How prominent is Craigenreoch?

Craigenreoch has 178m 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 Craigenreoch?

The standard good-weather months for Craigenreoch 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 Craigenreoch?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary

Photo: Trevor Littlewood / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Galloway

Craigenreoch

A 565m heather Marilyn at NX 33 north-east of Barrhill, sitting between the forests of Carrick and the wilds of the Stinchar valley. Craigenreoch holds 150m+ of clear prominence and surveys the Galloway Hills from a quieter angle.

Quick facts

Height: 565m/ 1854ft
Prominence: 178 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NX 33519 91078
Nearest city: Glasgow· 78km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

heather moorland 60% · boggy ground 25% · grassy summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Most parties start from the minor road south of Loch Bradan, climbing through Carrick Forest plantation breaks onto open hill. From the felled edge it is a tussocky pull east to the trig — allow 3 to 4 hours round trip.

Terrain

Forest rides, clear-felled ground and open heather; the upper slopes are firm but the felled sections demand careful foot placement among brash.

In winter

Sheltered behind the Carrick Forest tree-line; snow rarely settles for long. Short days and waterlogged felling are the real winter obstacles, not cold.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Craigenreoch. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS Southern Uplands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 59m
Edinburgh4h 11m

OS maps: OS Landranger 76, OS Explorer 317, OS Explorer 318

Mobile signal: Poor. All major carriers fail on this isolated Galloway summit.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 06mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:48
Sunset: 19:40
Civil dawn: 06:11
Civil dusk: 20:17

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Craigenreoch on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Ayr station

Ayrshire coast; Galloway approach via bus/car

31km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright

Galloway base — Solway coast, Galloway Forest, Mull of Galloway Trail

53km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Craigenreoch — common questions

How difficult is Craigenreoch?: Craigenreoch carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest rides, clear-felled ground and open heather; the upper slopes are firm but the felled sections demand careful foot placement among brash.
How prominent is Craigenreoch?: Craigenreoch has 178m 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 Craigenreoch?: The standard good-weather months for Craigenreoch 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 Craigenreoch?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Craigenreoch?: Poor. All major carriers fail on this isolated Galloway summit.
Is Craigenreoch safe in winter?: Sheltered behind the Carrick Forest tree-line; snow rarely settles for long. Short days and waterlogged felling are the real winter obstacles, not cold.

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