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Name:Cairnpapple Hill
Hill number:1827
Height:312m / 1024ft
RHB Section:28A: Firth of Forth to the River Tweed
County/UA:West Lothian
County (CoH):West Lothian (CoH)
Catchment:Forth
Class:Marilyn, Hump, Tump (300-399m), Historic County Top, Yeaman
(Ma,Hu,Tu,3,CoH,Y)
Grid ref:NS 98755 71148
Summit feature:no feature 5m NE of trig point
Drop:167.9m
Col:144.1m  NT 0048 6796  
OS map sheet(s):(1:50k) 65
(1:25k) 349E
Observations:trig point is located in a small depression; ground to 10m NE of trig point is c 5cm higher; large mound 140m E at NS 98896 71144 is c 1.5m lower; viewpoint 300m E at NS 99062 71126 is c 2.5m lower
Survey:Abney level
Change log:show changes for this hill entry
GPS data:show GPS entries for this hill
Notes:
  • West Lothian historic county top

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N.B. Some hill summits are on private property or on land where there is no public right of way.  Permission should be sought from the landowner where access to a hill summit is through private land(*).
*For information about access rights in Scotland see the ScotWays website.
Please report via the contact page any logs you see below which describe or encourage acts of trespass.  Please quote the hill number and hill name.

Logged Descriptions  (logged by 392 users)ByDate of Ascent
From roadside. And then the knock. Lovely day lovely views.VerySlowPlodder26/02/2024
With Raven Craig, Cairnpapple Henge, James Potter's stone circle, Bathgate Hills and The Knock. A multitude of paths, off road driving tracks, beautiful gorse & a couple of fences.Lynnebe26/05/2023
P small CP below The Knock, over that then on to Neolithic site at North Top, then back along the road for revisit.agentmancuso27/04/2023
From roadside, no cattle about.colazione17/11/2022
Small car park (NS 99040 71021), easy walk up the road and across a field to the trig.G0HIO12/08/2022
From Knock car park after ascent of Knock first.sarahk02/08/2022
From the car park just below The Knock. Walked short way up road through gate and up field to trig and HP. Good view. On way back went over The Knock.PeterD07/06/2022
From the circular car park over the gate and easy stroll to the summit.JAdair9730/05/2022
Short walk from the car park at The Knock.RobB25/01/2022
From Beecraigs Park to Witch Craig, Cairnpapple henge, Cairnpapple summit, the Knock, Cockleroy Hill.Fife Walking23/01/2022
Parked by The Knock and went up to the summit of this little hill first. Crossed the road and hopped over the gate into the grassy field and walked over to the trig. Nice little hill with good views. Solo.Dangerous Dave20/01/2022
100th Marilyn ticked! Pleased it was such an easy one, would have felt guilty if it was a decent hike! Great weather and great views, and less than 200m walk! parked just below the knock and visited this high point too. 20 mins.Nicky C16/01/2022
After visiting the archaeological site. Parked at Knock CP and came back over Knock itself which is a better hill than the main summit.sclater19/11/2021
https://www.strava.com/activities/6257841169Graham22b14/11/2021
From car park. Over gate. 200m over field. Then viewpoint which is the better view. Or would be on a good dayLongwojo12/11/2021
Parked in knock car park. Walked to summit on track, after climbing over padlocked gate, slightly North of parking area.Hirta18/08/2021
With Iain. Climbed The Knock then up to trig. Last Lothian Marilyn.iangpark17/09/2020
Been on the list for some time. Bagged as we head north enroute to Inverness. We arrive in the pouring rain. Cairnpapple Hill henge and cairn first - hill summit and trig then The Knock with its viewfinder. A strange water trapping landscape no wonder prehistoric man was attracted to this place.briandavies11/09/2020
3 of 3: After Goseland Hill on the way home. Parked below the viewfinder. 5 mins to the TP.ChrisR10/09/2020
With Ellie. Parked in CP on West side and followed farm track to transmitter. Quick visit to nearby chambered cairn before heading South to the top. Back to the car via The Vu.MickyRoss09/08/2020
