Donald · Galloway
Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark)
Coran of Portmark (623m) is the northernmost summit of the Rhinns of Kells ridge in the Galloway Hills, looking down on Loch Doon and the Carrick Forest. A small cairn caps the granite top, with the rough whaleback continuing south to Bow and Meaul. The Glenkens and the Solway open out to the south — on clear days the Isle of Man sits low on the horizon beyond the firth.
Quick facts
- Height
- 623m/ 2044ft
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 467 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NX509936
- Parking
- NX502922
- Nearest city
- Dumfries
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass moorland 30% · rocky outcrops 10%
From the Loch Doon dam at NX475951 follow the lochside road and forestry track east through the plantation to break out onto the open hill near Eglin Lane. A direct climb up the steep north-west ridge gives 12km and 467m of ascent on heather, granite slabs and short grass. The summit cairn is exposed; many parties continue south along the Kells ridge to Meaul before descending Eglin Lane.
Terrain
The forestry approach can be muddy and re-route signs appear after felling — keep an eye on Forestry and Land Scotland updates. Above the trees the ground is the classic Galloway mix of granite slabs, deep heather and bog. The Kells ridge crest is well-defined but the descent into the Doon basin is path-free and quickly disorienting in mist.
In winter
The Galloway granite holds ice when the wider Southern Uplands have melted out, and the Kells ridge can give surprisingly serious winter outings. Verglas glazes the slabs after thaw–freeze cycles; the steep north-west face above Loch Doon ices hard. Whiteouts blowing in off the Solway can blank out the ridge crest, and self-rescue is slow once committed.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 43m
- Edinburgh2h 20m
OS maps: OS Landranger 77
Mobile signal: Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; coverage limited north of Ken Valley.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:46
- Sunset
- 21:44
- Civil dawn
- 03:52
- Civil dusk
- 22:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
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Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark) — common questions
- How hard is Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark)?
- Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark) 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 forestry approach can be muddy and re-route signs appear after felling — keep an eye on Forestry and Land Scotland updates.
- Where do I park for Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark)?
- Standard parking is at NX502922 near Glasgow. 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 Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark)?
- The standard good-weather months for Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark) 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 Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark)?
- 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 Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark)?
- Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; coverage limited north of Ken Valley.
- Is Coran of Portmark (Corran of Portmark) safe in winter?
- The Galloway granite holds ice when the wider Southern Uplands have melted out, and the Kells ridge can give surprisingly serious winter outings. Verglas glazes the slabs after thaw–freeze cycles; the steep north-west face above Loch Doon ices hard. Whiteouts blowing in off the Solway can blank out the ridge crest, and self-rescue is slow once committed.