Walk: Hownam Law – fine bovine climb

📌 Cheviot Hills, Scottish Borders
★★★

Hownam Hill is a prominent yet rather neglected hill in the Cheviot foothills south of Morebattle. Its summit is covered with earthworks from an iron age hill fort, the scale of which surpasses most others in the area. A broad ridge to the north connects with (lower) Wideopen Hill, marking the highest point of the St Cuthbert’s Way long distance path. Views from both summits are excellent, taking in the main mass of the Cheviots to the east, as well as the more individually-shaped hills further west and north, with Rubers Law and the Eildon Hills both well seen on a clear day. Those nervous about cows should seek an alternative walk – we came across several herds on this route.

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start / finish on minor road 1.5 mi south of Morebattle

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 781229

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.499805,-2.347653

❌ No public transport within 1 mi. Infrequent bus stops in Morebattle – just over 1 mi from northwest side of route

🚗 Limited street parking, or further similar space 200m to south

📝 Key info

▶ 11 km / 7 mi | ▲ 560 m | ⌛ 3.5-4 hr

Features: △ Grubbit Law (326 m); △ Wideopen Hill (368 m); △ Hownam Law (449 m, sub-2000′ Marilyn);

⬤⬤ Moderate to Tough | Minor road, tracks & hill paths – more like sheep trods on Hownam Law. Some muddy sections churned by hooves, especially on return track.

➡️ Clockwise circuit with extension to Wideopen Hill. Start – join St Cuthbert’s Way at 🧭 NT 780235 – Grubbit Law & Wideopen Hill via St Cuthbert’s Way – Cushat End – Hownam Law – Grange Hill – South Cote – track around south side of Braemoor Knowe – Hownam Grange – start

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Sheep & lots of cows – route probably not recommended with a dog.

Weather: Unbroken sunshine but around freezing with frost, frozen ground & some fresh snow above about 300m. Fresh northerly wind.

January 2022