Scald Law

Scald Law stands in the Pentland Hills south-west of Edinburgh. It is the highest point of these hills, rising to 579 metres on volcanic rock from the Devonian period. The name may come from the Scots word for ‘bare’ or from an old word for blackberry, with ‘law’ simply meaning hill. The slopes are covered in heather moorland and rough grassland, with few trees. On clear days the view stretches from the Firth of Forth to the Lammermuirs. The hill is popular with walkers who follow paths from Flotterstone or Auchendinny. The walk up Scald Law is a steady climb of about three and a half kilometres from Flotterstone car park. The final section follows a broad ridge that offers wide views in every direction. The summit is marked by a trig point and a small cairn of stones. On the northern slopes there are remains of old hill farms and boundary dykes from the 18th century. The contrast between the open moor and the cultivated land below is striking. At the top visitors find a wide panorama across the Lothians and beyond. To the north the skyline includes Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat. To the south the Moorfoot Hills and the Borders roll away. The ridge path continues eastwards to the lower summit of East Cairn Hill. The silence and space at the top make it a good place to rest after the climb.