Great Law
Good walks are even better shared.
NT4041 : Red Grouse in flight on Great Law
Iain Lees Photo source
Overview
Great Law: A Hiker’s Delight
Great Law, standing proud at 471 meters, may not be the highest peak in the Scottish Borders, but it certainly packs a punch in terms of views and accessibility. Nestled in the enchanting landscape of the Scottish Borders, it is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Geology
The mountain is composed primarily of sedimentary rocks, shaped by the relentless forces of nature over millennia. You’ll notice some rugged outcrops on your ascent which are remnants of the ancient era.
Routes
There are a few established trails leading to the summit:
Northern Route via Tweed Valley: A moderate walk that begins in the picturesque Tweed Valley. Ideal for families or those looking for a scenic afternoon out.
Southern Approach from Peebles: For the more adventurous, this path provides a steeper, more demanding climb. The views make it worth every step!
Summit Features
Upon reaching the summit, you’re greeted with two noteworthy features: a substantial cairn, perfect for a celebratory high-five with fellow hikers, and a trig point that promises unmissable photo opportunities.
Terrain
The terrain is a mix of grassy slopes and moorland, occasionally giving way to rocky outcrops as you near the summit. It's generally manageable but good hiking boots are recommended to keep your feet happy.
Views
Stop and take in the scenery; from the summit, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Southern Uplands and the winding River Tweed. Best visited in spring or early autumn when the visibility is at its peak.
Hazards
As with many outdoor pursuits, be wary of the unpredictable weather. Carry an extra layer just in case! Also, keep an eye out for wandering livestock.
Access
For those driving, there's parking available at the Tweed Valley. If you're relying on public transport, services are available to Peebles, followed by a short taxi ride to the trailhead.
Facilities
After conquering Great Law, treat yourself to refreshments in Peebles, which has a selection of delightful cafes and pubs.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just enjoying a Sunday stroll, Great Law delivers a memorable experience. Just remember: what goes up must come down, ideally in one piece!
Explore routes near Great Law
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Lauder Burn Mill and Chester Hill Circuit
View route
Selkirk Ettrick Water North Riverside Circuit
View route
Selkirk Haining Loch and Woodland Circuit
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Lindean Loch Nature Reserve Circuit
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Northern Route via Tweed Valley
Start your adventure from the Tweed Valley, where a well-trodden path takes you through lush greenery and ascends towards Great Law, offering a gentle incline perfect for families and novice hikers.
Southern Approach from Peebles
This route offers a more dramatic ascent through open moorland, with panoramic views. A bit steeper but absolutely rewarding.
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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NT4041 : Red Grouse in flight on Great Law
Iain Lees
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NT4041 : The Boggy summit of Great Law
Iain Lees
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NT4041 : Frozen bog pool, Great Law.
Chris Eilbeck
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
509m
1,670 ft
Prominence
22m
Coordinates
55.6618, -2.9413
NT408413
OS Map
73
Explorer: 338
At the Summit
The summit boasts a substantial cairn and a weathered trig point, standing sentinel over the surrounding landscape. Perfect for a celebratory selfie!
Terrain & Geology
Great Law is primarily composed of sedimentary rock formations, similar to many features in the area. The geological history speaks to the ages of erosion and sedimentation that shaped this rugged landscape.
Views & Scenery
From the top, you can see the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, the River Tweed, and on a clear day, glimpse the iconic peaks of the Southern Uplands.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Great Law' refers to its stature as a significant landmark in the region, with 'Law' deriving from Old Norse meaning 'hill'.
Historical Significance
Historically, Great Law has been a marker for travelers in the area, and its prominent position has likely made it a gathering point for local communities.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is parking available at the Tweed Valley, just off the A72, with enough spaces for hikers and picnics alike.
Public Transport
Regular bus services run from Edinburgh to Peebles. Once you reach Peebles, it’s about a 15-minute taxi ride to the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
Peebles offers a variety of facilities including numerous cafes, pubs, and toilets. Don't forget to grab a post-hike slice of cake!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of sudden weather changes; it can go from sunny to soggy in a blink. Also, watch out for livestock in the fields.
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 Great Law?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Great Law through the maps
Are there other walkers around Great 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 Great Law search or of course create your own walk for Great Law
Can I organise a walk to Great 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 Great 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 Great 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 Great 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
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Location
Grid reference: NT408413
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