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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
- Grid ref
- NS 98755 71148
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 27km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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]?
- Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Surfaced path and short grass throughout.
- When is the best time to climb Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]?
- The standard good-weather months for Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple 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 Ballencrieff Hill [Cairnpapple Hill]?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile 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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