Donald · Borders
Molls Cleuch Dod
Molls Cleuch Dod is the quiet linking top between Lochcraig Head and Firthybrig on the inner Moffat watershed. A modest cairn sits beside the old march wall that runs east into the headwaters of the Talla Water. It sees a fraction of the visitors that pass through, despite being entirely on the way.
Quick facts
- Height
- 785m/ 2575ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 644 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NT151179
- Parking
- NT156173
- 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%
Most pick it up as part of a White Coomb–Lochcraig Head round from the Grey Mare's Tail. A more solitary alternative comes up the Cleuch itself from Talla Reservoir, climbing rough grass slopes onto the col.
Terrain
Cropped sheep pasture and pale moss over the whole watershed; the old wall offers a continuous handrail. Spongy ground in hollows but generally drier than the Galloway hills.
In winter
Wind-scoured in midwinter — often more ice than snow on the wall stones. The wide col can hold drifts that disguise the line of the wall. Pop a torch in the sack; the days are short.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 44m
- Edinburgh1h 21m
OS maps: OS Landranger 79
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands watershed viewpoint.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:40
- Sunset
- 21:42
- Civil dawn
- 03:45
- Civil dusk
- 22:37
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Around Molls Cleuch Dod on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Molls Cleuch Dod — common questions
- How hard is Molls Cleuch Dod?
- Molls Cleuch Dod is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 644m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: Cropped sheep pasture and pale moss over the whole watershed; the old wall offers a continuous handrail.
- Where do I park for Molls Cleuch Dod?
- Standard parking is at NT156173 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 Molls Cleuch Dod?
- The standard good-weather months for Molls Cleuch Dod 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 Molls Cleuch Dod?
- 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 Molls Cleuch Dod?
- Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Southern Uplands watershed viewpoint.
- Is Molls Cleuch Dod safe in winter?
- Wind-scoured in midwinter — often more ice than snow on the wall stones. The wide col can hold drifts that disguise the line of the wall. Pop a torch in the sack; the days are short.