How hard is Lochcraig Head?

Lochcraig Head is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 656m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: A well-defined path runs from the Tail Burn car park as far as Loch Skeen.

Where do I park for Lochcraig Head?

Standard parking is at NT161172 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 Lochcraig Head?

The standard good-weather months for Lochcraig Head 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 Lochcraig Head?

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

How hard is Lochcraig Head?

Lochcraig Head is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 656m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: A well-defined path runs from the Tail Burn car park as far as Loch Skeen.

Where do I park for Lochcraig Head?

Standard parking is at NT161172 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 Lochcraig Head?

The standard good-weather months for Lochcraig Head 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 Lochcraig Head?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Eileen Henderson / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Donald · Borders

Lochcraig Head

Lochcraig Head stands directly above the dark waters of Loch Skeen, its craggy north-east face plunging straight down to the loch in one of the finest scenes of the Southern Uplands. From the small summit cairn the eye is drawn down to White Coomb and the cleft of the Grey Mare's Tail.

Quick facts

Height: 800.8m/ 2627ft
Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 656 m
Time: 4–7 hrs
Difficulty: 4 / 5Serious
Grid ref: NT166177
Parking: NT161172
Nearest city: Dumfries
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

grass moorland 70% · heather slopes 20% · rocky outcrops 10%

14km · 656m ascent · 3.9 hrs

Park at the NTS Tail Burn lay-by and take the path past the waterfall and Loch Skeen, then climb the steep rim onto the plateau. A simple horseshoe with White Coomb and Firthhope Rig back to the burn makes a memorable day.

Terrain

A well-defined path runs from the Tail Burn car park as far as Loch Skeen. Above that it is mostly trackless steep grass, with the crag edge clipping close to the summit — keep a respectful distance in poor visibility.

In winter

Cornices form readily along the rim above Loch Skeen and have given way more than once over the years; treat the edge as untouchable in snow. SAIS Southern Uplands forecasts the corries on the Moffat front face directly.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 46m
Edinburgh1h 21m

Parking: NT161172

OS maps: OS Landranger 79

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable with views over the Moffat Hills.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 52mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:40
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:45
Civil dusk: 22:37

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Got a photo of Lochcraig Head?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Lochcraig Head on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Tweedbank station

Borders Railway terminus; Eildon Hills, Melrose, Tweed Valley

42km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Lochcraig Head — common questions

How hard is Lochcraig Head?: Lochcraig Head is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 656m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: A well-defined path runs from the Tail Burn car park as far as Loch Skeen.
Where do I park for Lochcraig Head?: Standard parking is at NT161172 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 Lochcraig Head?: The standard good-weather months for Lochcraig Head 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 Lochcraig 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 Lochcraig Head?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable with views over the Moffat Hills.
Is Lochcraig Head safe in winter?: Cornices form readily along the rim above Loch Skeen and have given way more than once over the years; treat the edge as untouchable in snow. SAIS Southern Uplands forecasts the corries on the Moffat front face directly.