NX5356 : Cambret Hill to Cairnharrow Hill

Cairnharrow

457m Elevation
305m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NX5356 : Cambret Hill to Cairnharrow Hill

Andy Farrington Photo source

Explore routes near Cairnharrow

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Kilsture Forest Woodpecker Trail

2 km ~1h Moderate

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Kirroughtree Little Bruntis Lochs and Woodland Trail

4.4 km ~2h Moderate

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Kirkcudbright Harbour to Barrhill Woods Circuit

3.3 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Knockman Wood Cairn and Woodland Trail

4.7 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Cairnharrow from Kircudbright

A scenic route starting from Kircudbright that winds its way through lush farmland and gradually ascends the slopes of Cairnharrow.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Cairnharrow from A712

This route offers a straightforward ascent starting from the A712 road, making it accessible for most walkers.

4 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

457m

1,498 ft

Prominence

305m

Coordinates

54.8781, -4.2875

NX533561

OS Map

83

Explorer: 312

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and offers a trig point for navigation, which is ideal for those who enjoy the finer points of geography or want to impress their friends with their trigonometrical skills.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with intermittent rocky sections particularly near the summit.

Cairnharrow is primarily composed of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, with the summit region featuring mixed heather and grass, creating a picturesque landscape upon its summit. The underlying geology tells tales of ancient volcanic activity, adding a layer of geological intrigue.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Solway Firth, the Galloway Hills, and on a clear day, even the Lake District mountains to the south.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Cairnharrow is derived from the Gaelic for ‘hill of the cairn’, nodding to its historical significance with the presence of ancient burial cairns in the area.

Historical Significance

Traditionally, Cairnharrow has been a landmark for shepherds and walkers in the region, symbolising the intersection of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park near the starting point on the A712 road that can accommodate several vehicles.

Public Transport

Buses run from nearby towns, but your best bet is to check the local schedules, as they can be less frequent on weekends.

Nearby Facilities

Kircudbright offers various facilities, including local cafes, shops, and public toilets—perfect for a pre-hike coffee fix or a post-hike treat.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for wet and slippery conditions, especially in spring. There are also occasional livestock in the fields, so be mindful while crossing.

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 Cairnharrow?

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

Are there other walkers around Cairnharrow?

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 Cairnharrow search or of course create your own walk for Cairnharrow

Can I organise a walk to Cairnharrow?

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 Cairnharrow.

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 Cairnharrow?

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 Cairnharrow 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NX533561

View on OpenStreetMap

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