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Short but steep; rough paths

Traprain Law

221m Elevation
133m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Overview

Traprain Law is a 221 m hill in East Lothian, southwest of East Linton. Its rocky dome, prehistoric settlement remains and open views make it a distinctive local landmark. Exmoor ponies graze its grassland.

Traprain Law

Traprain Law is a 221 m hill in East Lothian, southwest of East Linton. Its catalogue classification is Hu,2, and the recorded summit feature is a shelter 10 m north of the trig point.

Geology

The hill consists of phonolite in a shallow igneous intrusion generally interpreted as a laccolith. It is associated with Carboniferous volcanism; the precise emplacement age is uncertain. Later erosion, including glacial erosion, shaped the hill.

Heritage and name

Bronze Age ritual and burial use preceded a substantial defended settlement. Occupation and the hill's role changed over time; its later inhabitants maintained links with Rome. The Traprain Treasure, found in 1919, contains more than 23 kg of late Roman hacksilver. Leave the archaeological remains undisturbed.

Traprain is probably Brittonic. Scholarly interpretations of the early form Trepren differ, so no single translation is certain. Dunpelder is an older name for the hill.

Walking

The researched summit-and-base circuit and the shorter western return both finish at the same north-side car park. Follow their full route descriptions. Avoid the path east of the summit above the quarry. The longer base path can be wet and rough, and its last section uses a road. Carry a map and allow for weather and ground conditions.

Access and facilities

The car park is beside the minor road on the north side of the hill. Park considerately and follow current signs. There are no facilities on site. East Linton has shops and places to eat. No bus serves the hill directly; buses to East Linton still leave an onward walk. The official village-to-hill approach is one-way and should not be treated as a complete return itinerary.

Grazing and views

Exmoor ponies graze here throughout the year to help maintain the grassland. Keep your distance, control dogs and leave gates as found. Views include the Tyne estuary, Bass Rock, Craigleith and other Forth islands when visibility permits.

Nearby hills

North Berwick Law is a separate 187 m summit to the north.

Explore routes near Traprain Law

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

Cottyburn to Haddington: East Lothian Railway Walk return

8.5 km ~2h 45m Easy

View route

Cockburnspath to Dunglass Dean and Old Bridge

3.9 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Dalkeith Country Park: Estate and North Woods Green Trail

8.2 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Lauder Burn Mill and Chester Hill Circuit

2.9 km ~1h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Traprain Law summit and base circuit

From the north-side car park at NT582749, head west and take the left fork uphill through the ramparts. From the summit descend southwest, avoiding the eastern quarry path. At the foot turn left above a ruin, pass through a pedestrian gate and follow the wall around the hill, keeping the crags on your left. Ignore the stile. At the metal farm gate use the pedestrian gate on its left, descend through trees and turn left along the road to the same car park. Walkhighlands gives 3.2 km, 145 m ascent and 1–1.5 hours for this complete circuit.

3.2 km Short but steep

Traprain Law short western return

From NT582749 car park, head west, then fork left uphill through the ramparts to the summit. Descend southwest, avoiding the eastern quarry path. At the foot turn right, rejoin the outward path and return to the same car park. This is the shorter option described by Walkhighlands; separate distance and timing are not published.

Short but steep
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 200-299m hill

Elevation

221m

725 ft

Prominence

133m

Coordinates

55.9632, -2.6717

NT581746

OS Map

67

Explorer: 351E

At the Summit

The recorded summit feature is a shelter 10 m north of the trig point. Ancient ramparts and settlement remains occupy the hilltop.

Terrain & Geology

A steep grassy climb reaches the broad summit. The longer return follows rough ground around the base and can be wet or muddy with a short road section at the end.

Traprain Law is formed from phonolite, a rare igneous rock, in a shallow intrusion generally interpreted as a laccolith. It is associated with Carboniferous volcanism in East Lothian; its precise emplacement age is uncertain. Erosion, including glacial erosion, exposed and shaped the rocky hill.

Views & Scenery

Views extend over East Lothian towards the Tyne estuary, Bass Rock, Craigleith and the Forth islands, depending on visibility.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Traprain is probably Brittonic. Bethany Fox records Trepren in 1335 and competing derivations from tref plus pren or bryn; a single translation is uncertain. The older hill name Dunpelder is also recorded.

Historical Significance

The hill was used for Bronze Age ritual and burial before becoming a substantial defended settlement in the later Bronze Age. Its use changed through the Iron Age; later inhabitants had close connections with Rome. Excavations in 1919 uncovered the Traprain Treasure, more than 23 kg of late Roman hacksilver. Preserve the earthworks and stone remains.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use the dedicated car park beside the minor road on the north side of Traprain Law, at NT582749. This is below the hill, not at the summit grid reference. Park without blocking gates or the road and check signs for any current restrictions or charges.

Public Transport

No bus serves the hill directly. Visit East Lothian lists buses to East Linton from Haddington and Dunbar, but reaching the Law requires a separate walk. Its published approach is 6 km one way. Check current timetables and allow for the return journey.

Nearby Facilities

East Lothian Council lists no facilities on site. East Linton has shops and places to eat; plan food, water and toilet stops before reaching the hill.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Avoid the path east of the summit above the quarry; use the southwest descent.
  • Take care on steep grass, exposed rock and muddy paths, and watch for traffic on the final road section.
  • Exmoor ponies graze here year-round. Give them space, prevent dogs approaching them and use a lead if needed for control.
  • Do not disturb the archaeological remains; leave stones and earthworks as they are.

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 Traprain Law?

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

Are there other walkers around Traprain Law?

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 Traprain Law search or of course create your own walk for Traprain Law

Can I organise a walk to Traprain Law?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

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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 Traprain Law?

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 Traprain Law 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

Traprain Law location map

Grid reference: NT581746

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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