The Galloway Explorer
Places of Interest - Castle Douglas Food Town; Sulwath Brewery, Carlingwark loch; Threave Castle and Garden; Dalbeattie museum; Sandyhills beach; Mersehead RSPB Nature Reserve; John Paul Jones visitor centre; Sweetheart Abbey; Newton Stewart museum and cinema; Wigtown Book Town nearby; Butterflies and Carnivorous Plants centre. Tea Rooms, Pubs and Restaurants recommended. Places of Interest List.
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Day 1: Threave Castle and Garden Walk – 6 to 9 miles – Countryside, River and Woodland.
This walk, a shorter version of which is also included in the Easy to Moderate category, takes you to Lamb Island, Bridge of Dee and Rhonehouse villages to end with a walk beside Carlingwark loch and along Lovers Lane back into the town. The first part of this fascinating walk has only recently been constructed and not yet listed in any walking books. Begin from Castle Douglas and follow the old ‘Paddy’ railway line to link with Threave Estate’s network of footpaths. We suggest you take the detour to Threave Castle, standing on an island on the River Dee – ring the bell for the boatman to take you over! The way back is by the renowned National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Garden which has an excellent restaurant and gives you the option to continue your walk round the Garden.
Day 2: Kippford to Sandyhills – 7 miles – Coastal.
You can walk the length of this walk and return to Kippford or Rockliffe by bus or walk back by the same coastal path to cover 14 miles. This is a truly spectacular walk mentioned in several Scottish walking books. Firstly following the shore to Castle Point with spectacular views over the Solway Firth to the Lake District of England. The long coastal path rises along the cliff tops to the ruined Gutcher’s House. In the nesting season birdwatchers can enjoy seeing guillemots, gulls, cormorants, ravens and birds of prey. Further along you pass a cairn in memory of a ship which sank in 1866. Passing the hamlets of Port o’ Warren and Port Ling, the path continues in a dramatic fashion to arrive at Sandyhills – the best beach in the area. There are several options for refreshment in the area.
Day 3: Kirkcudbright to Dundrennan Abbey by coast – 12 miles – Countryside, Woodland and Coast.
This is a popular walk with locals for the first part of the way. The majority of the walk has recently been way-marked and opened to the public most days – except on the limited occasions when the nearby Army Training Range is being used – (we have a Contact Tel. No. to check that the walk will be open, also signified by red flag flying). An alternative option is available. This walk is likely to be popular as a new walk for the public who, apart from the local farmers, have been barred from this area for many years due to previous regular army training and firing. You and can start your walk from the end of Manxman’s Lake or from Kirkcudbright itself. From Torrs Point you have expansive views over Kirkcudbright Bay and Ross Island with lighthouse near the opposite shore. The path follows the side of the cliffs and farmland to a popular shore area and then to Dundrennan with its Abbey, open to the public and operated by Historic Scotland. From Dundrennan, you should take the bus back to Kirkcudbright We will supply the time table. No refreshment places are available until back in Kirkcudbright. A picnic may be the best option.
Day 4: Castramont – Big Water of Fleet circuit - 14 miles – Hills, Countryside, Moorland and Forest.
Today’s walk takes you into peaceful hilly countryside, through a forest and return to near Gatehouse of Fleet by the Big Water of Fleet glen. One striking feature is the Big Water of Fleet viaduct which is the focal point of this peaceful area which has picnic facilities and is popular with visitors.Scottish Natural Heritage have also created the area as a nature reserve, small visitor centre and operate a working farm here. Here you can learn about the wildlife of the area. The walk partly follows the old disused railway line and has the majestic granite crag, The Clints of Dromore, as a backdrop. The last downhill part follows the National Cycle Route before returning to your car near Rusko Castle.
Day 5: Kirroughtree - Cairnsmore of Fleet – 6 miles – Hill climb.
If you would like a hill walk close to Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Cairnsmore of Fleet hill at 711 metres would fit the bill. You can walk the 1.5 miles from Kirroughtree to the Cairnsmore start point. The 3 miles distance to the summit of the highest hill in the area takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Near the top is a cairn which commemorates military planes which crashed into the hillside in World War 2. You get fantastic views of Wigtown Bay, the Lake District, Isle of Man and the Galloway Hills to the north on a fine day.
Day 6: Isle of Whithorn to St. Ninian’s Cave - 10 miles – Country road and Coastline.
This walk starts from the fishing village of Isle of Whithorn, 15 miles from Wigtown at the tip of The Machars peninsula. The walk takes the cul de sac road to Burrowhead caravan park and the location of the burning of the Wickerman in the cult film of that name. You soon branch off the road and follow the path along the rocky shore-line. Continue all the way on the coastal path to St. Ninian’s Cave – still visited at an annual pilgrimage.
Day 7: Barlaes Hill or Mackilston Hills – 8.5 or 11.5 miles – Hills and Moorland.
From St. John’s Town of Dalry you follow the Southern Upland Way walking route signs for 4 miles before heading back using the quiet National Byways cycling route road with fine views over Carsfad and Earlstoun lochs. You have the option of walking a longer route for nearly another mile on the Southern Upland Way before branching off to follow the Black Water river to a youth hostel near Kendoon. The quiet road follows the Water of Ken valley and lochs back towards Dalry.