How hard is Queensberry?

Queensberry is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 572m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Rush-strewn pasture turns to dry moss above the in-bye.

Where do I park for Queensberry?

Standard parking is at NS914083 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 Queensberry?

The standard good-weather months for Queensberry 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 Queensberry?

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

How hard is Queensberry?

Queensberry is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 572m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Rush-strewn pasture turns to dry moss above the in-bye.

Where do I park for Queensberry?

Standard parking is at NS914083 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 Queensberry?

The standard good-weather months for Queensberry 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 Queensberry?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Eric Hardman / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Donald · Southern Uplands

Queensberry

Queensberry is the tallest hill of the eastern Lowther group above Thornhill — the seat from which the Douglas Earls of Queensberry took their title. A handsome conical cairn caps the summit and the view sweeps from Tinto south to the Solway and east across Annandale.

Quick facts

Height: 697.1m/ 2287ft
Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 572 m
Time: 3–6 hrs
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NX989997
Parking: NS914083
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 75% · heather slopes 15% · summit plateau 10%

13km · 572m ascent · 3.6 hrs

The shortest line is from the road end at Mitchellslacks above Closeburn, climbing rough pasture to Loch Ettrick before tackling the steep south-west shoulder direct. The southerly approach via Penbreck offers a longer but more shapely day.

Terrain

Rush-strewn pasture turns to dry moss above the in-bye. The summit cone has a faint cairn-to-cairn trail worn in by regular visitors. Bog above the loch needs care after rain.

In winter

Its conspicuous height above the Nith valley exposes it to all wind quarters — easterly snow showers off the Solway often coat this hill while neighbouring Lowther stays bare. Limited shelter; a brimmed hat is worth its weight on a freezing day.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 49m
Edinburgh2h 53m

Parking: NS914083

OS maps: OS Landranger 78

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine views to Solway Firth.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 48mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:42
Sunset: 21:42
Civil dawn: 03:48
Civil dusk: 22:36

NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026

Got a photo of Queensberry?

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 Queensberry on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright

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

58km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Queensberry — common questions

How hard is Queensberry?: Queensberry is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 572m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Rush-strewn pasture turns to dry moss above the in-bye.
Where do I park for Queensberry?: Standard parking is at NS914083 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 Queensberry?: The standard good-weather months for Queensberry 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 Queensberry?: 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 Queensberry?: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine views to Solway Firth.
Is Queensberry safe in winter?: Its conspicuous height above the Nith valley exposes it to all wind quarters — easterly snow showers off the Solway often coat this hill while neighbouring Lowther stays bare. Limited shelter; a brimmed hat is worth its weight on a freezing day.