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 the OutdoorSCOT editor

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 only by boat from Girvan — there is no scheduled ferry, so book a trip with a Girvan boat operator and confirm that it lands walkers. From the landing by the lighthouse, climb steeply to the summit trig; allow 3 to 4 hours on the island.

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

Landings depend on calm water in the Firth of Clyde, and boat trips are seasonal — check with the operator before planning a visit outside the summer months.

Kit for this: the winter Munro kit list · which boots take crampons

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Ailsa Craig. 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

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

10h 53mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 07:16
Sunset: 16:53
Civil dawn: 06:38
Civil dusk: 17:31

NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 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?: Landings depend on calm water in the Firth of Clyde, and boat trips are seasonal — check with the operator before planning a visit outside the summer months.

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