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Marilyn · Borders
Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]
Cairnpapple Hill, 312m, is the NS-prefix archaeological summit of the Bathgate Hills in West Lothian — a low landmark crowned by a 5,000-year-old henge and Bronze Age cairn managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 312m/ 1024ft
- Prominence
- 168 m
- Grid ref
- NS 98755 71148
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 27km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
grass slopes 60% · heather 25% · archaeological site 15%
A short walk from the Cairnpapple Hill visitor car park follows the path past the henge to the trig point above. Around 1km return, 30-40 minutes.
Terrain
Surfaced path and short grass throughout. The summit ring is fenced as the site is protected — keep off the cairn itself.
In winter
Open to the central-belt weather but easy underfoot in any conditions. The car park can be locked outside HES opening times in winter.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 38m
- Edinburgh1h 7m
OS maps: OS Landranger 65, OS Explorer 349E
Mobile signal: Good. West Lothian; EE excellent.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:15
- Sunset
- 21:27
- Civil dawn
- 04:26
- Civil dusk
- 22:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] — common questions
- How hard is Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]?
- We grade Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Surfaced path and short grass throughout.
- How much drop does Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] have?
- The drop is 168m: measured from the summit of Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]?
- Good. West Lothian; EE excellent.
- Is Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] safe in winter?
- Open to the central-belt weather but easy underfoot in any conditions. The car park can be locked outside HES opening times in winter.
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