How hard is Gana Hill?

Gana Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 548m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Tussock and peat hag dominate the upper plateau.

Where do I park for Gana Hill?

Standard parking is at NS941017 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 Gana Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Gana Hill 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 Gana Hill?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Gana Hill?

Gana Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 548m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Tussock and peat hag dominate the upper plateau.

Where do I park for Gana Hill?

Standard parking is at NS941017 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 Gana Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Gana Hill 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 Gana Hill?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: wrobison / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Donald · Southern Uplands

Gana Hill

Gana Hill links Wedder Law to Lousie Wood Law on the Lowther watershed, a featureless grassy lump above the head of Daer Water. A small cairn sits at the corner of the boundary fence, with peat hags falling away to the east.

Quick facts

Height: 668m/ 2192ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 548 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NS954010
Parking: NS941017
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%

13km · 548m ascent · 3.5 hrs

Best approached from the Daer reservoir, climbing the east flank onto the ridge. Often linked with Wedder Law and Ballencleuch Law for a 16km traverse with 700m of climb.

Terrain

Tussock and peat hag dominate the upper plateau. Slow ground; the fence is essential in cloud.

In winter

Peat hags fill in with windblown snow and disguise the top of the plateau. SAIS does not cover here but cornicing is plausible on the east edge above Daer.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 45m
Edinburgh2h 53m

Parking: NS941017

OS maps: OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweeddale moorland viewpoint.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 48mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:43
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:48
Civil dusk: 22:36

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

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Around Gana Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright

Galloway base — Solway coast, Galloway Forest, Mull of Galloway Trail

57km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Gana Hill — common questions

How hard is Gana Hill?: Gana Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 548m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Tussock and peat hag dominate the upper plateau.
Where do I park for Gana Hill?: Standard parking is at NS941017 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 Gana Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Gana Hill 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 Gana Hill?: 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 Gana Hill?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Tweeddale moorland viewpoint.
Is Gana Hill safe in winter?: Peat hags fill in with windblown snow and disguise the top of the plateau. SAIS does not cover here but cornicing is plausible on the east edge above Daer.