Marilyn · Galloway
Cairn Hill
Cairn Hill sits at 451m on the NS-grid moorlands between Muirkirk and Crawfordjohn, straddling the Lanarkshire-Ayrshire boundary. The Gaelic-rooted name marks its summit cairn, an obvious waypoint on otherwise rolling ground.
Quick facts
- Height
- 451m/ 1480ft
- Grid ref
- NS 85190 07029
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 33km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 30% · rocky summit 10%
Approach from the B743 near Glenbuck or the wind-farm tracks at Hare Hill, gaining height steadily over grass and heather. Two to three hours allows time to enjoy the broad summit and surrounding panorama.
Terrain
Cropped sheep ground at lower levels gives way to short heather and grass moor near the cairn. Drainage is generally good thanks to slope angle.
In winter
A reliable winter option; snow rarely sits and the wind-farm access roads remain navigable. Wind chill on the open top is the main concern.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 45m
- Edinburgh2h 14m
OS maps: OS Landranger 71, OS Landranger 78, OS Explorer 329
Mobile signal: Good. South Lanarkshire/East Ayrshire; EE reasonable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 21:59
- Civil dawn
- 03:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Cairn Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cairn Hill — common questions
- How hard is Cairn Hill?
- Cairn Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Cropped sheep ground at lower levels gives way to short heather and grass moor near the cairn.
- When is the best time to climb Cairn Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Hill?
- Good. South Lanarkshire/East Ayrshire; EE reasonable.
- Is Cairn Hill safe in winter?
- A reliable winter option; snow rarely sits and the wind-farm access roads remain navigable. Wind chill on the open top is the main concern.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.