Marilyn · Galloway
Cairnkinna Hill
Cairnkinna Hill reaches 554m on the NS-grid Nithsdale uplands north-west of Thornhill, an underused Dumfriesshire summit close to the Scaur Water. Its open aspect repays the walker with views over to Queensberry and the Lowthers.
Quick facts
- Height
- 554m/ 1818ft
- Grid ref
- NS 79101 01857
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 32km
- 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%
Start from Penpont or the back lanes towards Tynron and follow estate tracks before breaking out onto the open hill. Two and a half to four hours covers the walk; the upper slopes are pathless but firm.
Terrain
Sheep-cropped pasture and broken heather with a band of scree around the upper crag. Drainage is reasonable for the area.
In winter
A reliable winter walk that stays under most snow lines. The exposed summit ridge catches the prevailing wind, so a wind-shell matters more than crampons.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 42m
- Edinburgh3h 30m
OS maps: OS Landranger 78, OS Explorer 329
Mobile signal: Good. Dumfriesshire; EE reliable — Vodafone also gives a signal here.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 21:59
- Civil dawn
- 03:35
- Civil dusk
- 22:58
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Cairnkinna Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cairnkinna Hill — common questions
- How hard is Cairnkinna Hill?
- Cairnkinna Hill is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Sheep-cropped pasture and broken heather with a band of scree around the upper crag.
- When is the best time to climb Cairnkinna Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Cairnkinna 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 Cairnkinna 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 Cairnkinna Hill?
- Good. Dumfriesshire; EE reliable — Vodafone also gives a signal here.
- Is Cairnkinna Hill safe in winter?
- A reliable winter walk that stays under most snow lines. The exposed summit ridge catches the prevailing wind, so a wind-shell matters more than crampons.
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.