Walks List

Easy to Moderate Category
The Walks are each listed with a reference number under 7 different geographical areas of Dumfries and Galloway, i.e.

A - Castle Douglas
B - Solway Coast
C - Kirkcudbright
D - Gatehouse of Fleet
E - Newton Stewart
F - Wigtown
G - The Glenkens

The Walk descriptions are limited at this stage. The full walk description is included in the Walk Information Sheet provided on arrival. Information on refreshment places, tea rooms, pubs, restaurants either on or near a walk route and also for an evening meal at or near your accommodation location is also provided.

More Areas and Walks will be added as we ‘check them out’. We intend to further develop our business by arranging additional part-time knowledgeable local walking enthusiasts further away from our base in Castle Douglas – including to meet and greet walkers on arrival in areas of Dumfries and Galloway. Anybody interested who has the necessary qualities and based in the east or west of the region should contact us by email.

See also our Accommodation List  and Places of Interest List.

A - Castle Douglas

CD1. Threave Castle and Garden Walk - 2 to 6 miles – Countryside, River and Woodland.
The first part of this fascinating walk has only recently been constructed and not yet listed in any walking books. Begin by taking a newly constructed walk from Castle Douglas following the old ‘Paddy’ railway line to link with Threave Estate’s network of footpaths. One detour takes you to Threave Castle, standing on an island on the River Dee – ring the bell for the boatman to take you over! Longer loops take you to Lamb Island with options to visit Bridge of Dee and Rhonehouse villages. The way back is by the renowned National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Garden with finally a option to join another walk past Carlingwark loch and along Lovers Lane back into the town. There are two choices for tea room and restaurant refreshment along the way. We can advise on the merits of the different options at the welcome meeting.

CD2. Doach Wood – 1.5 miles – Woodland; Hilly.
This way-marked walk is a few miles from Castle Douglas and although a short distance is fairly strenuous when going uphill through the woods. The reward is a viewpoint at the top which gives fine views towards Auchencairn Bay and the Solway Firth.

CD3. Balcary Bay - 1.5 to 5.5 miles – Coastal. 
This is a very popular walk in the area due to Balcary Bay being a beauty spot and the coastal being designated as a National Scenic Area. The main feature is the cliff side walk with captivating views over Heston Island. There is a short and long walk option  with woodland and countryside features. The four star Hotel looking out over the bay is an ideal end of walk stop, maybe whilst enjoying a wee dram.

CD4. Red Haven Bay / Torr Point – 3 to 4 miles – Coastal.
Begin from the Jubilee Garden in Auchencairn and take the new Hugh Paton walk to follow the shoreline round the bay. Continuing across the field you arrive at the popular Red Haven Bay with the option to walk further to Torr Point.

CD5. Almorness – 5.5 miles – Countryside and Coastal.
This peninsula is mostly used by locals. There is a track to follow to begin with but then you have to find your way round the rugged point using what you can find of a path or sheep tracks. The reward for this longer walk is two secluded beaches, Horse Isles Bay and White Port which has a stunning setting. Almorness Point gives views across the Solway including Heston Island.

CD6. Kenick Wood and Lochenbreck Loch - 1 mile to 5.5 mls - Forest and Loch.
Peace and tranquility are in abundance on this walk. From the sound of the winding stream to the smell of the bracken this walk will transport you from hustle and bustle of the modern world to nature at it's best in just a few short miles. There are two short and easy way-marked walks of 1.5 and 3 miles and a longer walk through the forest which emerges at Lochenbreck loch. Continue round the popular fishing loch on a rugged part before returning to the picnic spot. Laurieston pub is nearby and an ideal place to stop for lunch before possibly viewing the red kite feeding at the nearby farm.

