Allermuir Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
NT2266 : Allermuir Hill Winter View
Adam Ward Photo source
Explore routes near Allermuir Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
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Berwick Riverside and Walls walk from Station
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Allermuir Hill Circular
A popular circular route starting from the car park at Harlaw and taking you through beautiful scenery including woodlands and moorland before summiting Allermuir Hill.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NT2266 : Allermuir Hill Winter View
Adam Ward
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NT2266 : Light snow cover on Allermuir Hill
Alan O'Dowd
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NT2266 : Allermuir Hill
Graeme Yuill
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NT2266 : Allermuir Hill
Graeme Yuill
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NT2266 : Allermuir Hill Trig Point
Calum McRoberts
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NT2266 : Toposcope, Allermuir Hill Summit
Mick Garratt
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NT2266 : Summit of Allermuir Hill, Pentland Hills
Colin Park
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NT2266 : Ridge eastwards from Allermuir Hill
Jim Barton
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NT2266 : Viewing Indicator, Allermuir Hill
Calum McRoberts
NT2266 : Trig point on Allermuir Hill
Steven Brown
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
493m
1,617 ft
Prominence
236m
Coordinates
55.8825, -3.2372
NT227661
OS Map
66
Explorer: 344 350
At the Summit
The summit features a prominent cairn and fantastic views over Edinburgh and the surrounding hills, complete with a trig point for the avid peak bagger.
Terrain & Geology
Allermuir Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically basalt, which gives the hill its distinctive rugged character. The geological history dates back millions of years, showcasing an ancient volcanic landscape.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see Edinburgh Castle, the Firth of Forth, and the striking silhouette of Arthur's Seat to the southeast.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Allermuir' is derived from the Scots Gaelic 'Aillse Mòire', meaning 'big crag' or 'great rock', providing an insight into its formidable appearance.
Historical Significance
The hill has been a focal point for local recreation and a treasured spot for walkers for generations, being part of the wider Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
The nearest parking is at Harlaw Car Park, which provides easy access to the trailhead and has ample space.
Public Transport
Buses from Edinburgh to Balerno operate regularly, with a short walk to the car park required.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on the hill, but Harlaw has toilets and picnic areas. The nearby village of Balerno has cafes and shops.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Be wary of sudden weather changes, as the hill can become quite windy. Some path sections may be slippery, particularly after rain.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Allermuir Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Allermuir Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Allermuir Hill?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Allermuir Hill search or of course create your own walk for Allermuir Hill
Can I organise a walk to Allermuir Hill?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Allermuir Hill.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Allermuir Hill?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Allermuir Hill here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NT227661
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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