Banks

Banks

Banks Group Walks | Join a Walk

246m Elevation
54m Prominence
England Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

200-299m Tump

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Banks together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

246m

807 ft

Prominence

54m

Coordinates

54.7407, -3.0097

NY350388

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a charming stone cairn and a trig point that invites hikers to pause and contemplate their achievements — and perhaps catch their breath!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops; the path can be boggy in parts so waterproof boots are advisable.

The mountain is primarily composed of sedimentary rock, with plenty of sandstone and shale formations, indicative of its ancient geological history. This setting makes for some unique landscapes and a rich variety of flora.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, dotted with picturesque farms, and on a clear day, even catch sight of the distant peaks of the Lake District.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Banks' is thought to derive from the Old Norse word for hill or mound, reflecting its prominent position in the landscape.

Historical Significance

The area is rich in history, with ancient burial sites and remnants of early agricultural practices dotted around the foothills.

Popular Routes

Banks Hill Trail

Moderate

A popular circular route that takes you through lush woodlands and onto the summit, providing a well-defined path that rewards hikers with magnificent views all around.

6.5 km 2.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking area is at the village of Auldgirth, which provides ample space for vehicles and is well signposted.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Dumfries to Auldgirth, making it accessible for those using public transport.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, the village of Auldgirth has a quaint pub where you can grab a bite after your hike, and Dumfries offers further amenities including cafes and shops.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery sections if it has rained recently, as well as changes in weather that can occur unexpectedly in the UK.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Banks?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Banks through the maps

Are there other walkers around Banks?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Banks search or of course create your own walk for Banks

Can I organise a walk to Banks?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Banks.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Banks?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Banks here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible