Marilyn · Borders
Black Hill
Black Hill rises west of the main Pentland ridge in the NT-prefix country above the Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs. A 501m heathery dome that gives Edinburgh walkers a quieter alternative to Scald Law.
Quick facts
- Height
- 501m/ 1644ft
- Grid ref
- NT 18855 63185
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 13km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · rocky summit 10%
From Threipmuir or Bonaly the path skirts the reservoirs before climbing the broad western flank above Loganlea. Around 11km return, 3-4 hours, with a worthwhile extension along the col to Bell's Hill on the descent.
Terrain
Reservoir access tracks low down, then deep heather and tussock grass on the upper slopes. Wet underfoot after rain, particularly across the col from Bell's Hill.
In winter
Sheltered low ground keeps access easy through most winters. The heathery summit cone holds snow patches longer than the surrounding tops.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 27m
- Edinburgh0h 22m
OS maps: OS Landranger 65, OS Landranger 66, OS Explorer 344
Mobile signal: Good. Pentland Hills; EE and Vodafone reliable. Excellent connectivity near Edinburgh.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:00
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:02
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Black Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Black Hill — common questions
- How hard is Black Hill?
- Black Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Reservoir access tracks low down, then deep heather and tussock grass on the upper slopes.
- When is the best time to climb Black Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Black 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 Black 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 Black Hill?
- Good. Pentland Hills; EE and Vodafone reliable. Excellent connectivity near Edinburgh.
- Is Black Hill safe in winter?
- Sheltered low ground keeps access easy through most winters. The heathery summit cone holds snow patches longer than the surrounding tops.
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