Marilyn · Galloway
Bengairn
Bengairn rises to 391m on the NX-grid coastal hills above Auchencairn Bay in the Stewartry. Paired with neighbouring Screel Hill, it forms one of the most popular short hill days in eastern Galloway.
Quick facts
- Height
- 391m/ 1283ft
- Grid ref
- NX 77061 54514
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 30km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · rough grassland 30% · rocky summit 10%
The standard line begins at the Screel forest car park east of Palnackie, climbing forest trails before breaking onto open ground for the final ridge. Three hours covers the rocky round across both summits.
Terrain
Forest path on the approach gives way to granite slabs, heather and gorse around the upper section. The summit ridge has scattered cairns and rock outcrops.
In winter
Sea breezes keep heavy snow rare, but glazed granite slabs become slippery in frost. A short ice axe is occasional comfort, more often unneeded.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 42m
- Edinburgh3h 22m
OS maps: OS Landranger 84, OS Explorer 312
Mobile signal: Moderate. Galloway; EE reasonable near Castle Douglas.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 21:56
- Civil dawn
- 03:39
- Civil dusk
- 22:53
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Bengairn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bengairn — common questions
- How hard is Bengairn?
- Bengairn is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest path on the approach gives way to granite slabs, heather and gorse around the upper section.
- When is the best time to climb Bengairn?
- The standard good-weather months for Bengairn 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 Bengairn?
- 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 Bengairn?
- Moderate. Galloway; EE reasonable near Castle Douglas.
- Is Bengairn safe in winter?
- Sea breezes keep heavy snow rare, but glazed granite slabs become slippery in frost. A short ice axe is occasional comfort, more often unneeded.
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