Marilyn · Borders
White Meldon
White Meldon, 427m, is the larger of the two Meldon Hills west of Peebles — an NT-prefix Tweeddale viewpoint crowned by one of southern Scotland's biggest Iron Age forts. Reaches 427.3 m in the Borders.
Quick facts
- Height
- 427.3m/ 1402ft
- Grid ref
- NT 21935 42837
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 31km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · rocky summit 10%
A waymarked path from the Meldons forest car park climbs the steep east ridge through bracken and grass to the summit fort. Around 5km return, 2 hours.
Terrain
Forest path on the approach, then bracken and short grass on the climb. The summit hosts the ramparts and ditches of the ancient hillfort.
In winter
A popular winter half-day from Peebles — frozen ground makes the bracken slope much easier than in summer. Snow rarely deep.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 39m
- Edinburgh1h 43m
OS maps: OS Landranger 73, OS Explorer 337
Mobile signal: Good. Peeblesshire; EE and Vodafone both reliable on this Borders hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 21:59
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:00
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around White Meldon on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
White Meldon — common questions
- How hard is White Meldon?
- White Meldon is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest path on the approach, then bracken and short grass on the climb.
- When is the best time to climb White Meldon?
- The standard good-weather months for White Meldon are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 White Meldon?
- 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 White Meldon?
- Good. Peeblesshire; EE and Vodafone both reliable on this Borders hill.
- Is White Meldon safe in winter?
- A popular winter half-day from Peebles — frozen ground makes the bracken slope much easier than in summer. Snow rarely deep.
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