Parked in Car Park at The Knock. Easy walk.ClanLawrence21/07/2020
Short grassy walk from gate at road junction near Knockkdbennett30/11/2019
Here for the trigpoint. TP:UK log: Parked at Knock viewpoint for an easy enough walk after climbing gate - tractor track almost all the way to the trigpoint. Climbed up to viewpoint on the way back which was worth it for the view and I don't think I would have noticed the nearby stone circle otherwise.thejackrustles12/09/2019
Parked up at the parking for the hillfort and then realised my mistake when I realised I would have to pay £6. Relocated to the parking space for the Knock viewpoint and made an easy walk back up the road, over the gate and headed for the trigmadaddo20/07/2019
Not to be confused, in fog, with Historic Scotland's Cairnpapple Hill, which has an entrance fee. From the hardstanding CP just S of The Knock, NS990710, which has a lockable gate. Back N up the road and over the double gate on L. No view, 20m viz - used the wind direction and the sound of cars on the road to locate the gates on my return.Isbjorn28/06/2019
Quick bag on the way back from Kingussie. Parked beneath the Knock. The famous herd of cattle not in evidence. A lovely way to end a fantastic week of hill bagging.Owen B28/04/2019
After yesterdays torrent of snow and rain today had clear uninterrupted views from Arran to Bass Rock.Play2End17/03/2019
Quick walk, windy!Ben Tindal30/12/2018
On way back from Lomonds - ten minute round trip from the road.SS01/12/2018
Small parking area immediately S of The Knock, which had to be visited also. Herd of inquisitive cattle kept licking me.jonglew28/10/2018
A climb in the dark because of a monster traffic jam on the M8 followed by an inadvertent tour of the council estates of Bathgate. Fortunately, the hill makes an easy walk, from the viewpoint car park, up the road to the gate (couldn't see well enough for a shortcut) and then easy strolling on grass to the top. Fine view of streetlights.Gill10/10/2018
With E. Parked in lay-by for visiting Neolithic henge which, unfortunately, was just closing. Easy walk across fields to summit. Also visited nearby viewpoint with great views of Firth of Forth bridges. A nice little summit.Beeliner12/09/2018
12-minute return walk from car!willyross10/09/2018
Easy ascent from the east. Cloudy with light drizzle.Windy Corner21/08/2018
3rd time.russell6101/08/2018
Walked from Bathgate station - took the road to the east of the hill and hopped over the gate just after The Knock. Cows were all lower down in the field, but could be problematic if on the top.Richard11/06/2018
From The Knock.summitter05/05/2018
Persuaded to buy Historic Scotland membership by lovely guide setting up for season before moving on to trig and The Knock. 1st visit since 6/2/02lordtonult28/03/2018
Parked in car park near radio mast access track (as for marktrengrove below). Followed the access road then over the right hand of two gates across the field towards trig point. Two barbed wire fences next... under the first then over the second at a gap in the wall. On to the summit with no signs of livestock. Clear sunny day with great views.Jubilado08/02/2018
Solo. From car park on south side of The Knock. Over the Knock to summit of Cairnpapple Hill. Beautiful sunny day although very cold. Excellent views of snow-covered Ben Lomond, Stuc a' Chroin and the Ochils. Later went up Witch Craig, Cockleroy and Bowden Hill.pwbellarby07/01/2018
Parked at the back of the hill and visited the memorial cairn and then summit trig point. The Cairnpapple cows were great company, no sign of a bull though despite the sign...Chris Mac25/09/2017
Parked just to E in car park by viewpoint hill. Over gate and 5-min walk across field to trig point. Sunny with good views. Observation pillar at viewpoint worth seeing too.dbb25/06/2017
Awkwardly up from foot of Raven Craig twisting around gorse and quarry. Was last here in 1999 but harbour a suspicion I might only have gone to signed historic mound to north and not the trig but can't for the life of me recall for sure - although I was preoccupied with raging toothache at the time and had just flown in from Ecuador and on way to emergency dentist in Edinburgh.Chris Pearson07/06/2017
