Cockleroy Hill is near the popular Beecraigs Country Park in West Lothian. Also known as the King’s hat the hill isn’t a Munro, but it is set in the beautiful Bathgate Hills and is one of the highest points in the area. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding Scottish countryside and enjoy the 360-degree spectacular views.
From the summit of Cockleroy, Linlithgow (Cockleroy stands at 278m) you can see Linlithgow Palace, the Forth Bridges, Ochil Hills and even some Munros in the far distance. You can decide to just walk up Cockleroy (5-10mins climbing) or you can extend your walk and do a circular woodland walk around Beecraigs Country Park. There are many options depending on you and your child(rens) level of ability. If you are an Outlander fan then parts of Outlander were filmed at Beecraigs Country Park, so it is well worth the visit to tick it off your list.
Also, at the summit, there are the remains of an ancient fort which is said to be where William Wallace took a rest. This is called Wallace’s Bed.
Cockleroy is pretty child friendly and lots of young children do climb up daily so it is doable. Whether you just wish to walk up and enjoy a fresh breeze and spectacular views or decide to walk around the nearby trails. There are many options depending on the needs of your family.
Cockleroy Hill Walk | Bathgate Hills
Parking At Cockleroy
You can park directly at Cockleroy Hill Car Park. However, it can get busy quickly. There are multiple car parks within Beecraigs that you could park at and then walk to Cockleroy to extend your walk if the car park was busy.
Starting the Walk
Depending on where you have parked will decide where you will be starting your walk. If you have parked directly at Cockleroy Hill Car Park, then you will head away from the main road and up the path towards Cockleroy. There is one gate to go through which should remain closed at all times. You can then walk up at your leisure.
Total Walk Time
Climbing up Cockleroy will only take you 5-10 mins. Maybe longer if you have little legs to get to the top as well. You can then spend time enjoying the views and seeing if you can point out other points in the distance like Ben A’an or Linlithgow Palace for example.
Play Areas near Cockleroy
The nearest playpark is at Beecraigs near Balvormie Car Park. If you have parked at Cockleroy Hill, then you will be able to reach the playpark on foot directly from the car park. You have to cross the road which can be difficult due to the cars going so fast.
Public Toilets
The nearest toilets are again at Beecraigs near Balvormie Car Park. The visitors centre also has toilets (check to make sure they are open though!).
Terrain
The terrain at Cockleroy Hill is first a stony path from the car park. Once through the gate, it is grassy and steep underfoot. You need to watch your feet for boulders and it can get muddy/slippy when it rains.
Pram friendly
You could probably get an all-terrain pushchair up. However, I would expect it to be rather exhausting. A carrier would be a lot easier. Most of the paths around Beecraigs Country Park are suitable for an all-terrain buggy and some of the trails are flatter than others.
Have you been to Cockleroy Hill before? Let me know in the comments below what you thought of it!
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