Scotland
Broad Law
840M
2756FT
About Broad Law
As the highest point in the Scottish Borders, this expansive, grass-covered dome offers immense scale. The ascent from the Megget Stane is straightforward, leading to a summit shared with an aviation beacon. From here, the views stretch across the Talla Reservoir towards the distant Lake District and the Cheviot hills.
Key Statistics
Rank
1st Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
653.5m
Nearest Town
Data coming soon
Geology
You are walking across layers of sandstone, mudstone, and siltstone. These rocks were squeezed and hardened over time to form the rugged, solid foundation of this fell.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT146235
Latitude
55.4981°N
Longitude
3.3527°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is a literal description from the Scots ‘law’, meaning a rounded hill; Broad Law is arguably the most characteristic ‘law’ in the Southern Uplands, lacking any sharp ridges or craggy outcrops.
- •Its summit hosts a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) beacon and a radio tower used for air traffic control, making this the highest point in the UK to feature such aviation equipment.
- •It stands as the highest point of the historic county of Peeblesshire; a distinction it held undisputed until 19th-century administrative changes briefly shifted the Selkirkshire border to include the summit.
- •From the top, the view takes in the deep glacial trenches of the Talla and Fruid Reservoirs, while clear visibility reveals the distant silhouettes of Skiddaw in the Lake District and the distinctive hump of The Cheviot to the east.
- •While hillwalkers usually seek untouched wilderness, the presence of a gravel access road and several industrial masts ensures you won’t have any romantic illusions about being the first person to discover the summit.