Marilyn · Cairngorms
Knock Hill
At 430m near Tomintoul in the eastern Highlands, this is the kind of hill that experienced walkers love — not famous, not crowded, but a proper summit with proper views.
Quick facts
- Height
- 430m/ 1410ft
- Difficulty
- 1 / 5Easy
- Grid ref
- NJ 53708 55145
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A steady ascent via estate tracks through heather moorland with views to the main Cairngorms massif to the 430m summit. The walking is straightforward with clear views opening up as you gain height. Allow 2-4 hours.
Terrain
Mixed pine forest and heather moorland. The granite base provides good drainage but the terrain is rough in places.
In winter
Cairngorms winter conditions can be severe even on lower hills. Wind chill is the main hazard. Carry full winter equipment from November to March.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 52m
- Edinburgh4h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 29, OS Explorer 425N
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:19
- Sunset
- 20:58
- Civil dawn
- 04:31
- Civil dusk
- 21:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026