What difficulty is Roan Fell?

On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Roan Fell comes in at 2/5 — moderate. Terrain: Heather and rough grass with patches of regenerating bog.

How prominent is Roan Fell?

Roan Fell has 256m 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 Roan Fell?

Standard parking is at NY 41000 91000. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When should I climb Roan Fell?

The standard good-weather months for Roan Fell 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 Roan Fell?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Trevor Littlewood / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Roan Fell

A 568m heather hill above Langholm on the Roxburghshire-Dumfriesshire boundary. Part of the Langholm-Newcastleton hills, recently bought by the local community for nature recovery. A 568 m top in the Borders.

Quick facts

Height: 568m/ 1864ft
Prominence: 256 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NY 45172 93110
Parking: NY 41000 91000
Nearest city: Carlisle· 38km
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 60% · heather 30% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

The usual approach climbs from forestry tracks above the Tarras Water for a 4-5 hour round trip. The summit can also be reached as part of a longer traverse with nearby Pikethaw Hill.

Terrain

Heather and rough grass with patches of regenerating bog. Some forestry tracks aid the lower approach.

In winter

Sheltered by the surrounding plantation forests, conditions are usually milder than nearby Cheviot tops. Snow lingers in the heather hollows.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 56m
Edinburgh2h 2m

Parking: NY 41000 91000

OS maps: OS Landranger 79, OS Explorer 324

Mobile signal: Good. Borders/Dumfriesshire; EE reasonable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 40mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:15
Sunset: 21:21
Civil dawn: 04:28
Civil dusk: 22:08

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Roan Fell 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

43km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Roan Fell — common questions

What difficulty is Roan Fell?: On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Roan Fell comes in at 2/5 — moderate. Terrain: Heather and rough grass with patches of regenerating bog.
How prominent is Roan Fell?: Roan Fell has 256m 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 Roan Fell?: Standard parking is at NY 41000 91000. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When should I climb Roan Fell?: The standard good-weather months for Roan Fell 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 Roan Fell?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Roan Fell?: Good. Borders/Dumfriesshire; EE reasonable.
Is Roan Fell safe in winter?: Sheltered by the surrounding plantation forests, conditions are usually milder than nearby Cheviot tops. Snow lingers in the heather hollows.

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