Marilyn · Galloway
Criffel
Criffel is the unmistakable NX-grid landmark above the Solway, rising to 569m directly behind New Abbey and dominating the Nithsdale coastline. On a clear day the summit cairn looks across to Skiddaw and the northern Lake District fells.
Quick facts
- Height
- 569m/ 1867ft
- Grid ref
- NX 95727 61867
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 14km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 50% · granite outcrops 30% · grass slopes 20%
The classic ascent starts at Ardwall Mains or the Loch Kindar car park near New Abbey, climbing a rough but well-worn path through forestry onto open hillside. Allow three hours return; the upper slopes are steep but the views from Knockendoch make the work worthwhile.
Terrain
Eroded peaty path through plantation gives way to granite scree and bilberry on the upper cone. The descent line is loose after heavy rain.
In winter
Snow seldom lies long thanks to the Solway position, but ice forms on the granite slabs near the cairn. Wind off the firth makes the summit colder than expected.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 52m
- Edinburgh3h 51m
OS maps: OS Landranger 84, OS Explorer 313
Mobile signal: Good. Dumfriesshire; EE reliable on summit.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 21:55
- Civil dawn
- 03:38
- Civil dusk
- 22:53
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Criffel on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Criffel — common questions
- How hard is Criffel?
- Criffel is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Eroded peaty path through plantation gives way to granite scree and bilberry on the upper cone.
- When is the best time to climb Criffel?
- The standard good-weather months for Criffel 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 Criffel?
- 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 Criffel?
- Good. Dumfriesshire; EE reliable on summit.
- Is Criffel safe in winter?
- Snow seldom lies long thanks to the Solway position, but ice forms on the granite slabs near the cairn. Wind off the firth makes the summit colder than expected.
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