Marilyn · Borders
East Cairn Hill
East Cairn Hill sits at the south-western end of the Pentland chain at 567m, in the NT-prefix block above the Cauldstane Slap drove road. A big summit cairn marks the top and the prominence gives wide views over West Lothian and the upper Clyde basin.
Quick facts
- Height
- 567m/ 1860ft
- Grid ref
- NT 12807 59313
- Nearest city
- Edinburgh· 20km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass moorland 65% · heather 25% · rocky summit 10%
The Cauldstane Slap path from the A70 at Little Vantage climbs a clear track to the bealach before turning west onto the broad summit shoulder. Around 9km return in roughly 3 hours.
Terrain
Old Cauldstane drove-road on the approach, then peaty grass and a few boggy stretches across the bealach before firm ground on the summit shoulder.
In winter
A reliable winter walk by Pentlands standards — the Slap is sheltered, but the open shoulder catches westerly wind. Snow patches linger in the northern gullies into March.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 13m
- Edinburgh1h 37m
OS maps: OS Landranger 65, OS Landranger 72, OS Explorer 344
Mobile signal: Good. Pentland Hills; EE reliable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:00
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:02
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around East Cairn Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
East Cairn Hill — common questions
- How hard is East Cairn Hill?
- East Cairn Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Old Cauldstane drove-road on the approach, then peaty grass and a few boggy stretches across the bealach before firm ground on the summit shoulder.
- When is the best time to climb East Cairn Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for East Cairn 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 East Cairn 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 East Cairn Hill?
- Good. Pentland Hills; EE reliable.
- Is East Cairn Hill safe in winter?
- A reliable winter walk by Pentlands standards — the Slap is sheltered, but the open shoulder catches westerly wind. Snow patches linger in the northern gullies into March.
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