As Columba, from the car park near the aerial access track at NS 97978 71473. The field next to the summit one was occupied by herd of aggressive cows with calves, and the summit field is now a playground for off-road vehicles. All rather unpleasant! With ALT to the aerial, then solo. Grey and rainy.Man of Kernow121/05/2017
After working in Coatbridge. Semi-overcast, larks. Pleasant. Rounsfell02/05/2017
Easy ascent from car park up the mast access track, hoped over a couple of fences across easy terrain to trig and summit. Ally's first Marilyn! Amazing views of Forth estuary, Alloa Hills and Pentland HillsColumba25/03/2017
Easy walk from car park to east. Worth exploring the Cairnpapple Cairn to the north and the stone circle near Knock farm.N.Morters18/03/2017
From car park to the west (NS 97976 71474), initially using mast access track, going through gate when track started swinging N. Recorded track and write-up at: http://gayleybird.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/cairnpapple-hill-ns987711-312m.htmlGayle08/03/2017
Short walk from car park.rhalstead30/12/2016
LSjohn steel30/12/2016
Quickly nipped up here on our way back from Callander.jenx26/09/2016
On way home from final Marilyn celebration, added this hill in as a new repeat. No time like the present. Usual route from gate to trig.nordicstar26/09/2016
Hauled the three ladies up via the Neolithic site.Craigieboy4429/08/2016
Up from the Historic Scotland layby/car park. (There is a very helpful guide at the visitor centre.) I also climbed the Knock (within walking distance) just in case it was higher.AlexanderHoward27/08/2016
Last of three tops today, starting in the lay by next to the steps up to Cairnpapple historic site this walk is only 1.2 mile long with 60m of climb and can be found in Jonny Muir's book of UK County tops. The route suggests walking from the historical site to the trig but this can be problematic if mist is low better to walk down the road to the view point on Knock hill and then walk adjacent to this.WAYNE ROWLETT25/08/2016
Having dropped mummy off at the airport, daddy suggested that I walk up this hill whilst we were en route to my grandparents. I walked up to the summit from the East. Only difficulty for me was getting over the gate at the start but daddy helped me. Touched the trig and walked over the higher ground surrounding it.Seumas Kerr19/04/2016
With Alex C from minor road to east.Alan Caine17/04/2016
An easy bag with Alan whilst on the way home from Comrie.Alex C17/04/2016
In 2014 we did the English ancient county tops, in 2015, it was Wales. 2016 must be Scotland and this is number 1! Parked beside Ballencrieff Mains then East across the hills, turning up to the summit (and the pointer on the other side of the road). Popped up to the burial mound and then back. 15 4X4s at the summit on training?? For the lowest 'top' in Scotland, this was stunning because the of snow, the sun and the views to many of the higher peaks we will be climbing later in the year.callumorr14/02/2016
Up and down in 10 minutesduchally03/06/2015
Park in the rough car parking area at NS 9903 7102. Walk north up the road a short way to the gate on the left. You will have to climb it. Then it is a short walk to the summit Trig.geralddavison28/03/2015
Short walk with Gina from car park below viewing point (NS99044 71074).mntainman14/02/2015
From the car park.tim74731/01/2015
. CreakingHiker31/01/2015
Parked through narrow gated car park for the Knock - less than 10 mins walk to the trig point. Operated ham radio for SOTA from summit.G4OBK (Phil)06/01/2015
From car park just south of Knock viewpoint. Damp, calm, cold with good views except to the east.iangalbraith18/11/2014
Parked in the car park below The Knock. An easy but pleasant bag.Sprog18/10/2014
21st Marilyn in past 3 days (mostly easy ones like this!)AndrewFinnimore03/09/2014
A very quick hill indeed, also a splendid viewpoint.Play2End06/05/2014
Ascent during lunch break between sales visits.VirtualMountain16/04/2014
