NT1597 : Track and Wall

Benarty Hill

356m Elevation
228m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NT1597 : Track and Wall

Colin Kinnear Photo source

Overview

Benarty Hill: A Hiker's Delight

Overview

Benarty Hill, rising to an elevation of 391 meters, is a prominent Marilyn in the charming Fife region of Scotland. With its rocky outcrops and grassy slopes, it presents a perfect playground for those eager to explore Scotland's natural landscapes.

Geology

Benarty's rocky composition primarily consists of ancient volcanic basalt. These geological features tell tales of the Earth’s fiery past, leaving curious minds eager to learn more about the processes that shaped this hill.

Routes

One of the most favoured routes is the Benarty Hill Loop from Ballingry. This moderate hike spans approximately 7.5 km and typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying panoramic views. Take your time and relish every moment!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a wonderful vista and a humble trig point marking your achievement. It's the perfect spot for a group photo or to simply sit back and enjoy the view while grabbing a well-earned snack (we recommend a biscuit for energy!).

Terrain Type

The terrain is generally grassy, with the occasional rocky section that could catch you off guard. Perfect for a good pair of hiking boots!

Views

The views from the top are truly spectacular. On a clear day, soak in the breathtaking sights of Loch Leven and distant hills that extend into the horizon. For the best views, visit during spring or autumn when the landscapes are alive with colour. Don’t forget your camera—after all, memories are made of this!

Hazards

Be mindful of the weather conditions and take great care on the trail, especially after rain as it might become slippery. And those sneaky gorse bushes? They’re best admired from a distance, lest they get too friendly!

Access

Getting to Benarty Hill is convenient. The nearest parking can be found in Ballingry, where a modest car park awaits. If you prefer public transport, local buses run from Kirkcaldy to Ballingry. The nearest town, Lochgelly, provides additional amenities should you need them.

Facilities

Facilities are limited on the hill itself, so plan accordingly and consider hitting up a local cafe in Lochgelly after your hike to refuel.

History

The name Benarty has its roots in Gaelic, translating to 'hill of the freemen', a nod to its historical significance. This hill has long served as a natural landmark within the Fife landscape.

So strap on those boots and enjoy the beauty that Benarty Hill has to offer. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Benarty Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Loch Leven: Kinross Pier to RSPB Loch Leven Heritage Trail

13.7 km ~4h Easy

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Devilla Forest: Bordie Loch, Moor Loch and Peppermill Dam Circuit

9.2 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Club outing: Crianlarich and West Highland Way (coach departure)

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Club outing: Glen Ogle and Killin (coach departure)

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Benarty Hill Loop from Ballingry

A popular circular route starting from the village of Ballingry. The path winds through lush woodlands and offers views of Lochore Meadows.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill

Elevation

356m

1,168 ft

Prominence

228m

Coordinates

56.1661, -3.3642

NT153978

OS Map

58

Explorer: 367W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a craggy outcrop and a modest cairn, offering a sense of accomplishment as you stand atop. There's also a trig point for those who enjoy ticking things off their list!

Terrain & Geology

Generally grassy with occasional rocky sections perfect for both seasoned trekkers and novices.

Benarty Hill is composed mainly of volcanic rock, primarily basalt, which has weathered into delightful slopes for hikers. Its formation dates back to the Carboniferous period, making it a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch sights of Loch Leven, the distant Ochil Hills, and on clear days, the Firth of Forth. It’s a panoramic feast for the eyes!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Benarty' is thought to derive from Gaelic, meaning 'hill of the freemen'.

Historical Significance

Historically, this hill has been a landmark for locals in Fife, contributing to both the geographical identity and cultural folklore of the area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the base of the hill in Ballingry, with space for approximately 10 cars. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during weekends.

Public Transport

You can take a bus to Ballingry from Kirkcaldy; check local schedules for the latest information.

Nearby Facilities

There are no public toilets on the hill itself, but you can find facilities in Lochgelly, including a few cafes to refuel after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery sections after rainfall, as well as prickly gorse bushes that might try to hug you in all the wrong ways.

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 Benarty Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Benarty Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Benarty 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 Benarty Hill search or of course create your own walk for Benarty Hill

Can I organise a walk to Benarty 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 Benarty 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 Benarty 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 Benarty 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

Location

Benarty Hill location map

Grid reference: NT153978

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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