Marilyn · Galloway
Woodhead Hill
Woodhead Hill reaches just 259m on the NX-grid Urr Water uplands east of Dalbeattie, a tiny Dumfriesshire Marilyn that earns its status through prominence rather than altitude. The setting amid mixed farmland is gentle and pastoral.
Quick facts
- Height
- 259.5m/ 851ft
- Grid ref
- NX 92760 71302
- Nearest city
- Dumfries· 7km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · rough grassland 30% · grassy summit 10%
From the B794 north of Dalbeattie, follow farm access tracks past Woodhead before climbing pasture and gorse to the small cairn. An hour and a half is enough for the round.
Terrain
Improved pasture and gorse on the lower slopes, short heather and turf at the summit. Field boundaries dominate the early route.
In winter
Snow is essentially absent in most winters here. Boggy field corners and frozen stiles are the only seasonal hazards.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 37m
- Edinburgh3h 42m
OS maps: OS Landranger 84, OS Explorer 313
Mobile signal: Good. Dumfriesshire; solid EE signal. Good coverage near the Nith valley.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 21:56
- Civil dawn
- 03:37
- Civil dusk
- 22:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Woodhead Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Woodhead Hill — common questions
- How hard is Woodhead Hill?
- Woodhead Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Improved pasture and gorse on the lower slopes, short heather and turf at the summit.
- When is the best time to climb Woodhead Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Woodhead 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 Woodhead 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 Woodhead Hill?
- Good. Dumfriesshire; solid EE signal. Good coverage near the Nith valley.
- Is Woodhead Hill safe in winter?
- Snow is essentially absent in most winters here. Boggy field corners and frozen stiles are the only seasonal hazards.
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