Blackcraig Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Blackcraig Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Carrick Forest Drive: Stinchar Bridge to Loch Doon
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Loch Trool: Full Loch and Oak Woodland Circuit
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Forest of Ae Water of Ae Riverside Trail
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Glentrool Water of Trool and Spout Head Trail
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Blackcraig Forest Trail
A well-marked trail starting from the forest car park, leading through scenic woodlands before ascending the hill.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
701m
2,300 ft
Prominence
235m
Coordinates
55.3331, -4.1335
NS647064
OS Map
71 77
Explorer: 328S
At the Summit
The summit features a prominent trig point and a small stone cairn, offering a perfect place for a photo op. On a clear day, the view is nothing short of spectacular—so make sure your camera's charged!
Terrain & Geology
Blackcraig Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rocks, mainly andesite, which gives it a rugged appearance. The surrounding area features layers of sedimentary deposits, providing a glimpse into ancient geological activity.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands, the Clyde Valley, and on a clear day, the distant peaks of the Highlands.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Blackcraig' is derived from the Scots Gaelic 'creag dhubh' meaning 'black rock', reflective of the hill's dark volcanic stone.
Historical Significance
Historically, the area has been significant for sheep farming and local folklore, with tales of spectres wandering the hills at night—just your standard ghost story, really!
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There's a forest car park at NS644059 that serves as the main access point. It's well maintained but fills up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport
Buses run from nearby towns like Biggar to the villages surrounding the hill, but a car is recommended for easier access.
Nearby Facilities
Facilities in Biggar include cafes and public toilets. Ensure you hydrate before the hike, as there's little to no amenities on the trail.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Muddy trails in wet weather can make footing tricky. Keep an eye out for sudden weather changes common in the area.
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 Blackcraig Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Blackcraig Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Blackcraig 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 Blackcraig Hill search or of course create your own walk for Blackcraig Hill
Can I organise a walk to Blackcraig 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 Blackcraig 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 Blackcraig 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 Blackcraig 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
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NS647064
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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