How hard is Craigowl Hill?

Craigowl Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track for the first kilometre then short grass and heather to the summit plateau.

Where do I park for Craigowl Hill?

Standard parking is at NO 376 402. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Craigowl Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Craigowl 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 Craigowl Hill?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Craigowl Hill?

Craigowl Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track for the first kilometre then short grass and heather to the summit plateau.

Where do I park for Craigowl Hill?

Standard parking is at NO 376 402. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Craigowl Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Craigowl 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 Craigowl Hill?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: I A Smellie / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · ochils

Craigowl Hill

Craigowl Hill is the highest of the Sidlaws, its 455m summit and cluster of communication masts a landmark on the skyline north of Dundee at NO37. The pull from Balkello Community Woodland is the standard line.

Quick facts

Height: 455m/ 1493ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NO 37697 39985
Parking: NO 376 402
Nearest city: Dundee· 10km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 50% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Walk up from the Balkello car park north of Tealing on the broad track past the woodland, then strike up the open hillside on the well-used path to the masts. Return via the same line or extend along the Sidlaw ridge to Auchterhouse Hill.

Terrain

Estate track for the first kilometre then short grass and heather to the summit plateau. The service road to the masts gives an obvious foul-weather line.

In winter

Modest height keeps Craigowl out of serious winter conditions, but the exposed plateau collects rime ice and bitter east winds straight off the North Sea. The mast track stays usable through most snowfall.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow4h 39m
Edinburgh2h 36m

Parking: NO 376 402

OS maps: OS Landranger 54, OS Explorer 380E

Mobile signal: Good. Dundee/Angus; EE reliable. Multiple masts on Sidlaw Hills.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 54mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:21
Sunset: 22:05
Civil dawn: 03:16
Civil dusk: 23:10

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Craigowl Hill on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Dundee station

Glens of Angus; Lochnagar via Glen Doll; V&A waterfront

11km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Dunkeld

Southern Cairngorms gateway — Hermitage, Loch of the Lowes

35km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Craigowl Hill — common questions

How hard is Craigowl Hill?: Craigowl Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track for the first kilometre then short grass and heather to the summit plateau.
Where do I park for Craigowl Hill?: Standard parking is at NO 376 402. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Craigowl Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Craigowl 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 Craigowl 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 Craigowl Hill?: Good. Dundee/Angus; EE reliable. Multiple masts on Sidlaw Hills.
Is Craigowl Hill safe in winter?: Modest height keeps Craigowl out of serious winter conditions, but the exposed plateau collects rime ice and bitter east winds straight off the North Sea. The mast track stays usable through most snowfall.

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