Marilyn · Galloway
Brown Carrick Hill
Rising abruptly from the Carrick coast at NS 28 just south of Ayr, this 287m hill commands the Heads of Ayr skyline. Brown Carrick is a local favourite for its sweeping Firth of Clyde panorama out to Arran and Ailsa Craig.
Quick facts
- Height
- 287.6m/ 944ft
- Grid ref
- NS 28361 15949
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 58km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%
Start from the minor road crossing the northern flank and follow the mast track south-west onto the summit ridge in around 45 minutes. The grassy top carries a trig point beside the broadcast mast — return the same way or extend west along the ridge toward Dunure.
Terrain
Short coastal grass on the upper slopes with gorse and bracken lower down. A vehicle track to the mast makes the line obvious in any weather.
In winter
Mild Firth of Clyde air keeps snow accumulation negligible — frost-burned grass is the usual winter face. The mast track stays usable year-round so short daylight is the main limit.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 40m
- Edinburgh4h 11m
OS maps: OS Landranger 70, OS Explorer 326N, OS Explorer 326S
Mobile signal: Good. South Ayrshire; EE reliable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:36
- Sunset
- 22:03
- Civil dawn
- 03:37
- Civil dusk
- 23:02
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Brown Carrick Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Brown Carrick Hill — common questions
- How hard is Brown Carrick Hill?
- Brown Carrick Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Short coastal grass on the upper slopes with gorse and bracken lower down.
- When is the best time to climb Brown Carrick Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Brown Carrick 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 Brown Carrick Hill?
- 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 Brown Carrick Hill?
- Good. South Ayrshire; EE reliable.
- Is Brown Carrick Hill safe in winter?
- Mild Firth of Clyde air keeps snow accumulation negligible — frost-burned grass is the usual winter face. The mast track stays usable year-round so short daylight is the main limit.
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