation throughout.
In winter
The waymarked path eases winter navigation but snow drifts on the open ridge can be deep after easterly storms. A useful winter ridge if conditions allow.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 15m
- Edinburgh1h 2m
OS maps: OS Landranger 73, OS Explorer 337
Mobile signal: Good. Borders; EE reliable on summit and approach.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Minch Moor on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Minch Moor — common questions
- How hard is Minch Moor?
- Minch Moor is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Good waymarked Southern Upland Way track underfoot for the entire ascent, with heather and grass on either side of the path.
- Where do I park for Minch Moor?
- Standard parking is at NT 33000 34700. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Minch Moor?
- The standard good-weather months for Minch Moor are most of the year. 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 Minch Moor?
- 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 Minch Moor?
- Good. Borders; EE reliable on summit and approach.
- Is Minch Moor safe in winter?
- The waymarked path eases winter navigation but snow drifts on the open ridge can be deep after easterly storms. A useful winter ridge if conditions allow.
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