CD7. Woodhall Loch – 5 miles – Forest and Loch.
Using the same starting point as the Kenick Wood loch, this peaceful walk takes you past the short walks route through the forest and onto a path at the other end to a tranquil small pond beside a picturesque cottage. From here you make your way back following the line of Woodhall loch which is a over a mile and a half long. As with the Kenick Burn walk, Laurieston pub is nearby and an ideal place to stop for lunch before possibly viewing the red kite feeding at the nearby farm.

B - Solway Coast

SC1. Dalbeattie Woods – ¾ to 2 miles – Woodland.
The town of Dalbeattie has three woods, all with relatively short walks. Tackling them all will take you about 6 miles in total. The Rounall Wood is popular with a picnic area. The Barrhill Wood is larger and slightly more remote. The walk around the Plantain Loch in Dalbeattie Wood is popular with locals. Combining these walks with the picturesque Colliston Park with refreshment never far away is an ideal way to spend an easy walking day and go as far as you wish.

SC2. The Jubilee Path – 2.5 to 4 miles – Coastal.
This is a popular walk between the delightful coastal villages of Kippford and Rockliffe. Being a National Scenic Area, the recent scrub clearance work done by the National Trust for Scotland has created a reasonably short loop path - possibly ideal to walk off a pub lunch at a nearby popular pub! As you wind your way round the well used path, walk in the footsteps of King Rheged, 5th century, and take in the wonderful panoramic view from the old fort known as the Moat of Mark. There are other walks in this area, e.g. The Muckle Walk – 3 miles and even further to Castle Point – 4 miles – all of which we can advise you of at a welcome meeting.

SC3. The Lotus Hill and The Waterloo Monument – 3.3 miles and 2 miles –  Woodlands and Hills.
The Lotus Hill is a popular hill walk initially along a forestry road then up grass moorland to the top. The reward is expansive views in all directions for many miles including the Lake District mountains in England. The descent is by a different route. The Waterloo monument is 4 miles from the Lotus Hill and on the outskirts of the delightful small town of New Abbey. The monument is fairly steep but a reasonably short distance. There are panoramic views over the River Nith estuary from the top. A refreshment break either between or at the end of the walks is possible as New Abbey has two hotels, an award winning tea room and three significant places of interest including Sweetheart Abbey.

SC4. The Colvend Circuit – 5 miles – Countryside, Lochs and Woodland.
A change from the coastal scenery takes you from Rockliffe inland to the village of Colvend with its small Information Centre, shop, restaurant and nearby craft shop. The fairly flat walk in this glorious setting takes you past two lochs and through the woods before passing a hamlet with a hotel detour for lunch if you prefer. The last part takes you through a forest and onto paths back to the shoreline.

SC5. Dalbeattie to Kippford – 5 miles – Woodland.
Dalbeattie forest stretches all the way along the line of the River Urr to its estuary at Kippford yachting village. This open woodland walk rises about midway and provides stunningly beautiful views over the meandering river and beyond. The forest is also well known as a mountain biking centre with specific way-marked routes for all standards of biker. On arrival at Kippford a popular hotel on the waterfront will look after your refreshment needs before catching the bus back to Dalbeattie.

SC6. Rockliffe to Sandyhills – 6 miles – Coastal.
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. After refreshments, a local bus will take you back to the start point.

SC7. River Nith, Dumfries – 3 or 5 miles – Riverside.
Dumfries is the largest town of the region and has the River Nith flowing through the centre. The Dock Park, beside the river is an ideal place to park and go a river walk. If you walk upstream, a path follows the side of the river, past the rowing club, to skirt the edge of the County golf course – a distance of  5 miles there and back.. Downstream from the Park, the riverside path doubles as the National Cycling Route as it winds its way into the countryside with views out to the Nith estuary. After 1.5 miles at the extremity of this path, a popular pub awaits to provide refreshment.

C - Kirkcudbright

K1. Barrhill Wood – 2 miles – Woodland.
This is a fairly short woodland walk near Kirkcudbright with occasional views over the town and River Dee estuary beyond. There are various footpaths in the wood giving several route options to explore. Depart from the town centre and walk uphill by road for a mile to enter the Barrhill Wood. You can leave the wood at its opposite end emerging onto Silvercraigs Road and park giving panoramic views over the roofs of the town, the harbour and River Dee estuary.

