Marilyn · Borders
Rubers Law
Rubers Law is a striking 424m volcanic plug rising sharply above Denholm in Teviotdale (NT 58032 15570). Its summit carries the remains of an Iron Age hill fort reused as a Roman signal station, and views extend from the Cheviots to the Eildons and the Lammermuirs.
Quick facts
- Height
- 424m/ 1391ft
- Prominence
- 196 m
- Grid ref
- NT 58032 15570
- Nearest city
- Carlisle· 62km
- 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
volcanic rock 40% · heather moorland 35% · grass slopes 25%
The classic approach is from Denholmhill or Spital Tower, following waymarked tracks and stiles up the south flank to a final rocky scramble to the 424m summit. About 5km return — allow 2-3 hours.
Terrain
Roxburghshire farmland and heather slopes giving way to a rocky volcanic top. Some hands-on scrambling on the final summit blocks, easily avoided on the west.
In winter
Excellent winter walk. The rocky summit can be icy after frost — take care on the final rocks. Otherwise straightforward Borders conditions.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 15m
- Edinburgh2h 54m
OS maps: OS Landranger 80, OS Explorer 331
Mobile signal: Good. Roxburghshire; EE reliable on summit.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:13
- Sunset
- 21:21
- Civil dawn
- 04:25
- Civil dusk
- 22:09
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Rubers Law on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Rubers Law — common questions
- How difficult is Rubers Law?
- Rubers Law carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Roxburghshire farmland and heather slopes giving way to a rocky volcanic top.
- What is Rubers Law's prominence?
- 196m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Rubers Law to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Rubers Law?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Rubers Law. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Rubers Law dog-friendly?
- 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 Rubers Law?
- Good. Roxburghshire; EE reliable on summit.
- Is Rubers Law safe in winter?
- Excellent winter walk. The rocky summit can be icy after frost — take care on the final rocks. Otherwise straightforward Borders conditions.
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