Marilyn · Borders
Mountbenger Law
A 543m grassy summit above Mountbenger farm in the Yarrow valley, an area immortalised by James Hogg the Ettrick Shepherd. The hill rises gently from the Yarrow Water with views across to Deuchar Law.
Quick facts
- Height
- 543.9m/ 1784ft
- Grid ref
- NT 31201 27566
- Parking
- NT 32500 25000
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 47km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · boggy ground 10%
From the B709 near Mountbenger, a direct grassy line climbs the western flank in 2-3 hours return. The hill pairs naturally with neighbouring Deuchar Law.
Terrain
Sheep pasture giving way to short upland grass on the summit dome. Generally dry going with a few wet hollows on the approach.
In winter
Modest height and southerly aspect make this an accessible winter option. Frost-firmed ground often gives the best walking.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 6m
- Edinburgh1h 5m
OS maps: OS Landranger 73, OS Explorer 337
Mobile signal: Good. Scottish Borders/Yarrow; EE reliable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 21:57
- Civil dawn
- 03:29
- Civil dusk
- 22:57
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Mountbenger Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Mountbenger Law — common questions
- How hard is Mountbenger Law?
- Mountbenger Law is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Sheep pasture giving way to short upland grass on the summit dome.
- Where do I park for Mountbenger Law?
- Standard parking is at NT 32500 25000. 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 Mountbenger Law?
- The standard good-weather months for Mountbenger Law 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 Mountbenger Law?
- 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 Mountbenger Law?
- Good. Scottish Borders/Yarrow; EE reliable.
- Is Mountbenger Law safe in winter?
- Modest height and southerly aspect make this an accessible winter option. Frost-firmed ground often gives the best walking.
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