Black Mount’s heathery bulk stretches west from Dolphinton on the Edinburgh to Biggar road. Along with neighbouring White Hill, it forms a quiet southern footnote to the Pentland Hills range, with fresh snow continuing the monochrome theme on our December visit.
Chronological photo guide
Black Mount Parish Church, Dolphinton
Black Mount from the start
View to Broughton Heights
Black Mount
Looking back along the approach track
White Hill
Charlie’s Bower
Steep ascent to Windlestraw Top
View north from Windlestraw Top
Ridge to Black Mount
Black Mount summit
Looking east
View southeast
View west
Location
Start / finish at Black Mount Parish Church, just off A702 at southwest end of Dolphinton
Limited street parking – more space on A702 at northeast end of village
Key info
6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 300 m | 2-2.5 hr
Features: △ Black Mount (516 m, sub-2000′ Marilyn)
⬤ Moderate | Field edge path & good track for approach, then narrow heather path – affected by landslip on initial steep section. Fence to cross at Charlie’s Bower.
Out-and-back walk: start – road then parallel path to track junction west of Dolphinton House – Charlie’s Bower – Windlestraw Top – Black Mount – return by outward route
Pentland Hills, South Lanarkshire
Chronological photo guide
LocationO.S. Grid Reference: NT 101464
GPS coordinates: 55.702460,-3.431541
Bus stops on A702
Limited street parking – more space on A702 at northeast end of village
Key info6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 300 m |
2-2.5 hr
Out-and-back walk: start – road then parallel path to track junction west of Dolphinton House – Charlie’s Bower – Windlestraw Top – Black Mount – return by outward route
On our last visit
