How prominent is Allermuir Hill?

Allermuir Hill has 236m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Allermuir Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Allermuir Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.

Can I bring my dog up Allermuir Hill?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Borders

Allermuir Hill

Allermuir Hill, 493m, is the closest Marilyn to central Edinburgh — the NT-prefix summit immediately above Swanston and Hillend. The toposcope on top names a view that reaches from Bass Rock to Ben Lomond.

Quick facts

Height: 493m/ 1617ft
Prominence: 236 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NT 22705 66170
Nearest city: Edinburgh· 8km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

grass moorland 60% · heather 25% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

From Swanston village a path rises through the golf course onto the open hillside, then climbs the steep grassy nose to the Iron Age fort and trig. Around 6km return, 2 hours.

Terrain

Surfaced suburban paths from Swanston, then short Pentlands turf and a stony summit ring above the ancient hillfort earthworks.

In winter

Snow on Allermuir is photogenic and short-lived — the city heat plume usually clears the southern slopes within days, though the steep north face holds icy patches.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Allermuir Hill. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS Southern Uplands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 37m
Edinburgh0h 12m

OS maps: OS Landranger 66, OS Explorer 344, OS Explorer 350

Mobile signal: Good. Pentland Hills/Edinburgh; EE excellent.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 09mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:42
Sunset: 19:35
Civil dawn: 06:04
Civil dusk: 20:13

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

Pair with

Curated multi-hill combinations from Allermuir Hill.

Two-hill day
Allermuir Hill + Scald Law
Pentlands traverse from Edinburgh side to highest point
18km · 750m ascent · 6 hrs

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Around Allermuir Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Glenkinchie

Pencaitland — Edinburgh's neighbour; light, grassy Lowlander

19km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Allermuir Hill — common questions

How hard is Allermuir Hill?: We grade Allermuir Hill at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Surfaced suburban paths from Swanston, then short Pentlands turf and a stony summit ring above the ancient hillfort earthworks.
How prominent is Allermuir Hill?: Allermuir Hill has 236m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Allermuir Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Allermuir Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
Can I bring my dog up Allermuir Hill?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Allermuir Hill?: Good. Pentland Hills/Edinburgh; EE excellent.
Is Allermuir Hill safe in winter?: Snow on Allermuir is photogenic and short-lived — the city heat plume usually clears the southern slopes within days, though the steep north face holds icy patches.

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