NT1423 : Icing on the radio beacon, Broad Law summit

Broad Law

840m Elevation
654m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NT1423 : Icing on the radio beacon, Broad Law summit

Jim Barton Photo source

Explore routes near Broad Law

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Peebles to Neidpath Castle: Tweed Riverside Walk

3.9 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Hawick: Wilton Lodge Park and River Teviot Circular

3.9 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Melrose to Newstead: River Tweed and Priorswalk

4.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Melrose to Abbotsford: River Tweed Out and Back

11.2 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Broad Law via Megget Reservoir

This popular route starts at the Megget Reservoir car park. The walk begins with a steady climb up to the summit of Broad Law, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The terrain is a mix of clear paths and grassy slopes, making it accessible for most walkers. The route is well-marked and provides a straightforward ascent to the highest point in the Scottish Borders.

9.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Broad Law via Hearthstane Farm

This route starts at Hearthstane Farm, located in the beautiful Manor Valley. Follow the track towards Cairn Law before ascending the broad ridge to Broad Law's summit. This route provides excellent views of the Tweedsmuir Hills and is less crowded than the Megget Reservoir approach. The path can be boggy in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

10.5 km ~4 hours Moderate

Broad Law and Cramalt Craig Circuit

This circular route links Broad Law with the nearby peak of Cramalt Craig. Starting at the Megget Reservoir, the track ascends Broad Law before descending slightly and heading towards Cramalt Craig. The return route follows a ridge path back to the starting point, offering a rewarding day out with spectacular views of the Southern Uplands.

14 km ~5.5 hours Challenging

Broad Law via Talla Reservoir

This quieter route begins at Talla Reservoir and takes a steep ascent up the southern slopes of Broad Law. The walk offers incredible views of the Talla Valley and the surrounding hills. The path is less distinct in places, requiring good navigation skills, but the solitude and scenery make it worthwhile.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Challenging

Broad Law and Manor Water Circuit

This longer, more adventurous route starts near Kirkhope Farm in the Manor Valley. It involves a steep initial ascent up to the ridge, followed by a traverse to Broad Law. The return is via Manor Water, offering a mix of open moorland and scenic valley walking. This route is ideal for those seeking a full day out in the hills.

16 km ~6.5 hours Hard
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm Donald High Hills of Britain Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

840m

2,756 ft

Prominence

654m

Coordinates

55.4981, -3.3527

NT146235

OS Map

72

Explorer: 330 336

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent trig point, surrounded by rocky outcrops and a panoramic view that stretches for miles on a clear day.

Terrain & Geology

The terrain is mostly grassy with some rocky sections and a few boggy patches especially after a good downpour. Good footwear is a must to prevent any slip-ups!

Broad Law is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, characteristic of the Southern Uplands, and showcases interesting formations shaped by glacial activity. The rocky outcrops and rolling hills invite contemplation of both ancient processes and the resilience of nature.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can enjoy sweeping views of the nearby hills, the rolling valleys, and even the distant peaks of the Highlands. The striking contrast of water from Talla Reservoir against the green hills is a sight not to be missed.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Broad Law' combines 'broad', implying wide or spacious, with 'law', an old Norse term meaning hill or mound – a fitting description for this expansive peak.

Historical Significance

Broad Law is part of a larger network of hills that hold cultural significance for the local area, often tethered to agricultural practices and local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at Talla Reservoir, which has a dedicated car park. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

Limited public transport options are available; it’s recommended to use a car. However, some bus services run to Talla, but check in advance.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Broad Law, but Broughton has a few cafes and shops for refreshments and toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes; visibility can drop rapidly. Some rocky areas may be slippery, especially in wet conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Broad Law?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Broad Law through the maps

Are there other walkers around Broad Law?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Broad Law search or of course create your own walk for Broad Law

Can I organise a walk to Broad Law?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Broad Law.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Broad Law?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Broad Law here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NT146235

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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