How hard is Moorbrock Hill?

Moorbrock Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Long approach through deep heather and broken peat.

Where do I park for Moorbrock Hill?

Standard parking is at NX614992 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 Moorbrock Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Moorbrock 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 Moorbrock Hill?

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

How hard is Moorbrock Hill?

Moorbrock Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Long approach through deep heather and broken peat.

Where do I park for Moorbrock Hill?

Standard parking is at NX614992 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 Moorbrock Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Moorbrock 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 Moorbrock 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: Chris Wimbush / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Donald · Southern Uplands

Moorbrock Hill

Moorbrock Hill rises east of the Cairnsmore of Carsphairn group, looking down on the Water of Ken and across to Windy Standard's wind turbines. A patch of bare peaty ground marks the highest spot on a long heathery whaleback.

Quick facts

Height: 651.4m/ 2137ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 534 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NX620983
Parking: NX614992
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

heather moorland 60% · grass moorland 30% · rocky summit 10%

13km · 534m ascent · 3.5 hrs

From the Carsphairn road, take the Brockloch track east and follow open heather onto the ridge. About 13km return with 520m of climb. About 13 km, 534 m of ascent, allow 3.5 hours.

Terrain

Long approach through deep heather and broken peat. The ridge itself firms up into close-cropped grass.

In winter

Wind drives snow off the windward face and piles it deep against the boundary wall on the south flank. SAIS Southern Uplands occasionally flags drift slab here.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 36m
Edinburgh2h 6m

Parking: NX614992

OS maps: OS Landranger 77

Mobile signal: Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; coverage limited in central Galloway.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 48mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:45
Sunset: 21:44
Civil dawn: 03:50
Civil dusk: 22:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Got a photo of Moorbrock Hill?

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 Moorbrock Hill on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Ayr station

Ayrshire coast; Galloway approach via bus/car

37km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright

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

48km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Moorbrock Hill — common questions

How hard is Moorbrock Hill?: Moorbrock Hill is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 534m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Long approach through deep heather and broken peat.
Where do I park for Moorbrock Hill?: Standard parking is at NX614992 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 Moorbrock Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Moorbrock 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 Moorbrock 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 Moorbrock Hill?: Moderate. EE intermittent on summit; coverage limited in central Galloway.
Is Moorbrock Hill safe in winter?: Wind drives snow off the windward face and piles it deep against the boundary wall on the south flank. SAIS Southern Uplands occasionally flags drift slab here.