Scotland
Rough Naze
529M
1736FT
About Rough Naze
Sitting as a rugged shoulder on the western flank of the Carsphairn Hills, this 529-metre top offers a quieter perspective on the Water of Ken valley. It is typical Southern Upland terrain—broad, grassy, and potentially soft underfoot—serving as a logical waypoint for those approaching Cairnsmore of Carsphairn from the south.
Key Statistics
Rank
171st Highest in Region
Parent Range
Carsphairn Hills
Prominence
?
20
Nearest Town
Polgown
Geology
The fell is formed from muddy sandstone and flint-like rocks. These layers, known as the Kirkcolm and Crawford formations, create the solid ground beneath your boots.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NS707045
Latitude
55.3176°N
Longitude
4.0387°W
Did You Know?
- •The name 'Naze' likely derives from the Old English 'næss' or Old Norse 'nes', meaning a nose or headland, describing the hill's appearance as a prominent spur projecting into the valley below.
- •Hillwalkers often cross Rough Naze when following the long south-western ridge leading toward the much higher summit of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, a route that avoids the steeper southern faces.
- •The summit provides an excellent vantage point over the Glenkens, with the Kendoon and Carsfad reservoirs visible to the south along the course of the Water of Ken.
- •In the Southern Uplands, the prefix 'Rough' is generally less of a descriptive name and more of a helpful warning regarding the likely state of your ankles by the time you descend.