Donald · Borders
Bell Craig
Bell Craig (623m) sits between Loch of the Lowes and the upper Ettrick, a rolling green top on the long watershed dividing Yarrow from Moffat Water. The summit is marked only by a fence junction — the high point lies a couple of metres east of the corner. Bell Craig joins Capel Fell and Andrewhinney Hill in a series of paired summits that ring the Loch Skeen amphitheatre to the west.
Quick facts
- Height
- 623m/ 2044ft
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 467 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT186128
- Parking
- NT187143
- Nearest city
- Dumfries
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass moorland 80% · heather patches 15% · summit area 5%
A good approach starts from the Tail Burn car park at the Grey Mare's Tail (NT187143) and climbs by way of the path to Loch Skeen before peeling east up the steep grassy face of Andrewhinney and following the watershed fence south to Bell Craig — 12km with 467m of ascent. The fence makes the navigation simple once gained. Return is best by retracing rather than dropping into the steep cleuchs of Selcoth.
Terrain
The classic Moffat Hills mix — cropped grass underfoot, peat hags where the watershed broadens, and steep drops into the surrounding cleuchs. The watershed fence is the dominant navigational feature for most of the day. Loch Skeen lies in a hidden hollow below and is worth a detour on the return leg if time allows.
In winter
These hills sit at the meteorological heart of the Southern Uplands and feel high in winter — Loch Skeen freezes solid in cold spells and the Grey Mare's Tail forms substantial ice every few years. Bell Craig's grassy summit ices to nevé; the watershed fence is a lifeline in driven snow. Check SAIS Southern Uplands before any winter visit.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 53m
- Edinburgh1h 28m
OS maps: OS Landranger 79
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views to the Borders.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 21:41
- Civil dawn
- 03:45
- Civil dusk
- 22:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Bell Craig on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bell Craig — common questions
- How hard is Bell Craig?
- Bell Craig is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 467m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: The classic Moffat Hills mix — cropped grass underfoot, peat hags where the watershed broadens, and steep drops into the surrounding cleuchs.
- Where do I park for Bell Craig?
- Standard parking is at NT187143 near Edinburgh. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Bell Craig?
- The standard good-weather months for Bell Craig are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. 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 Bell Craig?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Bell Craig?
- Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views to the Borders.
- Is Bell Craig safe in winter?
- These hills sit at the meteorological heart of the Southern Uplands and feel high in winter — Loch Skeen freezes solid in cold spells and the Grey Mare's Tail forms substantial ice every few years. Bell Craig's grassy summit ices to nevé; the watershed fence is a lifeline in driven snow. Check SAIS Southern Uplands before any winter visit.