How hard is Pikethaw Hill?

Pikethaw Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Grassy ridge walking with patches of bog around the connecting col.

Where do I park for Pikethaw Hill?

Standard parking is at NY 39800 99700. 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 Pikethaw Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Pikethaw Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Pikethaw Hill?

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

How hard is Pikethaw Hill?

Pikethaw Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Grassy ridge walking with patches of bog around the connecting col.

Where do I park for Pikethaw Hill?

Standard parking is at NY 39800 99700. 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 Pikethaw Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Pikethaw Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Pikethaw 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: Rude Health / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Marilyn · Borders

Pikethaw Hill

A 564m hill close to the A7 above Mosspaul, sharing its summit ridge with neighbouring Wisp. The position on the Borders-Dumfriesshire watershed gives long views down Eskdale toward Solway. 564 m — a Borders hill.

Quick facts

Height: 564m/ 1850ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NY 36965 97768
Parking: NY 39800 99700
Nearest city: Carlisle· 42km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A pathless traverse from the A7 over Wisp Hill makes a natural pairing — around 4-5 hours for the two-Marilyn round. Solo, a direct line from the Mosspaul layby takes 3 hours.

Terrain

Grassy ridge walking with patches of bog around the connecting col. Fence lines run along the watershed and help in mist.

In winter

Easy access from the A7 makes this a sensible winter outing. The grassy slopes can be icy underfoot after frost — microspikes worth carrying.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 35m
Edinburgh2h 49m

Parking: NY 39800 99700

OS maps: OS Landranger 79, OS Explorer 323N

Mobile signal: Good. Scottish Borders; EE reliable. Signal solid on summit and approach.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 23mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:30
Sunset: 21:55
Civil dawn: 03:31
Civil dusk: 22:54

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

Got a photo of Pikethaw Hill?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Pikethaw Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Tweedbank station

Borders Railway terminus; Eildon Hills, Melrose, Tweed Valley

41km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Pikethaw Hill — common questions

How hard is Pikethaw Hill?: Pikethaw Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Grassy ridge walking with patches of bog around the connecting col.
Where do I park for Pikethaw Hill?: Standard parking is at NY 39800 99700. 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 Pikethaw Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Pikethaw Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Pikethaw 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 Pikethaw Hill?: Good. Scottish Borders; EE reliable. Signal solid on summit and approach.
Is Pikethaw Hill safe in winter?: Easy access from the A7 makes this a sensible winter outing. The grassy slopes can be icy underfoot after frost — microspikes worth carrying.

Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly

One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.