Cairn Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Cairn Hill
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
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Castle Douglas Carlingwark Loch and Lover’s Walk Circuit
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Cairn Hill from Penicuik
A popular route starting at Penicuik with a well-marked path leading through scenic woodlands and open countryside before ascending to the summit.
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
451m
1,480 ft
Prominence
159m
Coordinates
55.3439, -3.8119
NS851070
OS Map
71 78
Explorer: 329
At the Summit
The summit is crowned with a large stone cairn, making it a perfect spot for a picnic and a great photo opportunity. There's also a panoramic view marker indicating various distant peaks.
Terrain & Geology
Cairn Hill is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which is adorned with a distinctive layer of gritstone at its summit. This fascinating formation creates not only a solid base but also a beautiful array of colours and textures.
Views & Scenery
Visitors can relish stunning views towards the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh in the distance. On clear days, the Firth of Forth can be seen stretching out towards the horizon.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Cairn Hill' is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'carn', meaning 'heap of stones' – quite fitting as there’s a cairn at the summit!
Historical Significance
Historically a popular site for local festivals, the area around Cairn Hill has also been frequented by shepherds and their sheep for centuries.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There's a small parking area at the base of the hill near the Penicuik estate. It's free, but fills up quickly on weekends during peak seasons.
Public Transport
Buses from Edinburgh run regularly to Penicuik. The nearest bus stop is a short walk from the parking area.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby Penicuik offers several cafes, toilets, and shops for pre- or post-hike refreshments. The cafe at the nearby Penicuik House is particularly popular.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Expect muddy patches after rain, and a few rocky inclines that require a steady foot. Watch out for the odd sheep crossing your path!
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 Cairn Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cairn Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Cairn 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 Cairn Hill search or of course create your own walk for Cairn Hill
Can I organise a walk to Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn 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: NS851070
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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