Calton Hill

Calton Hill

Calton Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk

63m Elevation
43m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

0-99m Tump

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Elevation

63m

207 ft

Prominence

43m

Coordinates

55.4317, -5.6250

NR707212

OS Map

68

Explorer: 356S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find the iconic Nelson Monument, a few intriguing ruins of historical significance, and the Dugald Stewart Monument, a tribute to the Scottish philosopher.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops

Calton Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rock from the ancient Arthur's Seat volcanic system, showcasing fascinating geological formations including crags and slopes that tell a tale of volcanic activity dating back millions of years.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over Edinburgh, including the Old Town, the Castle, and the Firth of Forth. On a clear day, the Highlands make a stunning backdrop.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Calton' is believed to derive from the old Scots term for 'a stony place'.

Historical Significance

Calton Hill has been a gathering place since the Stone Age, and today it serves as an important cultural and historical site, featuring several monuments and representing the spirit of Edinburgh.

Popular Routes

Calton Hill Path

Easy

A well-maintained path that winds its way up the hill from the east, offering stunning views as you ascend.

1.2 km 0.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Metered parking available at various locations around the foot of the hill in the city centre.

Public Transport

Several bus routes operate nearby, including routes 1, 3, 7, and 8. The closest tram stop is St Andrew Square.

Nearby Facilities

There are several cafes in the vicinity of the hill, including the popular Calton Hill Cafe, as well as public toilets near the entrance.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Slippery paths after rain and potential for steep areas, though generally well maintained.

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 Calton Hill?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Calton 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 Calton 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 Calton 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 Calton 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