Earncraig Hill

Tucked into the heart of the Lowther Hills, this craggy Donald marks the boundary between Dumfries and Galloway and South Lanarkshire. It possesses a rugged character often missing from its rounded neighbours, overlooking the Daer Reservoir and the infant River Clyde, with a useful refuge nearby at Burleywhag bothy.

• •The name likely derives from the Scots 'Earn' (eagle) and 'craig' (crag), suggesting it was historically a nesting site for golden eagles attracted to its atypically rocky northern face.
• •The hill forms a vital part of the catchment for the River Clyde; water from its slopes feeds the Potrail Water, which eventually merges with the Daer Water to form the start of the great river.
• •The summit offers a clear, direct view across the Daer Reservoir towards the masts and 'golf ball' radar station atop Lowther Hill and its neighbour, Green Lowther.
• •The hill is frequently approached from the south via Mitchellslacks, passing the remote Burleywhag bothy, which provides a convenient, if basic, shelter for those exploring this quieter section of the Southern Uplands.
• •At 611 metres, it is the lowest Donald in the Lowther range, qualifying for the list by a mere six metres—though the surrounding boggy ground ensures you still put in the work for it.