from the minor road with renee.robertphillips06/04/2014
Solo tripInvicta1426/10/2013
Fortunate enough to meet a guide who gave us the history of the area.bolton13/07/2013
Parked in a small quarry area below Knock Hill – After doing Knock Hill crossed road & over gate to Trig Point and a ridge of high ground to E. of Trig Point. (PM)gerrybowes13/07/2013
On Mission to collect county tops. short walk from road made into small circle. Half hour topsnickywood102/07/2013
selfdavidsbatty01/06/2013
A second visit this time with Jenx, as exciting as the first visit. Grass has grown a bit more on the top near to the trignordicstar24/05/2013
A brief detour on way home from RBS weekend at Inchreelangskill28/04/2013
alpine ascent from Bathgate station , descending to Linlithgow thick snow all the way and the surrounding roads covered in drifts. Five minutes from the road , er noAlisonFox66 16/03/2013
A snowy (and very short) walk. West Lothian down, 25 or so counties to go!killiedaft26/01/2013
From Bathgate railway station and up minor roads and in from W.Thearlaichdubh29/09/2012
A wet misty morning ascent.JohnW20/07/2012
Quick 20 min walk up and back after first day of ESGAR 2012. Aslo visited the Historic Scotland site and the Viewpoint.Great views.alexmaclennan12/06/2012
Easy drive up.KevPalmer21/05/2012
On return from work trip to Montrose, called by on mae recommendation, but no map. Climbed Knock, trig area & lumps and Cairnpapple mound itself to be sure, & aerial point!! Area well done... Thanks Michael!nordicstar01/05/2012
MCMartin6601/09/2011
From NS 990 712summitsup04/06/2011
parked nearby and walked up the Knock to viewpoint indicator (very clear views of Arran, Cobbler, snowy Lawers and beyond), then to Trig and on to Cairnpapple itself, solo. cold and clear. Been here in the pastniallp24/10/2010
Walked from Broxburn on route to Campsie Fells. Best views from nearby Knock Hill rather than actual highest point, which is on a flatter plateau nearby. On a great day all round views to Edinburgh, Pentlands etc and north to Ben Lomond towering behind Capeter09/08/2010
Parked just S below fork in road near Knock. Short walk to trig with animal feeding trough in field. Then visited viewpoint with indicator, a modern stone circle, and Cairnpapple henge.Aye Jimmy06/11/2009
KeithByTheC25/10/2009
With Ali and Ruth. Sunny day but very blustery and cold for the wee one on top.paddyirish20/09/2009
Climbed with Tim. Easy from car park. Historic Scotland site too.Skerryvore16/11/2008
weirdly looks lower than the knokk also found orange signbilly20/10/2007
small hill found orange signfrankie20/10/2007
Parked in small car park near the view symbol on map. Climbed over metal gate to a trig pillar that was surrounded by cows.Jhimmy05/10/2007
Revisit. Pasture, nice view. Nearby steep craggy little summit just E of road has a topograph.RHW22/09/2007
Small car park on road next to big plug (which is a much better top than this one)maknipe16/06/2007
great little hillSJ23/01/2007
Three high points, the toposcope, the trig, but a hillock nearest the road appears higher?DavidGMould21/10/2006
Not really a hill, nice area around here thoughPhilonehalf27/08/2006
Cool and frosty...3rd top today...Dugswell204/01/2006
With JEKMalanm07/08/2005
I didn't have a GPS with me but by sight the hillock about 200m East of the Trig Point looks to be of similar height or higher than the trig itself.andy28/04/2005
From East.agentmancuso14/02/2004
with Jamievegibagger01/11/2003
ERB, RIB HFB18/10/2003
Date is first visit. Notes from later...easy 'bag' - in dark but probably pleasant view. car pk immmed S of x-rds, cross field from gate RHW18/11/2001
After visiting burial cairn with underground ladder, to ridge and trig in mist about 1/2m further on.arranc15/06/2001
Rough date.ARM01/06/2001
From info centre.Eddie21/10/2000
Flew in from Ecuador Volcanoes JG trip and had emergency dentist booked in Edinburgh with time to just bag this handy Marilyn before appointment and then back to the hills.Chris Pearson11/08/1999
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