If you’ve ever passed through Dalmellington, you’ll have noticed the prominent pimple sticking up beyond the northern side of town. That, my friend, is Benbeoch.
Despite its unassuming appearance and ugly hillside scarred by mining (although nature has been doing its best to heal these wounds), Benbeoch offers a low-effort, high-reward hiking experience. Sure, it doesn’t have the dramatic peaks of the Highlands and might not register on your radar as a hill worth climbing. But trust me, looks can be deceiving. Benbeoch lets you get high enough to see one of the most spectacular sights in Southern Scotland. The rolling hills of Galloway.
In this Benbeoch Walking Guide, I will share some basic information, directions to the trailhead, how to get to the summit, my experience in the area, where to stay, and a few helpful tips to make planning your walk as easy and stress-free as possible.
What Is Benbeoch?
Benbeoch, known locally as The Craig, is a hill north of Dalmellington in East Ayrshire, Scotland. It is 1519 ft (463 metres) high, and the summit can be identified by a large cairn.
The top of Benbeoch provides a particularly scenic view across Ayrshire and the Galloway Hills. The Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig can also be seen on a clear day by looking west towards the coast.
Benbeoch Walk Basics
Walk Distance: This linear walk from Burnton to Benbeoch is 2.77 miles (4.46 km) each way.
Walk Duration: I took around 4 hours to walk to Benbeoch and back. This includes lengthy stops and lots of photos. I also spent well over an hour admiring the scenery at the summit. You could easily walk this route faster than I did. Although, I strongly recommend taking it slow to enjoy your time in the area.
Walk Difficulty: This hill walk is generally considered moderately strenuous.
Elevation Gain: 869 ft (264.87 metres).
How To Get To The Benbeoch Walk Trailhead
Dalmellington is roughly 14 miles (24 km) from Ayr and 50 miles (80.47 km) from Glasgow. It can be reached easily by car and public transport.
By Public Transport
There are regular buses to Dalmellington from Ayr, Stagecoach Service 52.
If you’re travelling by bus, consider buying an Ayrshire DayRider for this route. An Ayrshire DayRider costs £7.20 and will give you unlimited bus travel for the day all around Ayrshire.
Get off the bus on Ayr Road, near Dalmellington Community Centre. You can walk to the trailhead in under 30 minutes.
When you get off the bus, backtrack towards Buchan’s Bridge. Turn right onto Gateside Road immediately before the bridge and continue until you see another bridge on your left. Cross the bridge and follow the road past Burnton.
The map below shows the location of the walk trailhead.
By Car
Driving to Burnton is an option. If parking in the area, please be considerate and don’t block any driveways.
It might be better to walk from Dalmellington Community Centre.
Free parking is available near Dalmellington Community Centre.
I’ve attached a map below showing the location of the car park so you can plan your route.
Things To Know Before Climbing Benbeoch
Benbeoch won’t provide much of a challenge if you’re fit and healthy. But this doesn’t mean that you should underestimate the area by showing up unprepared.
Plan accordingly and keep these points in mind:
- Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots when climbing Benbeoch. The walk is uneven in parts, boggy, and slippery, especially on rainy days.
- Bring layers, no matter the weather conditions. In Scotland, it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day! Remember to pack a waterproof jacket.
- Make sure to carry plenty of water and snacks. Benbeoch is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic.
- Check the weather before climbing Benbeoch to ensure the conditions are suited to your preferred experience.
- Walk against the traffic when you’re on the road. Stay on the right-hand side so that you can easily see oncoming cars and be prepared to step off of the road to give way.
- Always practice leave-no-trace ethics. Leave things as they are, and do not drop any rubbish. Take your litter back to the bins in Dalmellington.
How To Climb Benbeoch From Dalmellington
There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Benbeoch. However, this route is the most popular.
My Visit To Benbeoch
An Alternative To The Well-Trodden Trail
As soon as my Mother, an avid hillwalker and regular on the local summits, caught wind that I was heading in her direction for my first hill walk (hike) of the year, she invited herself along. This was a good thing, as the last time I climbed Benbeoch, I was a kid clinging to my Grandpa’s hand.
