NY1878 : Climbing Burnswark Hill

Burnswark Hill

287m Elevation
108m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NY1878 : Climbing Burnswark Hill

Darrin Antrobus Photo source

Explore routes near Burnswark Hill

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

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?

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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY185786

View on OpenStreetMap

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