Donald · Galloway
Corserine
The high point of the Rhinns of Kells in Galloway, looking west across the Silver Flowe to Merrick. Less famous than its neighbour Merrick but a quieter and arguably finer hill day on a long, well-shaped ridge.
Quick facts
- Height
- 814m/ 2671ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 700 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NX498871
- Parking
- NX549865
- Nearest
- Newton Stewart· Dumfries 50km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · granite boulders 25% · grass moorland 20%
Approach from Forrest Lodge near Loch Doon. Long but steady climb up the south ridge via Polmaddy Burn, gaining the broad Kells crest before a final pull onto the granite-strewn summit dome.
Terrain
Forestry tracks, then open hillside with intermittent paths.
In winter
Snow holds in the upper coires longer than the Galloway average.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 10m
- Edinburgh3h 45m
OS maps: OS Explorer 318
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Central Galloway Range viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:46
- Sunset
- 21:44
- Civil dawn
- 03:52
- Civil dusk
- 22:38
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Corserine.
Around Corserine on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Corserine — common questions
- How hard is Corserine?
- Corserine is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 16km with 700m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Forestry tracks, then open hillside with intermittent paths.
- Where do I park for Corserine?
- Standard parking is at NX549865 near Newton Stewart. 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 Corserine?
- The standard good-weather months for Corserine 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 Corserine?
- 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 Corserine?
- Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Central Galloway Range viewpoint.
- Is Corserine safe in winter?
- Snow holds in the upper coires longer than the Galloway average.