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Donald · Southern Uplands

Lowther Hill

Topped by the famous radar 'golf ball', this is the highest hill in the Lowther range and the easiest big hill in the Southern Uplands — there is a tarmac access road to the summit.

Quick facts

Height
725m/ 2378ft
Distance
7 km
Ascent
320 m
Time
2.5 hrs
Difficulty
1 / 5
Grid ref
NS890107
Parking
ML12 6UT
Nearest city
Dumfries

Standard route

From Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland. Either follow the Southern Upland Way or simply walk the access road to the summit.

Terrain

Tarmac road option for the lazy. Path option through grass and heather.

In winter

The radar station road is gritted in winter — one of the few hills you can do in trainers in February.

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Getting there

  • Glasgow1h 15m
  • Edinburgh1h 15m

OS maps: OS Explorer 329