How hard is Fell Hill?

Fell Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tussock grass, deer-grass and patches of bog dominate the route.

When is the best time to climb Fell Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Fell 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 Fell Hill?

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

How hard is Fell Hill?

Fell Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tussock grass, deer-grass and patches of bog dominate the route.

When is the best time to climb Fell Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Fell 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 Fell Hill?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Galloway

Fell Hill

Fell Hill caps a 417m moor on the NX-grid plateau between St Johns Town of Dalry and the Water of Ken, a low Stewartry summit with a wide horizon. Its understated profile suits walkers seeking solitude over drama.

Quick facts

Height: 417m/ 1368ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NX 72198 84475
Nearest city: Dumfries· 27km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 65% · rough grassland 25% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Approach from the A702 north of St Johns Town of Dalry, taking the forestry edge before rising over coarse moorland to the cairn. Two and a half hours covers a steady round; the going is rough rather than steep.

Terrain

Tussock grass, deer-grass and patches of bog dominate the route. The summit itself is short heather with a small stone cairn.

In winter

Snow patches form in the hollows but rarely link up. The peaty hollows freeze unevenly, so trekking poles help with footing.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow2h 58m
Edinburgh3h 58m

OS maps: OS Landranger 77, OS Explorer 320

Mobile signal: Good. Dumfries and Galloway; EE reasonable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

19h 19mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:35
Sunset: 21:58
Civil dawn: 03:37
Civil dusk: 22:56

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Fell Hill 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

53km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Kirkcudbright

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

34km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Fell Hill — common questions

How hard is Fell Hill?: Fell Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tussock grass, deer-grass and patches of bog dominate the route.
When is the best time to climb Fell Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Fell 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 Fell 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 Fell Hill?: Good. Dumfries and Galloway; EE reasonable.
Is Fell Hill safe in winter?: Snow patches form in the hollows but rarely link up. The peaty hollows freeze unevenly, so trekking poles help with footing.

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