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
- 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%
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.
Best time of year
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
- Sunrise
- 05:22
- Sunset
- 21:27
- Civil dawn
- 04:35
- Civil dusk
- 22:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Craigenreoch on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
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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