Scotland
Bell Craig
623M
2044FT
About Bell Craig
This Southern Upland Donald sits within the Ettrick Hills, forming part of a high ridge overlooking the Moffat Water valley. Often overshadowed by the more popular heights across the A708, it offers a quieter, grassy ascent with a grandstand view across the glen to White Coomb’s dramatic eastern crags.
Key Statistics
Rank
82nd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
47m
Nearest Town
Scottish Borders
Geology
Bell Craig is built from the Selcoth Formation, a rugged foundation of ancient sandstone and mudstone hardened by heat and pressure.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT186128
Latitude
55.4029°N
Longitude
3.2861°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from a combination of the Scots 'bell', describing a rounded hill shape, and 'craig', referring to the small rocky outcrops found on its steeper northern flanks.
- •The northern slopes of the hill form part of the Moffat Hills Special Area of Conservation, recognized for its rare arctic-alpine flora and high-altitude heathland.
- •Positioned directly across the valley from the higher Moffat Hills, the summit provides a perfect profile view of the spectacular glacial hanging valley of Midlaw Burn and the scree-covered slopes of Hart Fell.
- •As a Donald, it is frequently climbed as part of a long, undulating ridge walk starting from the Selkirk road, often paired with its neighbours Bodesbeck Law and Mid Craig.
- •Despite the 'Craig' in its name suggesting rugged rock, most walkers will find the summit to be a characteristically damp and grassy Southern Upland experience.