Highlight • Viewpoint
Criffel Summit
Hiking
5.0
(56)
Well worth the effort, you’ll find a flat-ish top, lush with grass, bog cotton and heather, and open in all directions for the best possible view. Criffel has a reputation for being boggy in the extreme and mud can certainly add an additional challenge to your hike. Not a summit for leaky or loose shoes, that’s for sure.
A perfect position to see countries, islands, mountains and sea
With car parking in Ardwall, immediately south of Loch Kinder, routes to Criffel’s damp summit are short and mostly direct. There’s a further car park in Mid Glen, just south west of New Abbey which offers the option of passing the minor top of Knockendoch on your way up.
By the time you reach Criffel’s top, you’ll have thoroughly tested the grip and waterproof properties of your boots and your reward awaits. On a clear day, the sight of the Solway Firth sweeping across your southern view is magnificent. Across the water, the Lake District’s giant Skiddaw rises from patchwork land.
Northwards, admire the gentle undulations of south Scotland while to the south west, spy the Isle of Man on the horizon. With no haze and good eyes, you can even see Northern Ireland. Criffel is no stranger to cloudy, wet weather and strong winds though, so always check ahead. In winter, ascents are absolutely possible but be mindful of icy, slippery grass which can make hiking prohibitively unpleasant.
Food and accommodation can be found in neighbouring New Abbey or head into Dumfries, just 10 miles (16 km) north.
Tips
March 10, 2023
Hiking
November 4, 2021
Hiking
The route from New Abbey via Knochandoch is best done wen its frozen making the ground firm.
If cloud comes in when it's covered in snow, navigation can be tricky from the top.
August 30, 2024
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Criffel Summit
4.6
(35)
188
hikers
12.3km
04:06
550m
550m
Embark on the Knockendoch to Criffel loop, a moderate hike spanning 7.7 miles (12.3 km) with an elevation gain of 1815 feet (553 metres), typically completed in 4 hours and 5 minutes. This rewarding route takes you through a mix of paths, tracks, and open hillside, offering superb viewpoints from Knockendoch overlooking Loch Kindar and the Nith estuary. As you ascend to Criffel's flat-ish summit, you'll find lush grass, bog cotton, and heather, providing expansive panoramic views across the Solway Firth, the Lake District fells, and even the Isle of Man on a clear day.
Be prepared for varying ground conditions on this trail, as sections can be very boggy and muddy, especially after rain. You will encounter steep ascents, particularly to Knockendoch, and the path can be rough and soft in places. Proper waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended to navigate the terrain comfortably. For the most enjoyable experience, consider hiking on a clear, crisp winter day when the ground might be frozen, which can help mitigate some of the boggy challenges.
This loop is celebrated for its exceptional views, as Criffel's isolated position on the edge of the Solway Firth makes its 1,867-foot (569-metre) height feel much grander. Many experienced hikers consider the route via Knockendoch a more scenic and interesting approach to Criffel. The area also holds historical significance; Criffel's name may derive from Norse for "raven's hill," and its summit features Douglas's Cairn, believed to be from the Bronze Age.
4.7
(6)
26
hikers
7.25km
02:45
500m
500m
Hike the moderate Criffel from Ardwall Trail for 4.5 miles (7.3 km) to enjoy panoramic views across the Solway Firth and beyond.
4.5
(8)
54
hikers
13.1km
04:24
580m
580m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 560 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Tuesday 9 June
14°C
6°C
63 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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