Chesters Hill Fort

Chesters Hill Fort is an Iron Age hill fort near Athelstaneford in East Lothian with multiple concentric earthen ramparts and ditches encircling the site. Within the inner settlement zone, you can see the stone foundations of approximately twenty round structures.

The fort was built during the first millennium BC and continued to be occupied through the Roman period in the early centuries AD. It represents one of the few Scottish hill forts that remained significant throughout these changing eras.

Archaeological excavations at Chesters Hill Fort reveal settlement patterns and daily activities of Iron Age communities in East Lothian through recovered artifacts.

The site is open year-round with free access and sits roughly one mile south of Drem village. The walk to the fort is straightforward, and the elevated location gives you clear views of all the defensive structures.

The fort displays remarkably well-preserved layers of defensive structures that reveal different phases of settlement and rebuilding. This level of preserved detail is unusual for Scottish hill forts and offers genuine insight into construction methods.

Location: East Lothian

Location: Athelstaneford

Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/chesters-hill-fort

GPS coordinates: 55.99476,-2.79097

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:23