Blackford Hill

Blackford Hill

Blackford Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk

164m Elevation
63m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

100-199m Tump

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Elevation

164m

538 ft

Prominence

63m

Coordinates

55.9230, -3.1946

NT254706

OS Map

66

Explorer: 350

At the Summit

The summit features a distinctive trig point, a panoramic viewpoint and a series of interpretive signs describing local wildlife and geology.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops offering an excellent mixture for foot placement.

Blackford Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically basalt, formed during the volcanic activity that occurred around 340 million years ago. The cooling and erosion of this ancient volcanic rock give the hill its distinctive ruggedness.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy sweeping views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the iconic Arthur's Seat.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Blackford' likely originates from the Old English 'bloece' meaning 'dark' or 'black', combined with 'ford', a nod to its past as a crossing point.

Historical Significance

Blackford Hill has long been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, noted for its role in outdoor recreation and its archaeological significance regarding ancient earthworks.

Popular Routes

Blackford Hill Circular Walk

Easy

A gentle circular route starting from the foot of the hill, perfect for families and novice walkers.

2.5 km 1 hours

Path from the Hermitage

Moderate

A steeper ascent starting from Hermitage of Braid leading to the summit, offering beautiful views along the way.

1.5 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the foot of Blackford Hill on Blackford Avenue, with limited spaces on nearby residential streets.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from the city centre to the Hermitage area; bus numbers 11 and 15 are your best mates for this trip.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the hill, but cafes and pubs can be found in nearby Morningside, just a short walk away.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden changes in weather; even a sunny day can turn drizzly in Scotland. Watch your step on the more rugged sections of the paths.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Blackford Hill?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Blackford 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 Blackford 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 Blackford 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 Blackford 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