Craignaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Craignaw |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 645 m (2,116 ft) |
| Prominence | 151 m (495 ft) |
| Listing | Ma,Hu,Tu,Sim,G,D,DN,Y |
| Geography | |
| Location | Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland |
| Parent range | Dungeon Hills, Galloway Hills, Southern Uplands |
| OS grid | NX 45925 83332 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 77 |
Craignaw is a unique hill located in the Dungeon Hills in Scotland. It's part of the larger Galloway Hills range, which is within the Southern Uplands. Unlike many other hills in this area, Craignaw has a very rocky top. Its eastern side features a long line of crags and rough ground, making it stand out. The hill is mostly made of a type of rock called granite.
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Craignaw: A Hill with Surprises
Craignaw is known for its interesting features and challenging terrain. It's a great place for adventurers who enjoy exploring remote areas.
What Makes Craignaw Special?
This hill isn't just a simple climb; it offers some unique sights and history. Its rocky nature and specific geological features make it a fascinating place to visit.
The Deil's Bowlin' Green
Near the northern part of Craignaw, you'll find a very cool area called the "Deil's Bowlin' Green." Here, you can see many rounded granite boulders scattered across flat granite slabs. Scientists believe these boulders are "glacial erratics." This means they were moved and left behind by huge glaciers long ago, or by a similar process involving ice.
The F-111 Crash Site
On the western side of Craignaw, not far from the top, there's a special spot. It's the crash site of an F-111E Aardvark aircraft. A small memorial stands there to remember the two US Air Force pilots who lost their lives in the accident. This happened on December 19, 1979. Even today, you can still find small pieces of the aircraft debris in the area.
Exploring Craignaw: Walking Trails
Craignaw is quite a remote hill, which means it's far from roads and towns. If you want to climb it, be prepared for a long and tough walk. The main starting points for walks are from places called Craigencallie or Bruces Stane.
Climbing Challenges at Craignaw
For those who love rock climbing, Craignaw offers some good, though short, routes. You can find climbing spots at Snibe Hill, Memorial Crag, and Scotland Slab.
Winter Climbing
In winter, when the weather gets very cold and the ground freezes, Craignaw becomes a popular spot for ice climbing. The broken ground on the eastern side of the hill has some of the best ice climbs in Southern Scotland. Some of these routes can be as long as 150 meters! The most famous one is the frozen waterfall known as the Dow Spout.
