NO2131 : North-west from Dunsinane Hill

Dunsinane Hill

310m Elevation
54m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NO2131 : North-west from Dunsinane Hill

Scott Cormie Photo source

Overview

Dunsinane Hill

Dunsinane Hill stands proudly at an elevation of 407 meters, radiating a charm that draws both local walkers and those on a quest for a delightful adventure.

Geology

The hill's geological makeup features ancient volcanic rock, a result of long-ago lava flows. The remnants of basalt columns can be spotted, providing a geological tapestry that is as fascinating as it is instructive. Perfect for those geology buffs!

Routes

The main route, known as The Dunsinane Path, is a moderate trek of about 4.5 km. It starts from the car park located off the A94, meandering through scenic woodlands before emerging into open spaces as path ascend towards the summit. Expect to take about 1.5 hours, allowing for those inevitable photo stops!

Summit Features

At the summit, you’ll be greeted by a solid cairn and a trig point, an essential for any summit-bagger worth their salt. The vistas here reward the effort put into the climb—give yourself a round of applause while taking in those views!

Terrain Type

The terrain ranges from grassy paths that are generally easy to navigate to some rockier bits that may require a bit of care. Do keep an eye out for those occasional muddy patches!

Views

On clear days, you’ll find views that go on for miles! Spot the Perthshire hills and even catch a glimpse of the Grampians. For the best experience, spring and autumn are the seasons to aim for—there's nothing like a crisp morning to set off on an adventure!

Hazards

As with many hikes, caution is advised—loose stones and slippery spots can add an element of surprise, and watch out for any local wildlife, especially those speedy lambs!

Nearby Summits

If you fancy a multi-summit outing, Berry Hill (227 m) and Bennachie (528 m) are excellent extensions to your hiking repertoire.

Access

The car park is conveniently located near the base, and if you’re coming by public transport, catching a bus from Perth is your best bet. The nearest town is Perth, brimming with cafes and amenities.

Facilities

Post-hike, swing by one of the local cafes in the village for a well-earned cuppa!

History

As if that wasn’t enough to entice you, the hill also carries historical significance, tied to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. It brings a certain flair to your hiking tale—"I hiked the hill from Macbeth!" sounds quite impressive, doesn’t it?

So whether you're looking to explore the scenic pathways or simply want to revel in views as far as the eye can see, Dunsinane Hill offers an enjoyable outdoor escape that should not be missed!

Explore routes near Dunsinane Hill

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

Unled club outing: West Drumochter/Beinn Udlamain (coach departure)

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Unled club outing: Glenesk (coach departure)

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Unled club outing: Xmas Walk - Bankfoot - Dunkeld (coach departure)

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Unled club outing: Angus coastal walk (coach departure)

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Dunsinane Path

This popular route begins at the car park and leads hikers steadily up through wooded areas before reaching the more open summit, with views of the surrounding countryside.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

300-399m hill

Elevation

310m

1,017 ft

Prominence

54m

Coordinates

56.4706, -3.2780

NO213316

OS Map

53

Explorer: 380W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent cairn and offers a trig point for those keen on accruing their bagging points. The views from the top can make all the uphill trudging worth it!

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy paths rocky sections and occasional muddy areas particularly after a good rain—so pack your wellies just in case!

Dunsinane Hill is primarily composed of volcanic rock, formed from ancient lava flows that cooled and solidified. The presence of basalt columns adds a rich geological interest to the area.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Perthshire hills and the distant sight of the Grampians. On a clear day, the expanse is simply breathtaking.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Dunsinane' is thought to derive from Old Gaelic meaning 'hill fort' or 'hill of the fort', highlighting its historical significance as a defensive location.

Historical Significance

Dunsinane Hill is famously linked to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', where he mentions it as a vital location in the tragic tale, adding a touch of literary interest to your hike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park located at the base of the hill off the A94, just before entering the village of Dunsinane. It can accommodate a moderate number of vehicles.

Public Transport

The nearest railway station is located in Perth, and there are bus services from Perth to Dunsinane. The bus stop is a short walk from the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities at the summit, the village of Dunsinane has a few local cafes and toilets available for use.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for loose stones and wet patches on the path, especially after rainfall. Also, be cautious of sheep and their quick-moving lambs!

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 Dunsinane Hill?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Dunsinane 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 Dunsinane 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 Dunsinane 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 Dunsinane 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

Dunsinane Hill location map

Grid reference: NO213316

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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