How difficult is Dungavel Hill?

Dungavel Hill carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Hard-surfaced wind-farm roads ease most of the approach.

What is Dungavel Hill's prominence?

222m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Dungavel Hill to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.

Where do I park for Dungavel Hill?

Most walkers start from NS 939 318. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Dungavel Hill?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Dungavel Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.

Is Dungavel Hill dog-friendly?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Jim Barton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Galloway

Dungavel Hill

Dungavel Hill rises at NS94 above the village of Coalburn in South Lanarkshire, a 510m moorland summit overlooking the Douglas valley and the M74 corridor. The wind farms dotting its flanks underline its position on a windswept high plateau.

Quick facts

Height: 510m/ 1673ft
Prominence: 222 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NS 94282 30555
Parking: NS 939 318
Nearest city: Glasgow· 49km
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 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Start from the access road for Dungavel Wind Farm and follow the wide service tracks south onto the high moor. Leave the tracks for a short pathless walk over heather to the summit cairn.

Terrain

Hard-surfaced wind-farm roads ease most of the approach. The final summit section crosses tussocky heather and short peat hags.

In winter

Wind-farm tracks remain plough-cleared in winter for service access, making this a surprisingly reliable cold-weather objective. Watch for fast-moving rime ice on the turbines.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 40m
Edinburgh2h 37m

Parking: NS 939 318

OS maps: OS Landranger 71, OS Landranger 72, OS Explorer 335

Mobile signal: Good. East Ayrshire; EE reliable on summit — download offline maps as backup.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 46mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:17
Sunset: 21:26
Civil dawn: 04:28
Civil dusk: 22:14

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Dungavel Hill on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Glasgow Queen Street

West Highland Line southern terminus; Highland Main Line

49km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Dungavel Hill — common questions

How difficult is Dungavel Hill?: Dungavel Hill carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Hard-surfaced wind-farm roads ease most of the approach.
What is Dungavel Hill's prominence?: 222m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Dungavel Hill to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
Where do I park for Dungavel Hill?: Most walkers start from NS 939 318. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Dungavel Hill?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Dungavel Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
Is Dungavel Hill dog-friendly?: 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 Dungavel Hill?: Good. East Ayrshire; EE reliable on summit — download offline maps as backup.
Is Dungavel Hill safe in winter?: Wind-farm tracks remain plough-cleared in winter for service access, making this a surprisingly reliable cold-weather objective. Watch for fast-moving rime ice on the turbines.

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