Scotland
Hownam Law
449M
1473FT
About Hownam Law
Rising prominently above the village of Hownam in the Scottish Borders, this Marilyn is defined by the impressive Iron Age hillfort encircling its summit. The climb is short but steep, rewarding walkers with clear lines of sight toward the Eildon Hills and the rounded shoulders of the northern Cheviots.
Key Statistics
Rank
483rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
167m
Nearest Town
Hownam
Geology
Hownam Law is built from andesite, a hard volcanic rock created by ancient lava flows from the Cheviot volcanoes.
Nearby Fells
Place Hill
Wideopen Hill
Mow Law
Hownam Steeple
Cove Hill
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT796219
Latitude
55.4907°N
Longitude
2.3235°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Hownam likely stems from the Old English personal name 'Huna' combined with 'ham', meaning Huna’s settlement, while 'Law' is the standard Scots term for a prominent, often conical hill.
- •The summit is the type-site for the 'Hownam Sequence', a classic archaeological model describing the architectural evolution of British hillforts from simple wooden palisades to complex stone ramparts.
- •On a clear day, the view west across Teviotdale provides an excellent perspective on the triple peaks of the Eildon Hills and the dark, volcanic profile of Rubers Law.
- •While taller summits nearby are frequently ignored, this hill's classification as a Marilyn ensures a steady stream of visitors who prioritize relative prominence over actual height.