How hard is Cairn Pat?

Cairn Pat is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Surfaced forest track throughout to within metres of the trig.

When is the best time to climb Cairn Pat?

The standard good-weather months for Cairn Pat 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 Pat?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How hard is Cairn Pat?

Cairn Pat is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Surfaced forest track throughout to within metres of the trig.

When is the best time to climb Cairn Pat?

The standard good-weather months for Cairn Pat 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 Pat?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Raibeart MacAoidh / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Galloway

Cairn Pat

A 182m Iron Age hillfort summit at NX 04 above Lochans south of Stranraer. Cairn Pat is the highest point of the southern Rhinns and was crowned by a substantial prehistoric fort whose ramparts still ring the top.

Quick facts

Height: 182m/ 597ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NX 04433 56351
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 55% · rough grassland 35% · rocky summit 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park at the forestry car park east of Lochans and follow the waymarked path through the trees to the open summit. Around 45 minutes round trip on a well-made track.

Terrain

Surfaced forest track throughout to within metres of the trig. Short grass on the summit ramparts.

In winter

Sub-200m Rhinns hill that effectively never sees snow. The maintained track is usable in any conditions.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 18m
Edinburgh6h 34m

OS maps: OS Landranger 82, OS Explorer 309N

Mobile signal: Moderate. Wigtownshire; reasonable coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 14mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:41
Sunset: 22:00
Civil dawn: 03:44
Civil dusk: 22:58

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Cairn Pat — common questions

How hard is Cairn Pat?: Cairn Pat is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Surfaced forest track throughout to within metres of the trig.
When is the best time to climb Cairn Pat?: The standard good-weather months for Cairn Pat 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 Pat?: 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 Pat?: Moderate. Wigtownshire; reasonable coverage.
Is Cairn Pat safe in winter?: Sub-200m Rhinns hill that effectively never sees snow. The maintained track is usable in any conditions.

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