Cairnpapple Hill
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Classifications
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Elevation
312m
1,024 ft
Prominence
168m
Coordinates
55.9228, -3.6218
NS987711
OS Map
65
Explorer: 349E
At the Summit
At the summit, you'll find a prominent stone cairn, alongside the remains of a Bronze Age burial mound which adds to the hill's charm and archaeological significance.
Terrain & Geology
Cairnpapple Hill is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, with evidence of volcanic activity in the surrounding area. The predominant rock types include sandstone and siltstone, providing a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region.
Views & Scenery
From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Firth of Forth, the Pentland Hills, and even the majestic outline of Edinburgh on a clear day.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Cairnpapple' comes from the Scottish Gaelic 'Cairn' meaning 'mound' and 'Papple' which could relate to 'apple' but is often interpreted as a historical place name.
Historical Significance
Cairnpapple Hill has significant archaeological importance as it is the site of ancient burial mounds, which indicate it may have been a place of ritual importance during the Bronze Age.
Photo Gallery
View allPopular Routes
Cairnpapple Hill Circular Walk
ModerateA delightful circular route starting from the nearby village. This path offers a steady climb up to the summit, with a chance to soak in the lush landscapes of West Lothian.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There's a small car park at the foot of the hill, located in the village of Cairnpapple, just off the minor road. It can fill up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport
Buses from Linlithgow serve the area regularly, with a short walk needed to reach the base of the hill.
Nearby Facilities
Linlithgow offers a variety of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets, perfect for a pre- or post-hike snack.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Careful of the uneven terrain and the occasional slippery section after rain. Watch out for sudden weather changes that can creep up on you like a ninja in the night!
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
Find Walking Companions
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Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Cairnpapple Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cairnpapple Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Cairnpapple 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 Cairnpapple Hill search or of course create your own walk for Cairnpapple Hill
Can I organise a walk to Cairnpapple 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 Cairnpapple 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 Cairnpapple 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 Cairnpapple 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
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Location
Grid Ref: NS987711
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