East Lomond
Good walks are even better shared.
NO2406 : Trig point, East Lomond
Bill Harrison Photo source
Overview
East Lomond, also known as Falkland Hill, rises to 448 m above Falkland in Fife. Its open summit gives views across Fife and the Firth of Forth. The high eastern car park offers the shortest approach; climbing from Falkland involves woodland steps and a much steeper ascent. A longer circuit returns through Craigmead and Maspie Den, where erosion can require signed diversions.
East Lomond above Falkland
East Lomond, or Falkland Hill, is a 448 m Marilyn in Fife. West Lomond, at 522 m, is its higher neighbour. The two are separate hills, with Craigmead providing access to either.
Pick your approach
- High eastern car park: the shortest climb begins at NO252058, reached from the A912. Fife Walking gives 0.8 km for the ascent only. Follow the grass path west to the top and return the same way; the return descent is additional to that published distance.
- Falkland circuit: Walkhighlands describes a 7 km circuit taking 2.5–3.5 hours. It starts in the village centre, climbs via Cross Wynd and woodland steps, then descends towards Craigmead and returns through Maspie Den. Expect a steep climb and rougher footing around the summit.
- Craigmead: the western approach crosses the Falkland–Leslie road and follows the track towards the limekiln before climbing the eroded slope. It is also a starting point for West Lomond, so choose the correct direction.
The top and its outlook
The viewpoint indicator is close to the summit, but the recorded highest ground lies about 5 m south of it. The trig pillar is lower on the southern slope. Look across Falkland and the Howe of Fife, south towards the Firth of Forth and Lothians, and towards the Highlands to the north and west when visibility allows.
A fort on a volcanic hill
An olivine-dolerite plug forms the summit; volcanic breccia, sedimentary rocks and the nearby quartz-dolerite sill add variety to the geology. A scheduled prehistoric fort and an earlier burial cairn occupy the hilltop. The fort is thought to be Iron Age and the low, turf-covered cairn probably Bronze Age.
The name is less certain than the shape: scholarly explanations include a Pictish “beacon” name or Gaelic “bare hill”.
Footing, livestock and Maspie Den
Take care on the worn western slopes and on wet steps. In mist, identify your descent before leaving the top. Keep dogs controlled around grazing livestock. Fife Walking cautions that erosion can cause Maspie Den path closures: follow any signed diversion and check affected sections with the Stables.
Getting there and facilities
Service 64 calls at Falkland New Road; check the operator’s travel-date timetable before relying on a return bus. Falkland has refreshments and toilets at Back Wynd. The high East Lomond car park has picnic tables and toilets with restricted opening.
Checked 16 October 2026 UTC: FCCT lists East Lomond parking as free for under two hours and £2 for all day, paid via the honesty box. Its current notice says Craigmead’s daytime and overnight toilets are closed for the remainder of the 2026 season because of water-supply problems. Do not plan on those toilets being available.
Further reading
Explore routes near East Lomond
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Loch Leven: Kinross Pier to RSPB Loch Leven Heritage Trail
View route
Club outing: Crianlarich and West Highland Way (coach departure)
View route
Club outing: Glen Ogle and Killin (coach departure)
View route
Tentsmuir Forest: Ice House Trail
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Falkland circuit via Craigmead and Maspie Den
From Falkland centre, use Cross Wynd and the stepped woodland path for the steep ascent. Descend southwest towards Craigmead, then return through Maspie Den. Walkhighlands gives 7 km and 2.5–3.5 hours for the complete circuit. Fife Walking warns that erosion can lead to closures in the Den: follow signed diversions and ask at the Stables about affected paths.
East Lomond high car park (0.8 km ascent only)
From the high car park at NO252058, follow the grassy path west to the summit. Fife Walking quotes 0.8 km for this one-way ascent only. Return by the same path; the descent is not included in that figure. This is the shortest approach, with a high starting point, but the top remains exposed in wind or low cloud.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NO2406 : Trig point, East Lomond
Bill Harrison
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NO2406 : Sailing Close to the Wind
Colin Smith
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NO2406 : Triangulation Pillar, East Lomond
Bill Kasman
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NO2406 : Looking down on a trig point
Philip Halling
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NO2406 : Trig point on East Lomond
Philip Halling
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NO2406 : Trig point on East Lomond
Philip Halling
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NO2406 : Inscribed stone
Bill Kasman
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NO2406 : East Lomond final approach
Robert Struthers
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NO2406 : Grass path leading to the Triangulation Pillar on the flank of East Lomond
Peter Wood
NO2406 : It's Quicker by Foot
Colin Smith
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
448m
1,470 ft
Prominence
155m
Coordinates
56.2422, -3.2213
NO244061
OS Map
59
Explorer: 370
At the Summit
A viewpoint indicator stands near the top. The recorded highest ground is about 5 m south of it and 20 cm above its base. The trig pillar is lower down on the southern slope. Remains of a prehistoric fort and a low, turf-covered burial cairn surround the summit.
Terrain & Geology
The summit is formed by an olivine-dolerite plug within a volcanic neck. Volcanic breccia forms part of the shoulder, while the surrounding landscape exposes sedimentary rocks and the Midland Valley quartz-dolerite sill. The summit rock cooled as an intrusion.
Views & Scenery
Views extend over Falkland and the Howe of Fife, across East Fife and south over the Firth of Forth towards the Lothians. The Highlands can be seen to the north and west in clear conditions. West Lomond is the higher neighbouring summit.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The origin is uncertain. Fife Place-name Data gives two possibilities: a Pictish word related to Welsh llumon, meaning “beacon”, or Gaelic lom monadh, “bare hill”. East Lomond is also known as Falkland Hill.
Historical Significance
The summit contains a scheduled prehistoric fort and burial cairn (SM810). Historic Environment Scotland considers the fort likely Iron Age and the earlier cairn probably Bronze Age. The cairn survives as a low, turf-covered spread of stones; ramparts and terraces remain around the hilltop.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
East Lomond high car park (NO252058) is reached by the minor road off the A912 between Glenrothes and Falkland. Craigmead (NO227061), west of the hill on the Falkland–Leslie road, is an alternative. FCCT lists under 2 hours free and £2 all day at East Lomond, paid via the honesty box (checked 16 October 2026 UTC); follow the signs on arrival.
Public Transport
Moffat & Williamson service 64 serves Falkland New Road, linking Glenrothes, Ladybank, Cupar and St Andrews. Start the village ascent from Falkland; this bus does not take you to the high East Lomond car park. Check the operator or Traveline Scotland for your date, especially Sundays and the last return bus.
Nearby Facilities
Falkland has places for refreshments and public toilets at Back Wynd Car Park. East Lomond high car park has picnic tables and toilets with opening restrictions. FCCT states that Craigmead’s daytime and overnight toilets are closed for the remainder of the 2026 season because of water-supply issues (checked 16 October 2026 UTC).
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Steep, eroded slopes and rocky ground require care, especially on descent.
- Low cloud can make it easy to descend towards the wrong side of the hill; carry a map and compass.
- Maspie Den paths can be slippery and eroded; follow closure signs and diversions.
- Sheep and cattle graze the hill; keep dogs under close control.
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 East Lomond?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around East Lomond through the maps
Are there other walkers around East Lomond?
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 East Lomond search or of course create your own walk for East Lomond
Can I organise a walk to East Lomond?
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 East Lomond.
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 East Lomond?
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 East Lomond here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
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Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: NO244061
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