How hard is Wisp Hill?

We grade Wisp Hill at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Underfoot: Steep grassy slopes from the roadside, then drier rolling moorland on the crest.

What is Wisp Hill's prominence?

261m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Wisp Hill 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.

Where do I park for Wisp Hill?

Most walkers start from NY 39800 99700. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Wisp Hill?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Wisp Hill. 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 Wisp Hill dog-friendly?

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

By Gary

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Wisp Hill

A 595m hill sitting close to the A7 above Mosspaul on the Borders-Dumfriesshire divide. The summit gives broad views across Eskdale, the Lowther Hills and on a clear day southwards into the Lake District.

Quick facts

Height: 595m/ 1952ft
Prominence: 261 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NY 38645 99346
Parking: NY 39800 99700
Nearest city: Carlisle· 44km
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%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A short steep climb of around 2-3 hours from a roadside pull-in near Mosspaul Hotel on the A7. The route follows a fence-line up firm grass to a small summit cairn.

Terrain

Steep grassy slopes from the roadside, then drier rolling moorland on the crest. Fences provide handrails throughout.

In winter

The proximity to the A7 makes this a useful winter outing — short, accessible and rarely seriously snow-bound. Wind chill on the exposed crest can still be sharp.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Wisp Hill. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS Southern Uplands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 38m
Edinburgh2h 49m

Parking: NY 39800 99700

OS maps: OS Landranger 79, OS Explorer 323N, OS Explorer 324

Mobile signal: Good. Borders; reliable signal on summit. Vodafone and EE both work here.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:42
Sunset: 19:34
Civil dawn: 06:05
Civil dusk: 20:11

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Wisp 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

39km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Wisp Hill — common questions

How hard is Wisp Hill?: We grade Wisp Hill at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Underfoot: Steep grassy slopes from the roadside, then drier rolling moorland on the crest.
What is Wisp Hill's prominence?: 261m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Wisp Hill 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.
Where do I park for Wisp Hill?: Most walkers start from NY 39800 99700. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Wisp Hill?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Wisp Hill. 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 Wisp Hill 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 Wisp Hill?: Good. Borders; reliable signal on summit. Vodafone and EE both work here.
Is Wisp Hill safe in winter?: The proximity to the A7 makes this a useful winter outing — short, accessible and rarely seriously snow-bound. Wind chill on the exposed crest can still be sharp.

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