K2. River Dee Walk - 4.5 miles – Riverside Walk.
You begin this walk from the harbour in Kirkcudbright. It is an easy terrain with a short more rugged part at Tongland. The meandering walk follows the line of the River Dee, partly on top of the flood banking. The Galloway Hydros visitor centre at Tongland is worth a visit when open.

K3. Torrs Point and Lady Bay – 2 to 6 miles – Countryside, Woodland and Coast.
This is a popular walk with locals with several distance options. You can start your walk from the end of Manxman’s Lake or Kirkcudbright. A circular route takes along a quiet road to Torrs Point from where a new longer walk has recently been constructed. 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 through a field and wood to the secluded Lady Bay – a small bay good for swimming. Passing the interesting lifeboat station with its traditional slipway you return to your start point. Another shorter option is a linear walk to the station or beyond and return the same way.

K4. Meikle Ross - 4 miles – Coast and Countryside.
This is a recently way-marked new walk with several interesting characteristics. You begin by walking uphill through a field and over the hill to get glorious views over Ross Bay with Kirkcudbright Bay behind. After walking down to shore level to the Ross Dairy farm, a pleasant walk round the Bay to the other side takes you to a kissing gate leading uphill to the Meikle Ross. You soon reach the top to find spectacular views over to Little Ross island and lighthouse which is only ¼ mile offshore. The house on Little Ross is still occupied for part of the year and was once the site of a grizzly murder of a lighthouse keeper during the 1960's. Continuing round the rocky peninsula there are various spots to explore as you return to your starting point.

K5. Brighouse Bay – 4.5 miles – Coast and Countryside.
Brighouse bay is a popular scenic area often used by the Scottish Colourist artist E.A. Hornell from Kirkcudbright in the early 1900’s as backdrop to his paintings. One side of the Bay is a caravan site and golf course. The walk follows the rocky shoreline along the edge of the Bay and then rises along beside the golf course with magnificent views across Wigtown Bay to The Machars region and the Isle of Man. After reaching Borness Point you leave the shoreline and head inland and gradually uphill to Cairniehill where the vistas are even more expansive. Passing through Cairniehill Farm, still on the way-marked route, you arrive back at the Bay with options for refreshment nearby.

K6. The Buckland – 5 miles – Countryside, Hill and Coast.
This walk is along quiet country roads. Walk from Kirkcudbright uphill past wood land on a meandering road and then downhill to the half way point at a bridge where the Buckland Burn passes underneath. You then follow the flat road beside the burn for over a mile. With views over Kirkcudbright Bay you complete the walk by taking the footpath beside Manxman’s Lake with bench seat rest and view points on your way back into town.

K7. The Dhoon Circuit – 3.5 miles – Countryside and Hill.
The start of this walk is at a local beauty spot known as The Dhoon Bay beside the River Dee estuary. Make you way uphill away from the shore following a footpath past a cairn to a farm. The hill has commanding views over the estuary and out to sea. Departing from the farm service track you return to the side of the estuary after rounding Kirkeoch Hill 89m. A mile takes you back beside the river to your starting point – an ideal place for a picnic.

D - Gatehouse of Fleet

G1. Castramon Wood – 2.5 miles – Woodland.
Castramon Wood is the site of an ancient woodland with oak trees planted about 200 years ago. A large oak tree is known as ‘Parliament’ due to it being a meeting place for locals. The wood is known for its spectacular display of bluebells in May. The remains of charcoal burning platforms can be seen on the fairly steep circuit around the wood.

G2. Cally Woods - 3 miles – Woodland.
This Forestry Commission walk with several extra distance options. The relatively easy paths lead you through the deciduous woods to the sumptuous Cally Palace Hotel - an accommodation option or a stop for tea during the walk. Walk beside the hotel’s 18 hole golf course and back into Gatehouse.

