Calton Hill
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Calton Hill Path
A well-maintained path that winds its way up the hill from the east, offering stunning views as you ascend.
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
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
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.
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
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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NR707212
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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