Three Hills of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s landscape is dominated by the Nine Hills: each made of a hard core of igneous rock. What is not often appreciated, though, is the range of geological activity that created this igneous rock. This walk across south-west Edinburgh will take in the summits of only three of Edinburgh’s hills, but will explore the three phases of activity that created all the rocks of the hills (and in the correct geological order, too).

THE ROCKS: The igneous rocks of Edinburgh’s Hills formed in two entirely separate volcanic episodes: the first, around 410 million years ago, formed the silica-rich rocks of Blackford, Braid and the Pentland Hills. Then, after a gap, volcanic activity resumed around 340 million years, with basaltic eruptions at Craiglockhart Hills, Arthur’s Seat and the Castle Rock. As if that wasn’t enough, later more basaltic magma got trapped within sedimentary rocks to form intrusions at Corstorphine Hill and Salisbury Crags.

THE WALK: We will climb Blackford, Easter Craiglockhart and Corstorphine Hills, following paths and pavements with some steps. I have classified this as an Easy Walk. It may be wet, windy or cold. Come equipped with strong footwear and waterproof clothing. Distance 7 miles one way, duration 3-4 hours with lunch along the way (you can bring lunch or get it at a cafe en-route). Route map.

MEETING POINT: at the entrance gates on Cluny Gardens / Charterhall Road, east of Blackford Pond. Nearest postcode EH10 6BS | Grid ref NT 2554 7097 | What3Words: ///tricky.dose.dress. The meeting point is on Lothian Buses route 38. Services 9 and 24 also stop nearby. The walk finishes at Corstorphine Hill, close to several bus routes.