NY1878 : Climbing Burnswark Hill

Burnswark Hill

287m Elevation
108m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NY1878 : Climbing Burnswark Hill

Darrin Antrobus Photo source

Overview

Burnswark Hill: A Hiker's Delight

Burnswark Hill stands proudly at 439 meters in the picturesque Southern Uplands of Scotland. Known as a Marilyn due to its prominence, it offers not just a good stretch of the legs but also splendid views that make the hike worthwhile.

Getting There

Getting to Burnswark Hill is a doddle. With parking facilities available near the A76, you won’t have to engage in any intercontinental trekking just to get started. If you prefer to skip the car, buses from Annan operate frequently and get you within a pleasant walking distance from the hill’s base.

The Route

One of the most popular routes is the Burnswark Hill Circular Route, a moderate 6.5 km jaunt that takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. This route is perfect for those who want to combine a bit of exercise with breathtaking scenery. Just remember to take your time and soak in the views — after all, it’s not a race!

What to Expect at the Summit

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a trig point, which is always a hit on Instagram. Be sure to capture the stunning panoramic views that stretch from the Solway Firth to the majestic peaks of the Lake District. If you squint hard enough, you might even spot the Isle of Man, though it could also just be a fluffy cloud.

Terrain

The terrain consists of grassy slopes with a sprinkling of rocky patches and lovely heather. Do keep in mind that after a good downpour, the paths can be a bit like skating on a slip ‘n’ slide — mud is a lot of fun until you’re wearing it!

Seasons

For the best views, late spring to early autumn is your best bet. During this time, the hills are alive with vibrant hues and wildlife, making it a strikingly beautiful landscape.

Hazards

While hiking here is generally safe, do watch your step, particularly after rainy spells. Those paths can become slippery faster than a cheat at a board game. And always check the weather — Scottish skies can be notoriously fickle.

Final Thoughts

Burnswark Hill is a gem that offers both an invigorating hike and a delightful day out. Whether you come for the thrill of the climb or the chance to shake hands with history, make sure to pack a sandwich, your sense of adventure, and, of course, your camera!

Enjoy your hike!

Last Updated

2023-10-01

Explore routes near Burnswark Hill

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

Hoddom Castle and River Annan Woodland Circuit

3 km ~1h 15m Moderate

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Forest of Ae Water of Ae Riverside Trail

4.9 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Mabie Forest Dalshinnie Glen and Loch

3.9 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Moffat Gallow Hill Woodland and Viewpoint Circuit

4 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Burnswark Hill Circular Route

This scenic loop starts from the nearby village and encompasses the summit, providing a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 200-299m hill

Elevation

287m

942 ft

Prominence

108m

Coordinates

55.0953, -3.2783

NY185786

OS Map

85

Explorer: 322S

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point, which is often a popular spot for photos. Additionally, there are remnants of ancient hillforts, adding a touch of intrigue for history buffs.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and rocky with patches of heather that bloom beautifully in late summer.

Burnswark Hill is formed primarily of sedimentary rock, with interesting volcanic intrusions that provide a peek into the geological history of the area. The surrounding terrain offers a mix of grits and shales, providing a delightful challenge for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Solway Firth, the Lake District peaks to the south, and on a clear day, the outline of the Isle of Man in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Burnswark' is believed to derive from 'burn' meaning stream, and 'wark', an old term for fortification.

Historical Significance

Historically, the hill was an important site during the Iron Age with evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications, making it a point of interest for archaeological studies.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the entrance to the Burnswark Hill path located just off the A76 road.

Public Transport

Buses operate from the nearby town of Annan, with a short walk from the bus stop to the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the hill, Annan provides cafes, shops, and public toilets for your needs before and after the hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Muddy paths after heavy rains can make for slippery conditions, and sudden weather changes are common in the region.

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 Burnswark Hill?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Burnswark 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 Burnswark 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 Burnswark 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 Burnswark Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Burnswark Hill location map

Grid reference: NY185786

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

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