Marilyn · Galloway
Knockdolian
A 265m volcanic cone at NX 11 above the village of Colmonell in the Stinchar valley. Locally called the False Craig because, seen from sea, it can be mistaken for Ailsa Craig — Knockdolian rises in a distinctive pyramid above the Stinchar.
Quick facts
- Height
- 265m/ 869ft
- Prominence
- 202 m
- Grid ref
- NX 11333 84804
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 94km
- 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
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Standard route
grass slopes 55% · heather 30% · rocky summit 15%
From the minor road at Knockdolian farm, ask permission then follow the field track south-east before tackling the steep grass and bracken slope direct to the summit. Short but steep — under 90 minutes return.
Terrain
Field tracks then steep grass and bracken. Rocky crowning ground at the top gives clean Firth of Clyde views.
In winter
Coastal hill that almost never holds snow. The steep grass becomes slick in wet weather — pick a dry day.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 39m
- Edinburgh5h 3m
OS maps: OS Landranger 76, OS Explorer 317
Mobile signal: Moderate. South Ayrshire coast; EE reasonable.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:24
- Sunset
- 21:29
- Civil dawn
- 04:37
- Civil dusk
- 22:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Knockdolian on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Knockdolian — common questions
- Is Knockdolian a hard climb?
- Knockdolian is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Field tracks then steep grass and bracken.
- How prominent is Knockdolian?
- Knockdolian has 202m 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 Knockdolian?
- The standard good-weather months for Knockdolian 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 Knockdolian?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Knockdolian?
- Moderate. South Ayrshire coast; EE reasonable.
- Is Knockdolian safe in winter?
- Coastal hill that almost never holds snow. The steep grass becomes slick in wet weather — pick a dry day.
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