Criffel

Criffel

Criffel Group Walks | Join a Walk

569m Elevation
489m Prominence
Scotland Country

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

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Donald Dewey

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

Elevation

569m

1,867 ft

Prominence

489m

Coordinates

54.9406, -3.6293

NX957618

OS Map

84

Explorer: 313

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent trig point and offers a substantial cairn nearby. On clear days, the views are nothing short of breathtaking!

Terrain & Geology

Mixed: rocky and grassy with some boggy sections particularly after rainfall.

Criffel is primarily composed of volcanic rocks, with the summit featuring areas of lava flow. The unique geological features provide insights into ancient volcanic activity in the region.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Solway Firth, the Lake District mountains, and even the hills of Galloway. It's a patchwork of beauty that’ll make you want to linger.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Criffel' is derived from the Gaelic 'Cairn Fhèil', meaning 'hill of the festival', hinting at its historical significance as a gathering place.

Historical Significance

The area has rich cultural heritage and has been a site of local legend and history for centuries, making it popular among not just hikers but history enthusiasts too.

Popular Routes

Criffel from the B725

Moderate

This popular route starts from the B725 road, offering a steady climb with rewarding views.

5.4 km 2.5 hours

Criffel via Galloway Forest Park

Moderate

A more scenic route through the forest, which leads to the summit while allowing for wildlife spotting.

8 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is conveniently available along the B725 road, with space for several vehicles. Be considerate and don't block access for farms.

Public Transport

Limited public transport access; nearest bus service stops in the village of New Abbey, approximately 6 miles away.

Nearby Facilities

There are toilets available in New Abbey, and a couple of cafes for a pre-or post-hike refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for sudden weather changes leading to poor visibility. Some areas can be boggy and slippery, so good footwear is advisable.

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 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