Is Ailsa Craig a hard climb?

Ailsa Craig is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Steep paved path on the lower hill, then rocky grass and granite scree to the top.

How much drop does Ailsa Craig have?

Ailsa Craig's prominence is its full height — 339m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Ailsa Craig?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Ailsa Craig. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.

Can dogs go up Ailsa Craig?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

By Gary Innes

Photo: John Ferguson / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Galloway

Ailsa Craig

Paddy's Milestone — a 339m granite plug at NX 01 rising sheer from the Firth of Clyde 16km off Girvan. Quarried for the world's curling stones and now a seabird reserve, Ailsa Craig is one of Scotland's most singular Marilyns.

Quick facts

Height: 339m/ 1112ft
Prominence: 339 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NX 01907 99833
Nearest city: Glasgow· 87km
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

bare granite 50% · maritime grassland 30% · seabird colony 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Reached by charter boat from Girvan harbour (book the MFV Glorious or similar). From the landing pier a stone-paved path climbs steeply past the lighthouse to the summit trig — allow 3 to 4 hours on the island including travel time on top.

Terrain

Steep paved path on the lower hill, then rocky grass and granite scree to the top. Cliffs all round demand respect, especially in seabird-nesting season.

In winter

Boat trips run April to September only — winter visits are essentially impossible. Even spring crossings depend on a settled Firth of Clyde forecast.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 44m
Edinburgh5h 18m

OS maps: OS Landranger 76, OS Explorer 317

Mobile signal: Poor. Ailsa Craig; boat trip from Girvan. No reliable coverage on island.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 41mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:24
Sunset: 21:30
Civil dawn: 04:36
Civil dusk: 22:17

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Ailsa Craig 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

39km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Brodick

Arran base — Goat Fell, Glen Rosa, the Arran ridge

36km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Ailsa Craig — common questions

Is Ailsa Craig a hard climb?: Ailsa Craig is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Steep paved path on the lower hill, then rocky grass and granite scree to the top.
How much drop does Ailsa Craig have?: Ailsa Craig's prominence is its full height — 339m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Ailsa Craig?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Ailsa Craig. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Ailsa Craig?: Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Ailsa Craig?: Poor. Ailsa Craig; boat trip from Girvan. No reliable coverage on island.
Is Ailsa Craig safe in winter?: Boat trips run April to September only — winter visits are essentially impossible. Even spring crossings depend on a settled Firth of Clyde forecast.

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