Criffel
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Criffel
Criffel is a 569 m hill near New Abbey in Dumfries and Galloway, rising above the Solway coast. It is a Marilyn and is distinct from the lower namesake in the Ettrick Hills.
Routes
The Ardwall out-and-back and longer New Abbey–Knockendoch circuit both have defined returns to their starting car parks. Their distances, ascent and duration ranges are set out in the route descriptions. Do not apply the full circuit’s figures to a shortened woodland start.
Summit and views
The trig point is the recorded summit feature. Douglas’s Cairn to its northeast and nearby ground to the southwest may be equally high. In clear conditions, the outlook includes the Nith estuary, Solway Firth and northern Lakeland.
Geology and landscape
The hill is associated with the Early Devonian Criffel-Dalbeattie intrusive complex of granite and granodiorite. This is not evidence for exposed lava flows. Forestry on the eastern slopes gives way to open upland terrain.
Walking conditions and access
The improved Ardwall path still involves a steep ascent. The New Abbey circuit adds a rougher, sometimes boggy ridge link and livestock fields near Loch Kindar. Prepare for changing weather and poor visibility. Use the named car parks and respect local operational signs on the shared farm and forest approaches.
New Abbey is the local settlement for transport and visitor facilities. Check current bus services and opening arrangements; do not assume facilities at the hill. The name’s origin remains unverified in this review.
Explore routes near Criffel
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Mabie Forest Dalshinnie Glen and Loch
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Dalbeattie Forest Plantain Loch Trail
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Rockcliffe to Kippford Jubilee Path and Waterfront
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Doach Wood Douglas Trail and Solway Viewpoint
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Criffel from Ardwall, returning the same way
Start and finish at Ardwall car park (NX970634). Cross through the signed kissing gate, follow the waymarked forest approach beside Craigrockall Burn and cross the forestry tracks. Climb the constructed zigzag path to Douglas’s Cairn and the adjacent trig point, then retrace the entire ascent to the car park. Published full-return figures are 5.5 km and 506 m ascent; allow 2–3 hours. Short but steep.
Criffel and Knockendoch circuit from New Abbey
Start and finish at Sweetheart Abbey car park (NX964663). Follow the village lane to the wooden bridge, take the Loch Kindar branch across fields, then join the forest tracks and Craigrockall Burn ascent to Criffel. Return from the summit fork along the rougher, sometimes boggy ridge path to Knockendoch; descend north through the forestry, regain the wooden bridge and follow the lane back to New Abbey. Published whole-circuit figures are 12.5 km and 607 m ascent; allow 4.5–5.5 hours. Expect livestock near Loch Kindar.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
569m
1,867 ft
Prominence
489m
Coordinates
54.9406, -3.6293
NX957618
OS Map
84
Explorer: 313
At the Summit
The recorded summit feature is the trig point. DoBIH notes that Douglas’s Cairn 45 m northeast and ground 20 m southwest may be equally high.
Terrain & Geology
Criffel belongs to the intrusive Criffel-Dalbeattie granite and granodiorite complex, rather than a landscape of surface lava flows. BGS assigns the pluton to the Emsian stage of the Early Devonian. The precise rock phase at the summit has not been established here.
Views & Scenery
Views over Loch Kindar, the Nith estuary and Solway Firth, with the northern Lake District fells visible across the water in clear conditions.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
A reliable meaning of the name has not been established from the reviewed sources.
Historical Significance
Criffel’s east-side forest was first planted in the 1950s. The published land-management plan records a longstanding, locally important hill path with core-path status through the forestry to the open hill.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Ardwall car park is the start of the short return route; the approach is by a minor road off the A710 south of New Abbey. Sweetheart Abbey car park in New Abbey is the start of the longer circuit. Follow current parking signs and keep access clear.
Public Transport
Walkhighlands lists a bus connection to New Abbey for the village circuit and no public transport to the Ardwall start. Check current timetables and the return journey before travelling.
Nearby Facilities
New Abbey is the settlement for visitor facilities; check current opening arrangements. Do not rely on facilities on the hill or at the Ardwall starting point.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Steep ascent and exposed upper hillside; carry suitable clothing and navigation and allow for poor visibility.
- The link to Knockendoch can be boggy. Livestock may be present on the New Abbey circuit near Loch Kindar.
- Approach roads are shared with farm and forestry traffic. Follow current local signs and any operational diversions.
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 Criffel?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Criffel through the maps
Are there other walkers around Criffel?
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 Criffel search or of course create your own walk for Criffel
Can I organise a walk to Criffel?
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 Criffel.
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 Criffel?
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 Criffel 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NX957618
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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