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
- Prominence
- 226 m
- Grid ref
- NY 36965 97768
- Parking
- NY 39800 99700
- Nearest city
- Carlisle· 42km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · boggy ground 10%
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
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 35m
- Edinburgh2h 49m
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
- Sunrise
- 05:16
- Sunset
- 21:21
- Civil dawn
- 04:28
- Civil dusk
- 22:09
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Pikethaw Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Pikethaw Hill — common questions
- Is Pikethaw Hill a hard climb?
- Pikethaw Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Grassy ridge walking with patches of bog around the connecting col.
- How prominent is Pikethaw Hill?
- Pikethaw Hill has 226m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- Where should I park to climb 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 should I 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?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like 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.
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