Cardon Law

The highest summit in the Moorfoot Hills, this grassy dome rises south of Edinburgh between the Gala Water and the South Esk. The ascent crosses rough moorland typical of the range, with extensive views across the Scottish Borders from a modest cairn. A worthy goal for collectors of the lesser-known Donald Deweys.

• •The name likely derives from Scots 'Cardon', possibly relating to 'card' meaning to comb or tease wool, reflecting the area's historical links to the textile industry in the nearby Borders towns, or alternatively from 'cairn' with the common hill suffix 'don' meaning fortified hill.
• •As the high point of the Moorfoots at 588 metres, Cardon Law is frequently climbed alongside neighbouring summits such as Blackhope Scar and Jeffries Corse as part of a longer moorland traverse.
• •The hill sits on the watershed between burns flowing west to the Gala Water and east to the South Esk, making its summit something of a hydrological crossroads in the Borders landscape.
• •Despite its status as the range's highest point, Cardon Law sees far fewer visitors than the more accessible Pentland Hills to the north, offering a notably quieter experience for those willing to tackle the rough approach.