Scotland
Ward Law
594M
1949FT
About Ward Law
Rising above the head of the Yarrow Valley, this substantial Marilyn marks the high ground of the Ettrick Forest. Its broad, grassy slopes offer a classic Southern Uplands experience: expansive, quiet, and often heavy underfoot. Reaching the summit reveals a deep sense of isolation despite its proximity to the more frequented St Mary’s Loch.
Key Statistics
Rank
104th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
158m
Nearest Town
Ettrick
Geology
The ground beneath you is the Kirkhope Formation. It is made of ancient sand and mud that have been squeezed and hardened into solid rock.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT262159
Latitude
55.4319°N
Longitude
3.1672°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Old English 'weard', meaning a watch or guard, and the Scots 'law' for a rounded hill, suggesting the summit once served as a strategic lookout point over the surrounding forest.
- •It is frequently climbed as part of a high-level circuit starting near the historic Tibbie Shiels Inn, typically paired with the neighbouring Andrewhinney Hill to the south.
- •The summit provides a clear perspective of the Moffat Hills to the west and the distinctive, mast-topped dome of Broad Law to the north.
- •Despite missing out on Graham status by just fifteen metres, the hill compensates for its lack of altitude with a dedicated collection of particularly persistent and energy-sapping peat hags.