Hearthstane and the west ridge up Broad Law: route map, distance and time
840 m · Scottish Borders
Broad Law is an 840m Corbett and Donald in the Tweedsmuir hills, the high point of the old county of Peeblesshire, with an easy approach from the Megget Stone.
A track and then grassy ridge climb from the Tweed valley onto the broad top.
Hearthstane and the west ridge at a glance
| Distance | 5.3 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 599 m |
| Time up | 2h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 5m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Hearthstane (Tweed valley) |
| Start grid reference | NT 112 260 |
| Summit grid reference | NT 146 235 |
Hearthstane and the west ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Hearthstane and the west ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 40m | 2h 35m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 5m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 30m | 3h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:07. Start by 14:02 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:52, sunset 18:04. Start by 13:59 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Broad Law summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Partly cloudy, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 20 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:07.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Light drizzle, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 27 mph gusting 34 mph, 39% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:52, sunset 18:04.
Best day of the next seven for the Hearthstane and the west ridge: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 20 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Broad Law forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Broad Law?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Southern Uplands forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -4°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Broad Law
Broad Law is an 840m Corbett and Donald in the Tweedsmuir hills, the high point of the old county of Peeblesshire, with an easy approach from the Megget Stone. More about Broad Law, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Corbett, Donald, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Talla Cleuch Head (691 m), 2.1 km south-west
- Cramalt Craig (830 m), 2.5 km north-east
Challenges that include Broad Law
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NT 112 260, the summit at NT 146 235), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Hearthstane and the west ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Hearthstane and the west ridge?
The Hearthstane and the west ridge is 5.3 km one way to the summit of Broad Law, with 599 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 10.6 km.
How long does the Hearthstane and the west ridge take?
About 2h 5m to the summit of Broad Law and 3h 5m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Hearthstane and the west ridge?
The Hearthstane and the west ridge starts from Hearthstane (Tweed valley). The grid reference is NT 112 260.
Is the Hearthstane and the west ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Hearthstane and the west ridge today?
By 14:02 at the latest. Sunset on Broad Law today is 18:07, The Hearthstane and the west ridge takes about 3h 5m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Hearthstane and the west ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).