G3. Ruthford Monument and Anwoth - 3.5 miles – Rugged hill and countryside.
At the start of this walk is an easy detour walk to the National Trust’s Venniehill with seat and viewpoint giving fascinating town views of Gatehouse of Fleet. The main walk is more rugged terrain uphill to the Rutherford monument, a trig point and a Ministers Memorial cairn - all with fantastic views around the Fleet hinterland and estuary. Descend in the opposite direction to the picturesque hamlet of Anwoth – used during the filming of the cult movie The Wickerman. A flat lane round the back of the hill takes you back into Gatehouse of Fleet.

G4. Carrick Circuit – 5.5 miles – Coastal and Countryside.
The area round Gatehouse of Fleet has been designated as the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area. The Fleet Isles off the Carrick coast, where this walk begins is also a National Trust for Scotland site. This easy if longish walk in this category is mostly on a peaceful tarred roads either along the coast or inland by the National Cycle Route and visits the Cream o’Galloway ice cream farm and visitor centre. The shore at Carrick is popular with locals for swimming and boating with many longstanding beach huts still inhabited during the summer holidays.

G5. Creoch, Lag and Loch Whinyeon Circuit – 5 miles – Countryside and Hills.
Still in the Fleet National Scenic Area with panoramic views over the Water of Fleet valley, this is a newly constructed way-marked route following traditional old footpath lines. Although the circuit can be done in either direction, we suggest you go downhill to the Water of Fleet valley and return by a longer more gradual hill to the narrow public road with no fences where sheep roam around at their leisure. The detour to Loch Whinyeon is 1.5 miles in length there and back and can be missed out if desired.

G6. Roon The Water – 6 miles – Countryside and Woodland by quiet road.
This route of this walk up the Water of Fleet valley is an annual summer run circuit during the local gala week. At the head of the head of the valley where you cross the river bridge, the occupied Rusko Castle can be seen across the field. Return to Gatehouse by the golf course and tennis courts.

G7. Big Water of Fleet Viaduct - 4 miles – Moorland.
The start of this upland walk is beside the Moneypool Burn at the old Gatehouse railway station – unusually 6 miles from the town! Scottish Natural Heritage have created the area as a nature reserve and operate a working farm here. The walk follows the old disused railway line and has the majestic granite crag, The Clints of Dromore, as a backdrop. The striking viaduct is the focal point of this peaceful area which has picnic facilities and is popular with visitors. On the way back along a track on this circular walk, a small visitor centre has been made in farm building. Here you can learn about the wildlife of the area.

E - Newton Stewart.

NS1. Wood o Cree Nature Reserve -2 miles – Woodland Nature Reserve.
This reserve run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has the largest ancient woodland in southern Scotland and aims to enhance biodiversity and wildlife for visitors to enjoy. The walk trail follows tumbling burns on a one miles circuit with the option of an extra mile.

NS2. River Cree Circuit – 2.5 miles – Riverside.
This easy walk along the banks of the River Cree in Newton Stewart is ideal for relaxation whether as an evening stroll or during daytime prior to a pub lunch. An old renovated metal footbridge and a new footbridge near the town centre as well as the main road bridge gives crossing point options. At the southern end a new foot/cycle path is planned which will give access further along the riverside towards the Cree Estuary.

NS3. Kirroughtree – 1.5 to 4 miles – Woodland and Riverside.
The Forestry Commission’s Kirroughtree Visitor centre with walks and mountain-bike routes is becoming increasingly popular as a place to get back to nature. It has a beautiful setting with the Palnure Burn, forest and nearby Cairnsmore of Fleet hill, 711m adjacent.This forestry visitor centre with tea room gives several woodland walk options which are separate from the popular mountain bike trails. The Bruntis trail is 1.5 miles, The Viewpoint Trail is 2.5 miles and the Larg Hill Trail is 4 miles. A 3.5 miles easy flat tarred and forestry road route around the Palnure Burn is also a quiet route for a stroll. The Visitor Centre has a tea room.