My original plan was to follow the route marked on the map above. My Mother, ever the adventurous soul, had a different idea. A faster and slightly more challenging climb. An attack from the front. A path I vaguely remember from my childhood. Instead of starting at the trailhead past Burnton, we walked towards Pennyvenie Coal Pit Bing (The Burning Bing) and began our walk from there.
Following memory, we found ourselves on the old railway line between the Bing and Benbeoch, a testament to a bygone era. Soon, a path materialized, leading up a bank and into a field at the foot of the hill. Walking right, we spotted a lone post sticking out of the ground, a simple guide marking the start of our ascent. From here, the trail leads straight up.
No Hike Without Upset
One of the fun parts of this route involved a brief scramble over some rubble, remnants of the open-cast mines that shaped the roads once used by the heavy vehicles. On the road, it was smooth sailing. Well, for a short while. This is where our memories faltered.
We mistakingly turned right and chose a stone farmer’s wall to follow uphill, which proved more hassle than necessary. If you’ve come up the trail from the post, turn left on the road and over the pile of rubble on the right-hand side. This takes you to an easier path. But really, as long as you’re heading upwards, you’re sure to find your way!
After a slow, cautious climb through a marshy stretch beside the wall, we were clear for the final leg. And let me tell you, the view! Hills stretched as far as the eye could see. Focus your attention in the direction from where you came, as the scenery to the north is quite underwhelming, with only flat land, quarries and machinery. South, over Dalmellington and towards Loch Doon. That’s where the magic is.
Losing Hours And The Winter Sun
When my Mother had finished her well-deserved coffee, and I’d taken countless photographs, we made our way off the summit of Benbeoch and around to the crags and Fox Park on the other side of the hill. Don’t skip this area. It’s impressive. And from a distance (or up top), you’d never know it was there. Or at least the scale of the rock formations.
It was a quick jaunt to the crags, shadows lengthening with the setting sun. But it certainly left an indelible mark, a reminder that sometimes the best spots are those tucked away and easy to miss if you’re unaware of their existence.
The descent was straightforward since our elevation allowed us to spot the correct route back to the open-cast road. And then, with our trusty post visible at the bottom… Piece of cake.
Since you’re in the area, here are more walks from Dalmellington and Loch Doon:
Dalcairney Falls: How To See The Stunning Ayrshire Waterfall
Loch Doon Walk: How To See 3 Beauty Spots In One Day
Where To Stay In Dalmellington
Dalmellington is the base for all of your adventures around Loch Doon. In Dalmellington you will find local pubs, restaurants, shops and transport.
Here are my top picks for accommodation in the area:
Craigengillan Estate: This location offers a variety of accommodation options, including holiday cottages and glamping pods deep within the grounds. Staying at Craigengillan Estate will give you easy access to some of the best walks in Ayrshire, such as Loch Doon, Ness Glen and Dalcairney Falls. Expect peaceful nights and satisfying views in this quiet countryside retreat.
Loch Doon Caravan And Camping Park: While wild camping is allowed at Loch Doon, with plenty of suitable places to pitch your tent, sometimes it’s nice to have the security and facilities of an official campsite. Situated near the banks of Loch Doon, the wee caravan and campsite under the stars is perfect for a relaxing weekend or family adventure by Galloway Forest Park.
Other Helpful Information
Is Benbeoch free?
This is a rural location and is free to visit. Climbing Benbeoch won’t cost you a penny.
Can kids climb Benbeoch?
Kids can walk to Benbeoch. They won’t struggle too much and will enjoy being able to run wild on the hillside. One thing to be aware of is the dangerous cliff edges. Use common sense and keep your little ones within sight at all times.
This walk is NOT suitable for buggies or prams.
Is Benbeoch dog-friendly?
This is a dog-friendly walk. However, animals (mainly sheep) are present in the fields, so keep your dog under control, and remember to clean up any mess!
Does Benbeoch have toilets?
There are no toilets on the hill. You may be able to find customer toilets in one of the small businesses in Dalmellington. If not, you’re in the countryside… Use your imagination.
Is Benbeoch busy?
This is a surprisingly quiet route. You may pass others during your walk, but The Craig never gets crowded.
Are there shops at Benbeoch?
Buy everything you need in Dalmellington before setting off. There are no shops near Benbeoch.
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Have you ever climbed Benbeoch? Did you enjoy the walk? Let me know in the comments below!
