Marilyn · Galloway
Pibble Hill
A 383m coastal Marilyn at NX 53 north of Creetown, named after the abandoned Pibble lead mine on its eastern flank. The summit looks across Wigtown Bay to the Machars peninsula.
Quick facts
- Height
- 383m/ 1257ft
- Grid ref
- NX 53384 60513
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 47km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · boggy ground 20% · grassy summit 15%
Start from the minor road at Knockeans and follow the old mine track north before turning west onto the open hill. The trig sits at the highest point of a broad ridge — 2.5 hours return.
Terrain
Mine tracks underfoot for the first part, then heather and short grass. The old mine workings are fenced — keep clear of shafts.
In winter
Coastal position keeps Pibble snow-free for most winters. Wind off the Solway is the main weather concern.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 26m
- Edinburgh4h 54m
OS maps: OS Landranger 83, OS Explorer 312
Mobile signal: Poor. Dead zone for all networks on this remote Galloway summit.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 21:58
- Civil dawn
- 03:40
- Civil dusk
- 22:55
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Pibble Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Pibble Hill — common questions
- How hard is Pibble Hill?
- Pibble Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mine tracks underfoot for the first part, then heather and short grass.
- When is the best time to climb Pibble Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Pibble 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 Pibble 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 Pibble Hill?
- Poor. Dead zone for all networks on this remote Galloway summit.
- Is Pibble Hill safe in winter?
- Coastal position keeps Pibble snow-free for most winters. Wind off the Solway is the main weather concern.
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