NS4. Knockman Wood and Garlies Castle – 4 miles - Riverside and Woodland.
Near to Newton Stewart, this walk can be extended to 6 miles depending on your start point. This peaceful woodland location will offer good exercise on the hilly parts. Garlies Castle is situated outside the wood but worth a detour with the option of returning to your start point via Minnigaff.

NS5. Murray’s Monument – ½ mile to 5 miles – Hill and Woodland.
The Murray’s Monument is a popular walk beside the A712 road. The surrounding area is full of natural beauty with a wild goat park and red deer range nearby. Although the monument walk is only ½ a mile, a detour gives you the option to walk a longer distance to the Old Edinburgh Road or further through the forest. The Grey Mare’s tail burn with dramatic waterfalls and nearby Black Loch sculpture all add to the spectacle.

NS6. The Minnoch – 5 miles – Riverside and Woodland.
This is a little known walk popular with locals. It follows the River Minnoch upstream with the option of linking to Stroan Bridge and Glentrool visitor centre. It is at a beside this river that the body was found in the Galloway set fictitious murder mystery book, The Five Red Herrings, the subject of  one of our themed walking tours. The return route joins part of the well known Southern Upland Way cross Scotland walking route.

NS7. Loch Trool - 5.5 miles - Lochside and Woodland.
This is another Forestry Commission location including a visitor centre and tea room. The popular and stunningly beautiful area around Glentrool could be said to be the most like the Scottish Highlands having craggy hillsides, a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, and tumbling waterfalls. with the highest mountain of the region, Merrick 843m nearby. Bruce’s Stone, beside Loch Trool commemorates a battle in 1307 when Robert the Bruce scored a victory over an English Army. The walk around the loch has an information board showing how the battle was won using the natural features of the area.

F - Wigtown

W1. Wigtown – 3.5 miles – Town and shoreline.
Scotland’s booktown is a shinning example of diversification in the region. This old county town has been transformed into a walking experience for the avid reader. As well as the surrounding district, strolling around these specialist book stores the reading enthusiast could lose themselves for hours in ceiling high stacks of new or second hand books. The walk around the town takes in the Martyr’s Stake where two Covenanters were left to drown in the incoming tide. Further along the shore you arrive at the old harbour and site of Wigtown Castle.

W2. River Bladnoch Walk – 2 or 4 miles – Riverside and Woodland.
Although the walk is a total of 2 miles, walking from Wigtown to the start will make another 2 miles. This an easy pleasant walk by the side of the River Bladnoch. At the end of the walk a tour of the Distillery – limited opening – and a refreshment in the Bladnoch Inn would top off your walk.

W3. Whithorn Circuit – 3 miles – Town and Countryside.
The Whithorn Story Visitor Centre is an appropriate place to start your walk around this historical town of archaeological significance. A walk out of town and through the countryside brings you back to the Centre where the Cathedral ruins and Dig site are worth a visit.

W4. St. Ninian’s Cave – 4.5 miles – Coast.
Starting from Burrowhead caravan site, the walk follows the coast path west all the way to St. Ninians Cave which is clearly marked. An annual pilgrimage is still made to this site which is associated with the tradition of St. Ninian’s arrival in Scotland. Small crosses on the rock date from the 8th century.

W5. Isle of Whithorn to Burrowhead – 6 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. The scenic return route follows the cliff edge back to the harbour in Isle of Whithorn.

W6. Cruggleton Castle – 6.5 miles – Coastal, Countryside and Woodland.
This walk is 8 miles from Wigtown and starts from the old harbour town of Garlieston. Although just over 6 miles in length, we have included this popular coastal walk in the easy/moderate category. From Garlieston village the way-marked coastal route is easy to follow passing Galloway House around Cruggleton Bay. Following open ground the path rises along the cliff tops from where you can see the remains of Cruggleton Castle, a former important settlement. The views from the Castle are magnificent towards isle of Whithorn and Isle of Man in the distance. Return the same way with the option of entering the rambling Galloway House Gardens which are open to the public.

