Corbett · Southern Uplands
Cairnsmore of Carsphairn
Cairnsmore of Carsphairn is the easternmost of the major Galloway Corbetts — a broad rounded hill rising above the village of Carsphairn on the A713, with views across the Glenkens and east to the Lowther hills. The mountain is the highest point of the Carsphairn-Lowther-Tweedsmuir watershed and gives a less-visited alternative to the better-known Merrick, with similar Southern Uplands character: broad grassy ridges, wide skies, and a strong sense of empty country once you leave the road.
Quick facts
- Height
- 797m/ 2615ft
- Prominence
- 582 m
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 740 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NX594980
- Parking
- NX559941
- Nearest
- Glasgow· Dumfries 44km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
moorland path 35% · heather moorland 40% · grassy ridge 15% · summit area 10%
Park at the small layby on the A713 just south of Carsphairn village (NX559941). A path heads east through farmland, crossing the Water of Deugh by footbridge, then climbs onto the broad south-west ridge of the hill. The route follows the ridge over a series of grassy steps to the summit, marked by a small cairn and trig point set into a granite boulder. Descent retraces the ascent. A 5–6 hour day from the A713.
Terrain
Farmland and rough pasture on the lower slopes — gates and stiles to negotiate. Above the in-bye land the ground is grass and heather with occasional peat hags. The summit ridge is broad; in cloud, navigation requires care because the ridge has several false tops. Drier underfoot than the wetter western Galloway hills.
In winter
Deceptively serious in winter — the broad summit plateau is featureless and dangerous in whiteout conditions, with cornices forming on the north-east aspect. Snow cover is intermittent but when it lies, drifts heavily in the hollows. Useful early-season fitness hill if visibility is good, but read the Southern Uplands MWIS bulletin carefully.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 36m
- Edinburgh2h 9m
OS maps: OS Landranger 77
Mobile signal: Good signal in Galloway; 2-3 bars throughout the ascent
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:59
- Sunset
- 21:47
- Civil dawn
- 04:06
- Civil dusk
- 22:40
NOAA Solar Calculator · 17 July 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Cairnsmore of Carsphairn.
Around Cairnsmore of Carsphairn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cairnsmore of Carsphairn — common questions
- How hard is Cairnsmore of Carsphairn?
- We grade Cairnsmore of Carsphairn at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. The usual route is around 12km with 740m of climbing; allow 3-5 hours. Terrain: Farmland and rough pasture on the lower slopes — gates and stiles to negotiate.
- How prominent is Cairnsmore of Carsphairn?
- Cairnsmore of Carsphairn has 582m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground.
- Where should I park to climb Cairnsmore of Carsphairn?
- Standard parking is at NX559941 near Glasgow. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Cairnsmore of Carsphairn?
- The standard good-weather months for Cairnsmore of Carsphairn are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Cairnsmore of Carsphairn?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Cairnsmore of Carsphairn?
- Good signal in Galloway; 2-3 bars throughout the ascent
- Is Cairnsmore of Carsphairn safe in winter?
- Deceptively serious in winter — the broad summit plateau is featureless and dangerous in whiteout conditions, with cornices forming on the north-east aspect. Snow cover is intermittent but when it lies, drifts heavily in the hollows. Useful early-season fitness hill if visibility is good, but read the Southern Uplands MWIS bulletin carefully.
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