Crib Law
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Crib Law: A Hiker's Delight
Crib Law, standing confidently at 744 meters, is a prominent Marilyn in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. If you're looking for a blend of stunning vistas and a modest challenge, this mountain is calling your name!
Geology
Crib Law is mainly composed of Old Red Sandstone, a rock type that has seen more than its fair share of history. Imagine being part of a seabed roughly 400 million years ago — not a bad background story!
Routes
One of the most travelled routes begins at the Grey Mare's Tail car park. This 5.5 km journey isn't just a climb; it's a scenic experience that includes captivating views of the adjacent waterfalls. Moderate in difficulty, it's ideal for those who want a little sweat without the drama of the Munros.
Summit Features
What awaits you at the summit? An impressive rocky outcrop that serves as the perfect perch for taking in the panoramic beauty. The small stone cairn there is almost a rite of passage for hikers—if you don't take a photo with it, did you even summit?
Terrain Type
The terrain can be described as rocky with grassy slopes, giving you a true touch of the Scottish wild. Some areas can be a bit tricky, especially with rain, so tread carefully!
Views
From atop Crib Law, your reward is a canvas of the Southern Uplands stretching out before you, with hills that look like they've been quilted together. The best views, however, often come in spring and early autumn when the heather is in bloom.
Hazards
Every adventure has its hazards, and Crib Law is no different. Sudden weather changes can catch you off guard, and navigating the rocky paths requires attention—don’t forget about those cheeky sheep, who have no regard for hikers at times!
Nearby Summits
Crib Law is not alone! Don’t forget to check out nearby summits like Bucklaw Hill (606 m) and Blackhouse Hill (662 m) for even more exploration opportunities.
Access
Nearest to Crib Law is the Grey Mare's Tail car park—an excellent spot to park your car before setting off on your adventure. If you're thinking of public transport, Moffat has some options, but they may leave you with a wee bit of a walk to the starting point.
Facilities
After your hike, Moffat has cafes galore and pubs where you can reward yourself with a hearty meal or just a cup of tea to regale your hiking tales.
History
The name Crib Law combines 'crib' and 'law', which isn’t merely punny but also reflective of the historical context of the region. Ancient communities roamed these hills millennia ago, leaving behind traces for today’s hikers to appreciate.
Crib Law awaits your visit, promising memories, enjoyment, and maybe a bit of muscle soreness to remind you of your achievement!
Explore routes near Crib Law
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Hawick: Wilton Lodge Park and River Teviot Circular
View route
Selkirk Haining Loch and Woodland Circuit
View route
Selkirk Ettrick Water North Riverside Circuit
View route
Moffat Gallow Hill Woodland and Viewpoint Circuit
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
From Grey Mare's Tail
A popular ascent starting from the Grey Mare's Tail car park, this route promises stunning views of waterfalls and the surrounding hills.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NT3309 : Viewpoint, Crib Law
Jim Barton
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NT3309 : Trail map
Richard Webb
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NT3409 : Clear fell, Crib Law.
Richard Webb
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NT3309 : Crib Law
Richard Webb
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
424m
1,391 ft
Prominence
102m
Coordinates
55.3747, -3.0448
NT338094
OS Map
79
Explorer: 331
At the Summit
At the summit, you'll find a substantial rocky outcrop providing an imposing viewpoint, plus a small stone cairn that might just give you 'cairn envy' if you've built one yourself!
Terrain & Geology
Crib Law is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives the mountain its rugged charm. The strata reveal clues about a time when this area was submerged under a vast sea, which is rather ironic considering how dry it feels during a good hike.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can feast your eyes on the stunning vistas of the Southern Uplands, including Great Glen and the rolling hills which roll out like a tartan blanket.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Crib Law' derives from 'crib', meaning a small shelter or fold, and 'law', a term for a hill in Scots, which hints at its sheltered nature atop the ridge.
Historical Significance
Crib Law holds historical significance due to its Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological sites in the region, making it a hiker's paradise and history buff's delight.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
The nearest parking is located at the Grey Mare's Tail car park, which offers ample space for cars, and (let's be honest) a perfect excuse for a post-hike cuppa.
Public Transport
Public transport options are limited; however, you can take a train to Moffat and then catch a bus to the nearest village, followed by a pleasant walk.
Nearby Facilities
Facilities are scant on the mountain, but Moffat has cafes, pubs, and restrooms to satisfy your post-hike cravings.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Watch out for sudden changes in weather, slippery rocks, and the odd sheep that insists on enjoying the pathway.
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 Crib Law?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Crib Law through the maps
Are there other walkers around Crib 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 Crib Law search or of course create your own walk for Crib Law
Can I organise a walk to Crib 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 Crib 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 Crib 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 Crib 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NT338094
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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