How hard is Ailsa Craig?

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

When is the best time to climb Ailsa Craig?

The standard good-weather months for Ailsa Craig are March, 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 Ailsa Craig?

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

How hard is Ailsa Craig?

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

When is the best time to climb Ailsa Craig?

The standard good-weather months for Ailsa Craig are March, 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 Ailsa Craig?

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

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
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NX 01907 99833
Nearest city: Glasgow· 87km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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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

19h 22mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:39
Sunset: 22:03
Civil dawn: 03:40
Civil dusk: 23:02

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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

How hard is Ailsa Craig?: Ailsa Craig is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep paved path on the lower hill, then rocky grass and granite scree to the top.
When is the best time to climb Ailsa Craig?: The standard good-weather months for Ailsa Craig are March, 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 Ailsa Craig?: 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 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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