The 8 Most Amazing Peaks around Strathmartine
Best mountain peaks around Strathmartine provide access to the Sidlaw Hills, offering diverse outdoor experiences near Dundee. This area features prominent hills and historical sites, including ancient hillforts and distinctive landmarks. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Firth of Tay, and distant Scottish regions. Strathmartine serves as a gateway to exploring both natural elevations and culturally significant locations.
Best mountain peaks around Strathmartine
- The most popular mountain peaks is Dundee Lawโฆ
Last updated: July 29, 2026
Craigowl Hill Summit
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Syd Scroggie Memorial, Balkello Hill
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Kinpurney Tower
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On top of the hill sits an unfinished iron-age fort, Kilpurnie โฆ
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Dundee Law Summit and War Memorial
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View from Auchterhouse Hill
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Tips from the Community
A great viewpoint over the City with views across to Fife and beyond. There are several paths to challenge yourself to walk to the top, otherwise space for a few cars to park at the top.
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Also worth it because of the view over the city.
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Craigowl Hill, towering at 455m just north of Dundee, offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it a prime spot for biking enthusiasts. The climb to the summit is on a steep, well-paved road, challenging but entirely manageable particularly on an electric bike, thanks to the added boost. With both a lower vehicle gate featuring a pedestrian wicket for easy access and an upper gate with a cattle grid, the ascent is straightforward. Starting from the large, free community car park in Balkello Woods, riders can choose between the exhilarating return down the same road or venturing off-road on several dirt single-track paths through the enchanting Balkello Woods. This route promises an unforgettable adventure with both the thrill of the climb and the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
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For Trail MTB explorers on an adventure. Craigowl Hill, towering at 455m just north of Dundee, offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it a prime spot for mountain biking enthusiasts. The climb to the summit is on a steep, well-paved road, challenging but entirely manageable on a powerful electric mountain bike, thanks to the added boost. With both a lower vehicle gate featuring a pedestrian wicket for easy access and an upper gate with a cattle grid, the ascent is straightforward. Starting from the large, free community car park in Balkello Woods, riders can choose between the exhilarating return down the same road or venturing off-road on several dirt single-track paths through the enchanting Balkello Woods. This route promises an unforgettable adventure with both the thrill of the climb and the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
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Kinpurnie Hill is a prominent hill situated in Perthshire, Scotland, that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On top of the hill sits an unfinished iron-age fort, Kilpurnie Tower, built by astronomer James Stuart-Mackenzie in 1766 to be used as an observatory
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This extinct volcano stands tall above Dundee City. The summit at 174m offers amazing views of the city and north into the highlands. Previously an iron age hill fort and Roman pottery has also been found here. Today there is a war memorial and mobile phone tower on top and several art installations along the paths and trails on its flanks. It can get busy here during the day in nice weather but it's always worth the ride, either as a destination itself or as part of a longer loop of the city.
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This extinct volcano stands tall above Dundee City. The summit at 174m offers amazing views of the city and north into the highlands. Previously an iron age hill fort and Roman pottery has also been found here. Today there is a war memorial and mobile phone tower on top and several art installations along the paths and trails on its flanks. It can get busy here during the day in nice weather but it's always worth the ride, either as a destination itself or as part of a longer loop of the city & surrounding area.
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This extinct volcano stands tall above Dundee City. The summit at 174m offers amazing views of the city and north into the highlands. Previously an iron age hill fort and Roman pottery has also been found here. Today there is a war memorial and mobile phone tower on top and several art installations along the paths and trails on its flanks. It can get busy here during the day in nice weather but it's always worth the walk, either as a destination itself or as part of a longer loop of the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain peaks are most popular with visitors around Strathmartine?
Visitors frequently enjoy Dundee Law Summit and War Memorial, known for its panoramic city views and historical significance. Other popular spots include Syd Scroggie Memorial, Balkello Hill, which offers sweeping vistas and a unique memorial, and View from Auchterhouse Hill, a great viewpoint and site of an old hill fort.
Are there historical sites or landmarks on the mountain peaks near Strathmartine?
Yes, several peaks boast significant historical landmarks. Dundee Law was an Iron Age hillfort and features a 1921 war memorial. Kinpurnie Hill is home to Kinpurnie Tower, a 1766 observatory, and remnants of an unfinished Iron Age fort. Auchterhouse Hill also hosts the site of an old hill fort.
Which mountain peaks offer the best panoramic views of the region?
For breathtaking panoramic views, Dundee Law provides extensive vistas of the Firth of Tay, Dundee, and the surrounding Scottish coastline. Craigowl Hill, as the highest point of the Sidlaw Hills, offers far-reaching views in all directions. Balkello Hill also provides sweeping views across Angus and south towards the Firth of Tay.
What unique natural features can be found on the peaks around Strathmartine?
Dundee Law is notable as an ancient extinct volcano, though technically a volcanic sill. Balkello Hill is characterized by its heather-strewn and rocky terrain, offering a distinct natural landscape within the Sidlaw Hills.
Are there family-friendly mountain walks around Strathmartine?
Yes, Dundee Law is considered family-friendly, with refurbished paths and steps making it accessible for a pleasant walk to the summit. Its ease of access and relatively lower elevation make it suitable for families.
How accessible are the mountain peaks around Strathmartine?
Dundee Law is highly accessible, with options to hike or drive directly to the summit. For other peaks like Craigowl Hill and Balkello Hill, trails often start from Balkello Community Woodland, which provides parking and established pathways.
What are the difficulty levels of hiking trails to the peaks in the Strathmartine area?
Hiking routes vary in difficulty. Trails to Kinpurnie Hill can be strenuous and potentially boggy in their lower reaches. Peaks like Craigowl Hill and Balkello Hill offer numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty, from moderate to challenging, often starting from Balkello Community Woodland.
Are there challenging climbs for cyclists in the Strathmartine area?
Yes, Craigowl Hill is particularly known as a challenging climb for cyclists, considered one of the toughest in Scotland. The ascent to its summit is on a steep, well-paved road, offering a demanding experience for biking enthusiasts.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Strathmartine?
Beyond hiking the peaks, you can explore various outdoor activities. There are numerous cycling routes, including moderate to difficult options like the 'Glamis Village โ The Bothy Experience loop' or 'Lundie Loop' from Birkhill. For hiking, you can find easy trails in Camperdown Country Park or moderate routes like the 'Clatto Reservoir loop'. You can find more details on these activities in our guides for Cycling around Strathmartine and Hiking around Strathmartine.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks around Strathmartine?
Visitors consistently highlight the incredible panoramic views from the summits, the rich historical significance of sites like Iron Age hillforts and ancient monuments, and the rewarding outdoor experiences. The refurbished paths and observation points, along with the sense of achievement from reaching the peaks, are also frequently praised.
Where can I find more information about Kinpurnie Hill's history?
Kinpurnie Hill is known for its distinctive Kinpurnie Tower, built in 1766 as an observatory, and the remnants of an Iron Age fort. For more detailed historical context, you can visit the Wikipedia page dedicated to Kinpurnie Hill.
Is there a good starting point for exploring the Sidlaw Hills peaks like Craigowl and Balkello?
Yes, Balkello Community Woodland serves as a popular starting point for exploring the wider Sidlaw Hills, including trails leading to Craigowl Hill and Balkello Hill. It offers parking and established pathways to begin your ascent.
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