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Balerno Group

We are the Balerno Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

This is a circular walk in West Lothian, starting opposite the medieval remains of the headquarters of Scotland’s Knights Hospitaller, at Torphichen Preceptory, to ascend a sequence of hills all, hopefully, with wonderful views.
We climb Cairnapple Hill, (Neolithic Henge monument and bronze age burials), Witchcraig Wood to the refuge stone, then follow woodland tracks passing the Korean War Memorial, continue through Beecraigs Country Park to ascend Cockleroy Hill. Return is made via Lochcote Reservoir.

There are 4 metal gates to climb over on this route.

Saturday, 22 November 2025
Meeting time:
8:50 am
Start time:
9:45 am
Estimated finish time:
2:45 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
13.7km / 8.5mi
Ascent:
329m / 1079ft
Type:
circular

If you would like to join us, please contact the Walk Leader to book a place in advance, noting that for some walks numbers may be limited. Please advise the walk leader of any issue that may affect your ability to complete the walk; if you intend to travel independently to the start of the walk, and/or if you are willing to drive/car share from the meeting point.
Also, if you have one, please remember to bring your ICE (In Case of Emergency) card with you. A note of your proposed emergency contact name and number will be required in case of emergency.
As conditions underfoot can vary, stout walking shoes/ boots, gaiters and walking poles, if you use them, are recommended.
Please note that, unfortunately, dogs cannot be accommodated on our walks.
All finishing times are approximate.

There is a small shop in Torphichen for purchase of refreshments.

PD £5.00

ITD £1.00

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available
  • No car needed

Meeting point

Grid reference:
NT 17987 67688
Nearest postcode:
EH14 5NP
what3words:
vocab.hunter.pipe
Meeting time:
8:50 am

Pentland View Car Park Accessible by Lothian Bus Service 44, using Pentland View Court Bus Stop. Car share is available to the start point.

Starting point

Grid reference:
NS 96816 72565
Nearest postcode:
EH48 4LZ
what3words:
lakes.ounce.yours
Start time:
9:45 am

Torphichen Community Centre Car Park, Bowyett, EH48 4LZ Roughly opposite Torphichen Preceptory

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking