Criffel

Criffel

Criffel Group Walks | Join a Walk

373m Elevation
30m Prominence
Scotland Country

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

Classifications

300-399m hill

Looking for walking companions?

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

Elevation

373m

1,224 ft

Prominence

30m

Coordinates

55.2492, -3.3398

NY149958

OS Map

78

Explorer: 322N

At the Summit

The summit is crowned by a distinct trig point, and on a clear day, you may be surprised by the stunning views across Solway Firth. Pack a picnic and feel on top of the world!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with rocky outcrops offering a mixture of easy walking and a bit of scramble near the summit.

Criffel is primarily composed of granite, which is typical of this region. The mountain exhibits intriguing glacial features shaped during the last Ice Age, offering both beauty and geological interest.

Views & Scenery

Clear views of the Lake District, the Solway coast, and on a very good day, the Isle of Man can even be spotted on the horizon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Criffel' is derived from the Gaelic 'Croit' meaning 'hill' or 'ridge', quite fitting for its prominent position.

Historical Significance

Criffel has been a landmark for centuries, serving as a significant point of navigation for seafarers on the Solway Firth.

Popular Routes

Criffel Circular Walk

Moderate

A popular circular route starting at the foot of the hill, providing a moderate challenge and showcasing the stunning landscapes of the Southern Uplands.

7.2 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the base of Criffel, located approximately 2 miles from the village of Auchencairn. Spaces may fill quickly on weekends!

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Dalbeattie to Auchencairn; however, check schedules in advance as service can be limited.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities on the mountain itself, Dalbeattie offers a selection of cafes and local shops for all your pre-hike calorific needs.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch for sudden weather changes; conditions can vary rapidly in the hills. Beware of slippery rocks and muddy patches, especially after rainfall.

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