Mountain peaks around Blackness, Scotland, offer diverse landscapes for exploration. The area is characterized by coastal scenery along the Firth of Forth, rolling farmland, and woodland. While Blackness itself is known for its historic castle, the surrounding region provides access to various hills and summits. These natural features contribute to the area's appeal for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Rising to 278m, Cockleroy Hill features a trig point and offers breathtaking 360-degree views. It's located west of Beecraigs Country Park and stands as a prominent high point that can be included in a loop around the area. It was once a hillfort and its strategic position becomes clear when you reach the summit
1
0
Cairnpapple Hill is a hill in West Lothian, Scotland. It is a significant archaeological site, as it contains a number of prehistoric monuments, including a henge, a timber circle, and a Bronze Age cist grave.
0
0
The hill is located in the village of Gullane, about 15 miles east of Edinburgh
0
0
Cockleroy Hill at 278m has a trig point and stunning 360-degree views. I's a standalone high point to the west of Beecraigs country park and an ascent can be added to a loop of that area. This was historically a hill fort and when you're there it's obvious why the location was chosen.
1
0
Amazing 360° views from the top. If you're on a bike go back down the way you came.
0
0
A nippy wee climb but well worth the effort - fantastic view of Lothian, the bridges & over 2 darkest Fife. I'm a history buff, so a 5000 year old burial mound, up high on a hill was a real highlight to me. Sorry if it's not your thing.
0
0
The Blackness area offers several popular peaks. Cockleroy Hill Summit is highly regarded for its stunning 360-degree views from 278m. Another favorite is Hillhouse Hill (Bathgate Alps), known for its rewarding climb. Visitors also enjoy Cairnpapple Hill, which is both a viewpoint and a significant historical site.
Yes, Cockleroy Hill Summit is considered family-friendly. Its ascent can be incorporated into a loop around Beecraigs Country Park, offering a manageable walk with rewarding panoramic views.
The region is rich in history. Cairnpapple Hill is a prehistoric cult place and an archaeological site, offering wide views of the Lothian area. Cockleroy Hill Summit was historically a hill fort, and its strategic location is evident from the top.
Most of the peaks around Blackness, such as Cockleroy Hill Summit, Cairnpapple Hill, Hillhouse Hill, and Binny Hill, are generally rated as intermediate climbs. They offer rewarding experiences without being overly strenuous, making them suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
Absolutely. Many peaks in the area double as excellent viewpoints. Cockleroy Hill Summit provides breathtaking 360-degree views. Cairnpapple Hill offers extensive views across the Lothian area, while Hillhouse Hill and Binny Hill also provide great vistas after their respective climbs.
Yes, for instance, after a climb up Hillhouse Hill (Bathgate Alps), there is a good little café nearby where you can refresh yourself.
The Blackness area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and hiking paths. For more details, check out the guides for Running Trails around Blackness, Road Cycling Routes around Blackness, and Hiking around Blackness.
Yes, there are several recommended hiking trails. You can find routes like the 'Stone Statue of a Scottish Man – Abercorn Church and Graveyard loop from Blackness' or the 'Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) – Midhope Castle loop from Blackness'. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Hiking around Blackness guide.
The region around Blackness offers excellent road cycling opportunities, often with scenic views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Routes like the 'Bathgate Alps loop from Linlithgow' provide a good challenge. You can find more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Blackness guide.
While specific seasonal advice for Blackness peaks is limited, generally, the spring and autumn months offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for hiking in Scotland. Summer can also be good, though popular trails might be busier. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear and awareness of weather conditions.
While not explicitly labeled as 'hidden gems,' Binny Hill, located near the village of Gullane, offers a rewarding long ride up to its summit with great views. It might be a less frequented option compared to the more prominent peaks closer to Blackness.
The area around Blackness is characterized by coastal scenery along the Firth of Forth, rolling farmland, and woodland. The peaks themselves, like Cockleroy Hill Summit, offer panoramic views of these diverse landscapes, including distant views of Fife from places like Cairnpapple Hill.


See even more amazing summits around Blackness with these guides: