Alwhat

Hill, Mountain in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Alwhat

Sunlight on the path through the forest
Sunlight on the path through the forest Credit: Gordon Brown

Alwhat is a prominent hill located in the region of Kirkcudbrightshire in southwest Scotland. It stands at an elevation of 387 meters (1,270 feet) and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Situated approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of Kirkcudbright, Alwhat is easily accessible by road, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Covered in heather and grass, the hill is a haven for wildlife, with various species of birds and mammals inhabiting its slopes. The diverse flora and fauna make it an ideal spot for nature lovers to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

At the summit of Alwhat, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque countryside. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Galloway Forest Park, the Solway Firth, and even the distant peaks of the Lake District in England. The hill also offers a fantastic vantage point to observe the changing seasons, with vibrant colors in autumn and a snowy landscape in winter.

Hiking trails are available for those who wish to ascend Alwhat, providing a range of difficulty levels to suit all abilities. The routes are well-maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Alwhat, with its natural beauty and captivating views, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Kirkcudbrightshire region.

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Alwhat Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.293789/-4.1328747 or Grid Reference NS6402. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sunlight on the path through the forest
Sunlight on the path through the forest
Bridge over the Montraw Burn Fenced off to vehicles but passable on foot.
Bridge over the Montraw Burn
Fenced off to vehicles but passable on foot.
The ruins of Monthraw Cottage
The ruins of Monthraw Cottage
The head of Afton Reservoir What looks like some water-board large piping left lying around.
The head of Afton Reservoir
What looks like some water-board large piping left lying around.
Bridge over the Alwhat Burn This area has seen a lot of forestry activity, plus wind farm development, hence the re-gravelled roads.
Bridge over the Alwhat Burn
This area has seen a lot of forestry activity, plus wind farm development, hence the re-gravelled roads.
Along the fence to Alhang This fence descends from the col between Windy Standard and Millaneoch Hill to the lower col between Alhang and the two aforementioned hills before climbing towards the summit of Alhang.  It comes close to marking the boundary between East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, although the boundary follows the watershed more closely along this stretch.
Along the fence to Alhang
This fence descends from the col between Windy Standard and Millaneoch Hill to the lower col between Alhang and the two aforementioned hills before climbing towards the summit of Alhang. It comes close to marking the boundary between East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, although the boundary follows the watershed more closely along this stretch.
Rough grazing below Alhang Rough grazing land on the northwestern slopes of Alhang, near the head of the Afton Valley.
Rough grazing below Alhang
Rough grazing land on the northwestern slopes of Alhang, near the head of the Afton Valley.
Western slopes of Meikledodd Hill Looking across the western slopes of Meikledodd Hill with mist banked up against the windward side of the hill.
Western slopes of Meikledodd Hill
Looking across the western slopes of Meikledodd Hill with mist banked up against the windward side of the hill.
Ewe Hill Looking across the hillside towards the side of Lorg Hill.
Ewe Hill
Looking across the hillside towards the side of Lorg Hill.
Upper reaches of Small Cleugh This burn drains off Ewe Hill through the deeply eroded cleugh.
Upper reaches of Small Cleugh
This burn drains off Ewe Hill through the deeply eroded cleugh.
Fence on Ewe Hill A slight rise up to the 575m point on Ewe Hill.
Fence on Ewe Hill
A slight rise up to the 575m point on Ewe Hill.
Anemometer mast between Alwhat and Ewe Hill A 22 turbine wind farm (Lorg Wind Farm) is proposed by EoN for these hills - this mast is monitoring wind speed and direction.
Anemometer mast between Alwhat and Ewe Hill
A 22 turbine wind farm (Lorg Wind Farm) is proposed by EoN for these hills - this mast is monitoring wind speed and direction.
Summit of Alhang - view towards Lowther Hills A wind turbine and ugly service roads may soon be dominating the summit of this peaceful hill as part of EoN's proposed 22 turbine Lorg Wind Farm.

The tiny cairn is marked as a boundary stone on the 1:25000 map.  It is (roughly) on the old county boundary between Ayrshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.
Summit of Alhang - view towards Lowther Hills
A wind turbine and ugly service roads may soon be dominating the summit of this peaceful hill as part of EoN's proposed 22 turbine Lorg Wind Farm. The tiny cairn is marked as a boundary stone on the 1:25000 map. It is (roughly) on the old county boundary between Ayrshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.
Summit of Alhang - view towards Afton Reservoir A wind turbine and ugly service roads may soon be dominating the summit of this peaceful hill as part of EoN's proposed 22 turbine Lorg Wind Farm.

The tiny cairn is marked as a boundary stone on the 1:25000 map. It is (roughly) on the old county boundary between Ayrshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.
Summit of Alhang - view towards Afton Reservoir
A wind turbine and ugly service roads may soon be dominating the summit of this peaceful hill as part of EoN's proposed 22 turbine Lorg Wind Farm. The tiny cairn is marked as a boundary stone on the 1:25000 map. It is (roughly) on the old county boundary between Ayrshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.
Mid Rig A spur leading south-east from Alhang.
Mid Rig
A spur leading south-east from Alhang.
Ewe Hill forestry plantations Sitka spruce plantations above the valley of the Spout Burn.
Ewe Hill forestry plantations
Sitka spruce plantations above the valley of the Spout Burn.
New fence on Mid Rig An electric fence to keep sheep away from the steep drops on the right.
New fence on Mid Rig
An electric fence to keep sheep away from the steep drops on the right.
Alhang (summit cairn) Looking towards Windy Standard from the summit of Alhang.
Alhang (summit cairn)
Looking towards Windy Standard from the summit of Alhang.
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Alwhat is located at Grid Ref: NS6402 (Lat: 55.293789, Lng: -4.1328747)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///worth.pasting.fallback. Near New Cumnock, East Ayrshire

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Lagower Hill Alwhat

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