Ratho Hill

Ratho Hill

Ratho Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk

117m Elevation
35m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

100-199m Tump

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Ratho Hill together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

117m

384 ft

Prominence

35m

Coordinates

55.9246, -3.3908

NT131710

OS Map

65

Explorer: 350

At the Summit

The summit is adorned with a modest grassy knoll and a small stone cairn, perfect for a quick photo opportunity or a well-deserved snack break.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some rocky sections typical of lowland hills.

Ratho Hill is primarily composed of sedimentary rock, including sandstone and mudstone, typical for the region. This geology gives rise to fascinating layers that tell tales of ancient environments, perfect for curious minds and amateur geologists alike.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the Pentland Hills to the south and the vast Edinburgh skyline to the east, including the iconic Arthur's Seat.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ratho' is believed to derive from the Old Norse 'Hraðr', meaning 'place of raths or fortifications', reflecting its historical significance.

Historical Significance

Ratho Hill and its surroundings have been of interest since ancient times, providing insights into early settlement patterns and local folklore.

Popular Routes

Ratho Hill Circular Walk

Easy

A pleasant circular route starting from the village of Ratho that takes you around the hill before ascending to the summit, offering lovely views along the way.

4.5 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking available at the Ratho village car park, just a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Edinburgh to Ratho, making public transit a viable option for hikers.

Nearby Facilities

You can find a cosy café in Ratho for refreshments post-hike, and there are public toilets available near the parking area.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for slippery paths when wet, so watch your step! Also, be wary of the occasional wandering sheep.

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 Ratho Hill?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Ratho 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 Ratho 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 Ratho 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 Ratho 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