Corserine

Corserine is a hill in the Rhinns of Kells, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills in southern Scotland. It stands as the highest point in the Rhinns of Kells and the second highest in Galloway. The ridge runs east-west across the range, giving the hill its Gaelic name meaning ‘across the Rhinns’. The usual route to the summit starts at Forrest Lodge car park, east of the hill, passing Loch Harrow and North Gairy Top. The car park lies a short drive from the village of St John’s Town of Dalry. The hill attracts walkers rather than climbers, as its rock offers no good climbing routes. In winter, after hard frosts, ice climbs up to 150 metres appear on the slopes of Milldown, south of Corserine. These seasonal climbs draw experienced mountaineers seeking challenging routes. The contrast between summer and winter conditions makes the area appealing to different kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. The Rhinns of Kells provide a quieter alternative to busier upland areas. From the summit, the views stretch across the Southern Uplands and into Galloway Forest Park. The ridge’s east-west alignment offers long sightlines to hills such as Meikle Millyea and the Merrick. The surrounding landscape includes moorland, lochans and old lead mine sites at Casphairn. The route from Forrest Lodge passes through varied terrain, including open hillsides and sheltered valleys. The area remains largely unspoilt, with few built features interrupting the natural scenery.