How hard is Mount Hill?

Mount Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track and stone steps the whole way to the obelisk.

Where do I park for Mount Hill?

Standard parking is at NO 339 167. 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 Mount Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Mount 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 Mount Hill?

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

How hard is Mount Hill?

Mount Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track and stone steps the whole way to the obelisk.

Where do I park for Mount Hill?

Standard parking is at NO 339 167. 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 Mount Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Mount 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 Mount 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: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · ochils

Mount Hill

Mount Hill rises above the village of Hopetoun and Cupar in north Fife at NO33, capped by a tall stone obelisk built in 1826 to the Earl of Hopetoun. The 222m summit is one of the most prominent landmarks visible from the M90.

Quick facts

Height: 222.1m/ 729ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NO 33093 16479
Parking: NO 339 167
Nearest city: Dundee· 16km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

grass slopes 65% · heather patches 25% · rocky outcrops 10%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park at the entrance to the Hopetoun Monument track and walk up through farmland and beech woodland on the estate access road. A short final pull leads onto the open knoll and the foot of the monument.

Terrain

Estate track and stone steps the whole way to the obelisk. Easy underfoot with mature beech woodland providing shelter most of the climb.

In winter

Sheltered approach makes this a popular winter outing. The monument viewpoint is exposed to easterlies; otherwise straightforward in any weather.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 15m
Edinburgh1h 2m

Parking: NO 339 167

OS maps: OS Landranger 59, OS Explorer 370, OS Explorer 371N

Mobile signal: Good. Fife/Perthshire; EE reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 48mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:23
Sunset: 22:03
Civil dawn: 03:19
Civil dusk: 23:07

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Mount Hill on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Leuchars station

St Andrews access; Tentsmuir, East Neuk coastal path

13km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Dunkeld

Southern Cairngorms gateway — Hermitage, Loch of the Lowes

40km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Mount Hill — common questions

How hard is Mount Hill?: Mount Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track and stone steps the whole way to the obelisk.
Where do I park for Mount Hill?: Standard parking is at NO 339 167. 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 Mount Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Mount 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 Mount 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 Mount Hill?: Good. Fife/Perthshire; EE reliable.
Is Mount Hill safe in winter?: Sheltered approach makes this a popular winter outing. The monument viewpoint is exposed to easterlies; otherwise straightforward in any weather.

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