Cairn Hill

Hill, Mountain in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Cairn Hill

Gap in the trees Looking down through the trees in Knockinaam Woods.
Gap in the trees Credit: Jon Alexander

Cairn Hill is a prominent hill located in Wigtownshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 481 meters (1,578 feet), it is a notable landmark in the region. The hill is situated in the southern part of the county, near the village of Cairnryan, and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Cairn Hill is characterized by its distinctive conical shape, which is a result of its volcanic origins. The hill is composed mainly of basalt, a volcanic rock that gives it a dark appearance. It is believed to have formed during the Paleogene period, around 60 million years ago.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, who are drawn to its natural beauty and challenging terrain. Several walking trails lead to the summit, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

Cairn Hill also has historical significance, with evidence of ancient settlements found in the vicinity. Archaeological excavations have revealed traces of Iron Age forts and burial sites, suggesting that the hill was inhabited by early human communities.

In recent years, Cairn Hill has gained additional recognition as a site for wind energy generation. Several wind turbines have been installed on the hill, harnessing the strong winds that sweep across the landscape.

Overall, Cairn Hill is a captivating and culturally significant feature of the Wigtownshire landscape, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the area's natural beauty and rich history.

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Cairn Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.844096/-5.0744211 or Grid Reference NX0254. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gap in the trees Looking down through the trees in Knockinaam Woods.
Gap in the trees
Looking down through the trees in Knockinaam Woods.
Birch tree Beside the track in Knockinaam Wood.
Birch tree
Beside the track in Knockinaam Wood.
Down the track In Knockinaam Wood.
Down the track
In Knockinaam Wood.
Floral Collection Next to the track in Knockinaam Wood. At the top we have a Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) which is not yet in flower, below this are Dog Violets (Viola riviniana) and the white Wood Sorrel flowers (Oxalis acetosella).
Floral Collection
Next to the track in Knockinaam Wood. At the top we have a Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) which is not yet in flower, below this are Dog Violets (Viola riviniana) and the white Wood Sorrel flowers (Oxalis acetosella).
Wood Sorrel The pretty white flowers of the Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) with their five petals, purple veins and distinctive trefoil leaves which close as night falls, reopening in the dappled sun the next morning.
Wood Sorrel
The pretty white flowers of the Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) with their five petals, purple veins and distinctive trefoil leaves which close as night falls, reopening in the dappled sun the next morning.
Railway bridge of the old Portpatrick Railway The Portpatrick Railway was built to connect with steamers for passengers continuing to Northern Ireland. 
Ferries to Stranraer and now Cairnryan took the trade from Portpatrick.
Railway bridge of the old Portpatrick Railway
The Portpatrick Railway was built to connect with steamers for passengers continuing to Northern Ireland. Ferries to Stranraer and now Cairnryan took the trade from Portpatrick.
Craigoch Park With the Holiday Park beyond on the road to Portpatrick.
Craigoch Park
With the Holiday Park beyond on the road to Portpatrick.
Access to the North Rhins Wind Farm On Craigenlee Fell some 2 km further north.
Enoch farm is just right of centre.
Access to the North Rhins Wind Farm
On Craigenlee Fell some 2 km further north. Enoch farm is just right of centre.
The winding road  to Eagle View And on to Portpatrick.
The winding road to Eagle View
And on to Portpatrick.
Meikle Pinminnoch Beside the A77.
Meikle Pinminnoch
Beside the A77.
Old Spittal Croft In sheep country!
Old Spittal Croft
In sheep country!
Tobarcnoc North Port o' Spittal Farm, near Portpatrick, Stranraer.
Tobarcnoc
North Port o' Spittal Farm, near Portpatrick, Stranraer.
Old milestone It doesn't look as if this milestone has received any tlc since I photographed it in 2008.   It is near the minor cross roads leading south to Lagganmore and north along the line of the Old Military Road towards Stranraer.  Another milestone for the bench mark enthusiasts.
Old milestone
It doesn't look as if this milestone has received any tlc since I photographed it in 2008. It is near the minor cross roads leading south to Lagganmore and north along the line of the Old Military Road towards Stranraer. Another milestone for the bench mark enthusiasts.
Old milestone At the back of a quite wide verge, the milestone just needs to have overgrown vegetation removed.  The hedge across the middle distance is on the lane that is a back, quiet way into Stranraer.
Old milestone
At the back of a quite wide verge, the milestone just needs to have overgrown vegetation removed. The hedge across the middle distance is on the lane that is a back, quiet way into Stranraer.
Croft on Craigoch Park Moor South of Portpatrick. Note the gorse infestation, a major problem in south-west Scotland.
Croft on Craigoch Park Moor
South of Portpatrick. Note the gorse infestation, a major problem in south-west Scotland.
Livestock transportation business, Port of Spittal
Livestock transportation business, Port of Spittal
Barn on Craigoch Moor
Barn on Craigoch Moor
Farm at North Port of Spittal
Farm at North Port of Spittal
Show me another place!

Cairn Hill is located at Grid Ref: NX0254 (Lat: 54.844096, Lng: -5.0744211)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///chains.pictured.steepest. Near Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway

Nearby Locations

Donald's Hill Cairn Hill

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.844096,-5.0744211
Little Pinminnoch
Naptan AtcoCode: 680000750111
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Little Pinminnoch
Naptan Indicator: road end
Naptan Landmark: Pinminnoch
Naptan NaptanCode: 34234862
Naptan Notes: none
Naptan Street: A77
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 54.8474064/-5.0784532
Little Pinminnoch
Naptan AtcoCode: 680000750222
Naptan Bearing: W
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Little Pinminnoch
Naptan Indicator: opp road end
Naptan Landmark: Pinminnoch
Naptan NaptanCode: 34234859
Naptan Notes: none
Naptan Street: A77
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 54.8473993/-5.0787331
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 54.8482307/-5.0763185
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8483058/-5.0754198
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8475178/-5.0760982
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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