Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

Cairnsmore of Carsphairn is a hill in the Carsphairn and Scaur Hills range, part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. It stands in the far north of Kirkcudbrightshire, about six kilometres northeast of Carsphairn village. Another name for it, rarely used now, is Cairnsmore of Deugh. It is the highest hill in its range and is distinguished from two other nearby Cairnsmores by its Gaelic name Càrnas Mòr Cars Feàrna. The hill is worth the journey because it offers a relatively easy climb despite its height. The usual route starts from the A713 road at the Green Well of Scotland, one mile north of Carsphairn. The path crosses rough grass with no steep slopes and a very flat summit area. From the top, walkers can see the Glenkens and the Rhinns of Kells in the Galloway Hills. On clear days, the mountains of England, Wales, Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland are visible, as well as Glasgow and Edinburgh some 130 kilometres away. A visitor finds a flat summit area ideal for resting and enjoying the wide views. The route passes areas of rugged ground on outlying peaks like Beninner and Moorbrock. In winter, short ice climbs of up to 150 metres appear on these slopes. The geology of the massif prevents good rock climbing, but the hill remains a rewarding destination for walkers seeking open landscapes and distant horizons.