Marilyn · Borders
North Berwick Law
The unmistakable conical phonolite plug rising 187m straight out of the East Lothian coastal plain. A whale jawbone arch (a fibreglass replica of the original) crowns the summit, with panoramic views over the Bass Rock, Fidra and the Firth of Forth.
Quick facts
- Height
- 187m/ 614ft
- Grid ref
- NT 55639 84220
- Parking
- NT 55600 84000
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 31km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
volcanic rock 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%
A short waymarked route climbs from the car park at the south end of the Law (off the B1347), zig-zagging up the grassy western flank to reach the summit in 20-30 minutes. The descent can be made the same way or via the slightly steeper eastern path.
Terrain
Short coastal grass on the lower slopes giving way to bare phonolite rock near the top. Path well-worn and easy to follow but loose stones underfoot near the summit.
In winter
Low elevation and proximity to the sea mean snow rarely settles for long. The summit rocks can be slippery in frost — take care on the final approach.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 0m
- Edinburgh1h 15m
OS maps: OS Landranger 66, OS Explorer 351E
Mobile signal: Excellent. East Lothian coast; EE reliable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:00
- Civil dawn
- 03:21
- Civil dusk
- 23:02
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around North Berwick Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
North Berwick Law — common questions
- How hard is North Berwick Law?
- North Berwick Law is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Short coastal grass on the lower slopes giving way to bare phonolite rock near the top.
- Where do I park for North Berwick Law?
- Standard parking is at NT 55600 84000. 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 North Berwick Law?
- The standard good-weather months for North Berwick 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 North Berwick 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 North Berwick Law?
- Excellent. East Lothian coast; EE reliable.
- Is North Berwick Law safe in winter?
- Low elevation and proximity to the sea mean snow rarely settles for long. The summit rocks can be slippery in frost — take care on the final approach.
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