NS7224 : Path leading to the top of Cairn Table
Moderate hillwalk with very boggy sections

Cairn Table

593m Elevation
323m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NS7224 : Path leading to the top of Cairn Table

Colin Park Photo source

Overview

Cairn Table

Cairn Table is a 593 m hill above Muirkirk. The primary summit feature is the trig point at NS7243124224; a cairn about 40 m east may be equally high. The summit also has a prominent war memorial and a direction indicator.

Kames circuit

Begin at the walkers’ car park beside Kames Institute, NS696264. The approach crosses wet ground and follows the March Fence up The Steel. At the upper fork, a gradual track and a rougher direct path lead to the summit. Return to the fork, take the westward descent across the moor, then turn right onto the old Muirkirk–Sanquhar drove road. Follow it past the McAdam monument and Springhill ruins, turning right at Kames to return past the Institute.

Walkhighlands gives 8.75 km, 353 m ascent and 2.5–3 hours for the complete circuit. Boardwalks do not eliminate the boggy ground. Waymarker colours can differ from those on the information board; carry reliable navigation. This open hill can be cold and misty, and winter conditions need additional preparation.

Geology and heritage

British Geological Survey describes Devonian sandstone and conglomerate beneath Cairn Table. Views can extend to Arran and Ben Lomond when clear.

Historic Environment Scotland records two late Neolithic or early Bronze Age burial cairns on the summit. Stone from one was reused for the First World War memorial, erected in 1920. These are protected archaeological remains; leave their stones undisturbed.

Muirkirk is the relevant settlement for access and refreshments. Bus stops are about 1 km from the Kames start in the published guide, but current services and opening hours should be checked before travelling. Trailhead toilets were not verified.

Sources checked: 18 October 2026.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cairn Table from Kames, returning by the old drove road

Start at the walkers’ car park beside Kames Institute, NS696264. Follow the signed approach over wet ground, beside the March Fence and up The Steel. At the upper fork take the gradual track or the rougher direct path to the summit. Descend to that fork, turn left west across the moor to the old Muirkirk–Sanquhar drove road, then turn right towards Kames. Pass the McAdam monument and Springhill ruins, then turn right along the road past the Institute to the original car park. Walkhighlands gives 8.75 km, 353 m ascent and 2.5–3 hours for the whole circuit.

8.8 km Moderate hillwalk with very boggy sections
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Donald Dewey

Elevation

593m

1,946 ft

Prominence

323m

Coordinates

55.4951, -4.0209

NS724242

OS Map

71

Explorer: 328N

At the Summit

Trig point at NS7243124224, with a large war-memorial cairn and direction indicator nearby. The primary record notes that the cairn about 40 m east may be as high.

Terrain & Geology

Mainly grassy with rocky outcrops and wet areas particularly after rain.

Cairn Table is underlain by Devonian sandstones and conglomerates, identified by the British Geological Survey as forming high ground south of Muirkirk.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather the outlook includes the Isle of Arran to the west and Ben Lomond to the north, as well as surrounding moorland.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

The summit has two scheduled prehistoric burial cairns, dated by Historic Environment Scotland to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. One was robbed of stone for the First World War memorial, erected in 1920. Do not disturb the cairns.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Walkers’ car park beside Kames Institute, NS696264, on the southern side of Muirkirk. Use this documented start rather than New Cumnock.

Public Transport

The published walk starts about 1 km from bus stops in Muirkirk and has no public transport directly to the start. Check current services and the return timetable; the audit does not verify route numbers or frequency.

Nearby Facilities

The local Muirkirk walk guide identifies refreshments in Muirkirk. Current opening hours and toilets at the Kames trailhead were not verified; carry what you need.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The lower approach can be very boggy despite boardwalks and improved path sections.
  • Waymarker colours may not match the information-board map. The upper direct path and western return are rougher than the main track.
  • The open summit is exposed to poor visibility, wind and winter conditions; carry a map, compass and suitable clothing.

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

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cairn Table?

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

Are there other walkers around Cairn Table?

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 Cairn Table search or of course create your own walk for Cairn Table

Can I organise a walk to Cairn Table?

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 Cairn Table.

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 Cairn Table?

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.

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

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Location

Cairn Table location map

Grid reference: NS724242

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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