The Glenkens and Laurieston Forest
Break 3 - The Glenkens and Laurieston Forest – 6.5, 5 and 5.5 miles options – Hills, Countryside and Woodland.
These two walking locations are in the Galloway Forest Park. Laurieston forest has a quaint pub in the village - with the red kite feeding station nearby, while the other walk from St. John's Town of Dalry, again with an excellent pub at the end, is on part of the Southern Upland Way.
Accommodation - in Castle Douglas or The Glenkens. - Accommodation List.
Places of Interest - Castle Douglas Food Town; Sulwath Brewery, Carlingwark loch; Threave Castle and Garden; New Galloway, Dalry and Balmaclellan towns; Clog & Shoe Workshop; Loch Ken; Clatteringshaws Loch & V.C.; Galloway Kite Trail. Tea Rooms, Pubs and Restaurants recommended. Places of Interest List.
Price – for 2 nights accommodation - from £95 p.p. - B&B; from £145 - Hotel.
Day 1: St. John’s Town of Dalry is a hillside town on the Southern Upland Way walking route. It is situated 16 miles from Castle Douglas in the Galloway Hills and is soon to have its own walking festival. It has a good pub/restaurant at the walk end.
Waterside Hill - 4.5, 6.5 or longer miles – Riverside; Moderate Hill.
This circular walk starts by crossing a river suspension footbridge, before following the riverside and joining the Southern Upland Way cross-Scotland walking route. You deviate from the SUW for a time to climb up Waterside Hill with its panoramic views from the top. Re-join the SUW to the Garroch Glen and follow the line of a burn tributary to where it joins the Water of Ken before returning to Dalry. You have the option to walk another 2 mile river route if you wish. This circular walk has lots of features to keep you interested. If you still would like some more walking, continuing on the SUW for a distance in the opposite direction before looping back to Dalry is also a great 4.5 miles walk with fantastic views.
Day 2: The Kenick Wood near Laurieston village, - 6 miles from Castle Douglas - has walks maintained by the Forestry Commission. We have identified two other longer forest walks which extend to nearby lochs. Laurieston pub is nearby and an ideal place to stop for lunch before possibly viewing the red kite feeding at the nearby farm.
Walk 1- 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.
Walk 2: 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.