Scotland
Great Law
509M
1670FT
About Great Law
Rising above the quiet, rolling plateau of the Moorfoot Hills, this heathery summit provides a sense of isolation despite its proximity to the capital. The ascent involves navigating typical Borders terrain—soft grass and peat—leading to a wide plateau with expansive views stretching north over the Lothians to the Firth of Forth.
Key Statistics
Rank
334th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Moorfoot Hills
Prominence
?
22
Nearest Town
Watherston
Geology
The foundation of this fell is the Gala Group, which consists of a type of sandstone known as wacke.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT408413
Latitude
55.6618°N
Longitude
2.9413°W
Did You Know?
- •The name 'Law' originates from the Old English word 'hlāw,' a term commonly used throughout the Scottish Borders and Lothians to denote a prominent, rounded hill or burial mound.
- •From the summit, walkers can identify the distinctive volcanic plugs of North Berwick Law and the Bass Rock to the northeast, while the Eildon Hills are often visible to the southeast near Melrose.
- •The hill is frequently bypassed in favour of its higher neighbour, Windlestraw Law, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a more solitary walk within the Moorfoot range.
- •The surrounding slopes are dominated by heather moorland managed for grouse, and you will often spot circular stone sheep pens, known as 'stells,' in the lower glens near the approach.
- •Navigating the Moorfoots requires a certain tolerance for peat hags; any route description that promises a 'dry crossing' across the plateau should be treated with healthy skepticism.