Scotland
Big Morton Hill
417M
1369FT
About Big Morton Hill
Rising above the historic ruins of Morton Castle in the Southern Uplands, this rounded, grassy hill offers a quiet perspective on the Nith Valley. At 417 metres, it is a modest but rewarding climb, providing clear views across to the Lowther Hills and the sprawling forests of Dumfries and Galloway.
Key Statistics
Rank
379th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
110m
Nearest Town
Dumfries and Galloway
Geology
The ground beneath you is the Glenlee Formation, made of hardened silt and gritty sandstone. These sturdy rocks form the rugged heart of Big Morton Hill.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NX728893
Latitude
55.1822°N
Longitude
3.9987°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Old English mōr (moor) and tūn (farm or settlement), reflecting its position overlooking the high moorland above the Nith Valley.
- •The hill is a prominent feature of the Queensberry Estate, and the ascent is often started from the 14th-century Morton Castle, a former stronghold of the Earls of Morton.
- •From the summit, the distinctive communication masts on Lowther Hill are clearly visible to the north, marking the highest ground in this part of the Southern Uplands.
- •It is frequently bagged alongside its smaller neighbour, Little Morton Hill, which sits just to the south-west at a height of 274 metres.
- •It is a hill of relative truths; while certainly 'Big' compared to its 274-metre neighbour, Little Morton Hill, it is unlikely to intimidate the nearby Lowther peaks.