Donald · Borders
Croft Head
Croft Head (636m) is a rough little hill at the eastern end of the Moffat Hills, where the Southern Upland Way climbs out of Selcoth and Ettrick. Steep flanks of crag and scree drop south into Selcoth Burn — unusual for this rolling country — and the summit itself is little more than a patch of bare peat. From the top you look directly across to the Loch Fell ridge and west into the Moffat horseshoe.
Quick facts
- Height
- 636.2m/ 2087ft
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 477 m
- Time
- 3–5 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT153056
- Parking
- NT159058
- 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%
The natural line follows the Southern Upland Way south-east from the parking at NT159058 below Selcoth, then breaks north up steep grass and scree onto Croft Head's prominent shoulder — 12km with 477m of ascent. The Southern Upland Way provides reliable navigation for most of the day; the final pull is path-free over short grass and the occasional rib of greywacke. Return by the same route.
Terrain
Selcoth Burn carves a steep gorge into the southern flank, with scree slopes and the small crag of Cat Shoulder breaking the otherwise grassy approach. The summit plateau is bare peat with sparse tussock cover. Care is needed on the steep upper slope when wet — greasy turf over rotten greywacke gives poor footing.
In winter
Croft Head's steep southern slopes hold ice well into spring and the Selcoth crags grow short ice lines in cold spells. Verglas on the greywacke ribs of the summit slope is the main hazard, along with corniced edges above Selcoth. The Southern Upland Way may be drifted shut in February. SAIS Southern Uplands bulletins are worth checking before any winter visit.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 44m
- Edinburgh2h 39m
OS maps: OS Landranger 79
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Southern Uplands viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:41
- Sunset
- 21:41
- Civil dawn
- 03:46
- Civil dusk
- 22:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Croft Head on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Croft Head — common questions
- How hard is Croft Head?
- Croft Head is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 12km with 477m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-5 hours. Terrain: Selcoth Burn carves a steep gorge into the southern flank, with scree slopes and the small crag of Cat Shoulder breaking the otherwise grassy approach.
- Where do I park for Croft Head?
- Standard parking is at NT159058 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 Croft Head?
- The standard good-weather months for Croft Head 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 Croft Head?
- 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 Croft Head?
- Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Southern Uplands viewpoint.
- Is Croft Head safe in winter?
- Croft Head's steep southern slopes hold ice well into spring and the Selcoth crags grow short ice lines in cold spells. Verglas on the greywacke ribs of the summit slope is the main hazard, along with corniced edges above Selcoth. The Southern Upland Way may be drifted shut in February. SAIS Southern Uplands bulletins are worth checking before any winter visit.