Craignell

478m Elevation
228m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

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

Route planning notes

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

Craignell Circuit

A circular route starting from the foot of the hill, offering scenic views as you ascend.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

478m

1,567 ft

Prominence

228m

Coordinates

55.0491, -4.3338

NX510752

OS Map

77

Explorer: 319

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a small stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for a selfie with the stunning backdrop.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes with some patches of heather that add a splash of colour.

Craignell is primarily composed of granite, with occasional outcrops of schist. The rocky terrain speaks to its ancient origins, having been shaped by glacial processes that carved the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the impressive coastline of the Solway Firth and the distant peaks of the Galloway Hills.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Craignell' comes from the Scottish Gaelic 'Creag na n-Eala', meaning 'rock of the swans'.

Historical Significance

Local lore has it that the mountain was a lookout point for ancient clans, keeping watch over their territories.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at NX500745, capable of accommodating 4-5 cars. Arrive early as it fills quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

Buses run regularly from nearby towns like Newton Stewart to the village of Broughton, with a bit of a walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest café is located in Newton Stewart, which provides a lovely spot to refuel after your hike. Toilets are located at the park's visitor center.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks, especially after rain. The weather can change unexpectedly, so pack a waterproof jacket.

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 Craignell?

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

Are there other walkers around Craignell?

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 Craignell search or of course create your own walk for Craignell

Can I organise a walk to Craignell?

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 Craignell.

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 Craignell?

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 Craignell 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: NX510752

View on OpenStreetMap

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