Marilyn · Galloway
Bishop Forest Hill
Bishop Forest Hill caps a 393m wooded ridge on the NX-grid divide between the Cairn and Old Water valleys in Dumfriesshire. The patchwork of plantation and moor around the summit gives a distinctive feel.
Quick facts
- Height
- 393m/ 1289ft
- Prominence
- 177 m
- Grid ref
- NX 84911 79636
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 13km
- 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 60% · rough grassland 30% · grassy summit 10%
From the back road near Dunscore, follow forestry rides up through clearings to reach the open crown. Two hours allows a steady round; navigation through felled blocks needs attention.
Terrain
Forestry tracks and clearings dominate the approach, with short moorland on the summit cap. Felled debris can be awkward in places.
In winter
Wind-throw and frozen brash are more of a hazard than snow. The plantation provides shelter but also unpredictable footing after a thaw.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 17m
- Edinburgh3h 43m
OS maps: OS Landranger 84, OS Explorer 321
Mobile signal: Good. Dumfriesshire; EE and Vodafone reliable. Good signal on summit.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:20
- Sunset
- 21:24
- Civil dawn
- 04:32
- Civil dusk
- 22:11
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Bishop Forest Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bishop Forest Hill — common questions
- How hard is Bishop Forest Hill?
- We grade Bishop Forest Hill at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Forestry tracks and clearings dominate the approach, with short moorland on the summit cap.
- How prominent is Bishop Forest Hill?
- Bishop Forest Hill has 177m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Bishop Forest Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Bishop Forest Hill 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 Bishop Forest Hill?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Bishop Forest Hill?
- Good. Dumfriesshire; EE and Vodafone reliable. Good signal on summit.
- Is Bishop Forest Hill safe in winter?
- Wind-throw and frozen brash are more of a hazard than snow. The plantation provides shelter but also unpredictable footing after a thaw.
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