Marilyn · Galloway
Bainloch Hill
Bainloch Hill stands at 287m on the NX-grid coastal uplands above Sandyhills, a small Stewartry summit close to the Solway shore. The proximity to the sea gives views that feel disproportionate to the modest height.
Quick facts
- Height
- 287m/ 942ft
- Prominence
- 189 m
- Grid ref
- NX 89349 57090
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 21km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · rough grassland 25% · boggy ground 10%
Park near the A710 between Colvend and Sandyhills and follow forest rides up through Dalbeattie Forest blocks before emerging onto the open knoll. Around two hours covers the loop.
Terrain
Conifer plantation rides with rough underfoot conditions, opening onto a heather and grass summit with granite tors nearby.
In winter
The mild Solway climate keeps the hill almost always snow-free. Damp leaf-litter in the plantations is the most common slip hazard.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 50m
- Edinburgh3h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 84, OS Explorer 313
Mobile signal: Minimal. EE registers nothing on this remote Galloway hill; nearest coverage near Newton Stewart.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:20
- Sunset
- 21:22
- Civil dawn
- 04:33
- Civil dusk
- 22:09
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Bainloch Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bainloch Hill — common questions
- What difficulty is Bainloch Hill?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Bainloch Hill comes in at 1/5 — easy. Ground conditions: Conifer plantation rides with rough underfoot conditions, opening onto a heather and grass summit with granite tors nearby.
- How much drop does Bainloch Hill have?
- The drop is 189m: measured from the summit of Bainloch Hill down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb Bainloch Hill?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Bainloch Hill. 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 Bainloch Hill?
- 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 Bainloch Hill?
- Minimal. EE registers nothing on this remote Galloway hill; nearest coverage near Newton Stewart.
- Is Bainloch Hill safe in winter?
- The mild Solway climate keeps the hill almost always snow-free. Damp leaf-litter in the plantations is the most common slip hazard.
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