W7. Kilsture Forest – 3 miles – Woodland.
This woodland walk is 4.5 miles from Wigtown. This peaceful location is a flat easy walk with several tracks and paths to extend or even reduce the walking distance if desired. The forest is within a couple of miles of the villages of  Kirkinner, Whauphill, Sorbie and Garlieston. Sorbie Tower, the clan home of the Hanna clan is also nearby.

G – The Glenkens

TG1. Clatteringshaws – 2.5 miles – Hill Moorland and Woodland.
Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, the Forestry Commission premises at the start of this walk is a popular stopping off spot for visitors during the summer. The views over Clatteringshaws Loch to the mountains behind are magnificent and the subject of many photographs. Nearby Bruce’s Stone is a ½ mile walk from the Centre which has a tea room. The main walk climbs uphill towards Benniguinea hill, 387m, and loops back down again on a way-marked route. Not far away is the red deer range where regular guided tours take place by Forestry Commission personnel.

TG2. Bennan and Mossdale – 4.5 miles – Woodland , Loch and Country Road.
The starting point for this walk is the Bennan viewpoint which gives expansive views of Loch Ken and surrounding area. There is a good chance you will see a red kite bird of prey as the area is in the middle of the Galloway Kite Tail.  After the viewpoint you head through the forest to Stroan Loch, another locally known beauty spot on a forest road known as The Raiders Road, formerly a cattle droving route featured in the book of the same name by S.R. Crocket. You then follow the old Paddy railway line to Mossdale village with its village shop before heading back to the start point by the quiet road.

TG3. Waterside Hill - 4.5 miles – Riverside; Moderate Hill.
With the riverside path including a suspension footbridge, a stretch on the Southern Upland Way cross-Scotland walking route including a nearby climb up Waterside Hill with its panoramic views from the top, before returning by a typical glen and the river again, this circular walk has lots of features to keep you interested. A good end of walk pub in Dalry for a bar lunch or drink.

TG4. Blawquhairn Walk – 5 miles – Hills, Road and River.
Departing from the centre of Dalry you walk through the town and into the upland countryside on the way-marked Southern upland way walking route. Bout half way you join the National Byway Cycle Route back towards the town. From here you get glorious views over Earlstoun loch and the surrounding hills. There are different options back but we suggest returning via the riverside.

TG5. Craigencallie to Loch Dee – 5 miles – Forestry Road in the Galloway Hills.
This walk starts from a remote spot in the Galloway Hills popular with walkers along the Southern Upland Way. From the car park you take forestry road close to the River Dee through the hillside to Loch Dee which is unusual by having a white sand beach at one side. There are magnificent views all around this area which has a truly glorious setting.

TG6. New Galloway to Dalry – 5.5 miles – Riverside
The Glenkens Area is ideal as a peaceful walking location. This recently way-marked walk mostly follows the Water of Ken river floodbank between the two picturesque hillside towns of New Galloway and St. John’s Town of Dalry. You can start at either town with the Ken Bridge Hotel part way along the route. A bus would take you back to your starting point. Excellent tea rooms and Hotels for pub lunches.

TG7. Dundeugh Forest Walk – 4 miles – Forest.
This walk is 5 miles north of St. John’s Town of Dalry at Kendoon at the head of Carsfad loch. The walk starts in this scenic area from the ancient settlement at Polmaddy where parking facilities are available. After crossing a bridge you are effectively on an island bordered on both sides by water where several rivers and burns converge. The walk passes the remains of Dundeugh castle and almost wholly through evergreen woodland. At the centre of the island is Dundeugh Hill 271m. At the southern end is the works of Kendoon power station, part of the Galloway Hydro o scheme.