Marilyn · Galloway
Hill of Stake
Hill of Stake is the high point of the Renfrewshire Heights at NS27, a 522m moorland whaleback above Largs and Greenock. Its summit looks across the Firth of Clyde to Arran and back to the wind farms of the Muirshiel plateau.
Quick facts
- Height
- 522m/ 1713ft
- Prominence
- 486 m
- Grid ref
- NS 27359 62998
- Parking
- NS 247 722
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 32km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
blanket bog 50% · heather moorland 35% · grassy summit 15%
From Cornalees Bridge in Muirshiel Country Park follow the Greenock Cut path to Loch Thom, then strike south-west onto the open moor. A pathless slog over peat and bog leads to the trig point on the broad summit.
Terrain
Estate track for the first kilometre, then unrelenting peat hags and rough tussocky moor. Wet feet are guaranteed except in prolonged dry spells.
In winter
Mild Clyde climate but the peat plateau freezes hard and snow lies in the hags. Navigation across featureless moorland is the real winter challenge — compass essential.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 19m
- Edinburgh4h 4m
OS maps: OS Landranger 63, OS Explorer 341N
Mobile signal: Moderate. Renfrewshire Heights; EE intermittent.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:20
- Sunset
- 21:31
- Civil dawn
- 04:31
- Civil dusk
- 22:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Hill of Stake on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Hill of Stake — common questions
- How difficult is Hill of Stake?
- Hill of Stake carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate track for the first kilometre, then unrelenting peat hags and rough tussocky moor.
- How prominent is Hill of Stake?
- Hill of Stake has 486m 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.
- Where should I park to climb Hill of Stake?
- Standard parking is at NS 247 722. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When should I climb Hill of Stake?
- The standard good-weather months for Hill of Stake 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 Hill of Stake?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Hill of Stake?
- Moderate. Renfrewshire Heights; EE intermittent.
- Is Hill of Stake safe in winter?
- Mild Clyde climate but the peat plateau freezes hard and snow lies in the hags. Navigation across featureless moorland is the real winter challenge — compass essential.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.