How difficult is Moorbrock Hill?

Moorbrock Hill carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 534m of ascent and a 3-6 hour day on the standard route. Underfoot: Long approach through deep heather and broken peat.

What is Moorbrock Hill's prominence?

113m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Moorbrock Hill to the next higher ground.

Where do I park for Moorbrock Hill?

Most walkers start from NX614992. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Moorbrock Hill?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Moorbrock Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.

Is Moorbrock Hill dog-friendly?

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

By Gary

Photo: Chris Wimbush / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Prominence: 113 m
Distance: ~13 km
Ascent: ~534 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NX620983
Parking: NX614992
Nearest city: Dumfries· 42km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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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.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Moorbrock Hill. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS Southern Uplands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 36m
Edinburgh2h 6m

Parking: NX614992

OS maps: OS Landranger 77

Mobile signal: Mixed. EE sporadic up top; coverage limited in central Galloway.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 02mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:48
Sunset: 19:36
Civil dawn: 06:11
Civil dusk: 20:13

NOAA Solar Calculator · 15 September 2026

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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

Before you go

Hillwalking carries real risk and the responsibility for any day on the hill is yours. Conditions in Scotland change fast and can differ sharply from the forecast — check the weather and the ground before you commit, turn back when the day stops working, and carry map and compass with the ability to use them rather than relying on a phone.

The distance, ascent and time shown on this page are editorial estimates for the usual line, not measurements from a recorded track — that is what the ~ means. Treat them as a rough shape of the day. Your own pace, the conditions and the exact line you take will all move them.

Mountain forecasts: MWIS and the Met Office mountain forecast. Access rights and responsibilities are set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

We check what we publish, but we cannot check the route on the day you walk it. Nothing here is a substitute for your own judgement.

Moorbrock Hill — common questions

How difficult is Moorbrock Hill?: Moorbrock Hill carries a 3/5 (moderately challenging) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Count on about 13km, 534m of ascent and a 3-6 hour day on the standard route. Underfoot: Long approach through deep heather and broken peat.
What is Moorbrock Hill's prominence?: 113m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Moorbrock Hill to the next higher ground.
Where do I park for Moorbrock Hill?: Most walkers start from NX614992. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Moorbrock Hill?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November give the most reliable conditions on Moorbrock Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
Is Moorbrock Hill dog-friendly?: 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?: Mixed. EE sporadic up top; 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.

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