How hard is Wisp Hill?

Wisp Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep grassy slopes from the roadside, then drier rolling moorland on the crest.

Where do I park for Wisp 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 is the best time to climb Wisp Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Wisp 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 Wisp Hill?

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

How hard is Wisp Hill?

Wisp Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep grassy slopes from the roadside, then drier rolling moorland on the crest.

Where do I park for Wisp 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 is the best time to climb Wisp Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Wisp 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 Wisp Hill?

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

By Gary Innes

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
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 ↗

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Standard route

grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

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.

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

19h 23mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:30
Sunset: 21:55
Civil dawn: 03:31
Civil dusk: 22:54

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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?: Wisp Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep grassy slopes from the roadside, then drier rolling moorland on the crest.
Where do I park for Wisp 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 is the best time to climb Wisp Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Wisp 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 Wisp Hill?: 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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