Great Law

Great Law

Great Law Group Walks | Join a Walk

509m Elevation
22m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Sub-Dodd

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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

Moorland and grassy slopes with some rocky outcrops near the summit.

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.

Popular Routes

Northern Route via Tweed Valley

Moderate

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.

8.5 km 3 hours

Southern Approach from Peebles

Challenging

This route offers a more dramatic ascent through open moorland, with panoramic views. A bit steeper but absolutely rewarding.

7 km 2.5 hours

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

Find Walking Companions

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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