Dumfries and Galloway, a hidden gem of southwest Scotland, is a perfect destination for those looking for quiet trails, slower pace and variety of activities. Located over the stunning Solway Firth estuary, Dumfries and Galloway is home to quiet sandy beaches and craggy coastal cliffs. Inland on the other hand, there are acres of forest and rolling hills with abundance of wildlife.
Those who decide to visit the region will be charmed by lovely fishing villages, hundreds of miles of coastal, hill and woodland walks. The network of public paths across this beautiful part of Scotland seems endless, ranging from short walks in parks to strenuous hikes in Moffat hills.
One of the best things about the area is that Dumfries and Galloway still feels undiscovered, with plenty of spaces awaiting to be explored by local and foreign tourists.
Interestingly Dumfries and Galloway which is nowadays more off beaten track destination was a very popular Victorian holiday destination and signs of its former popularity can be found across the region.
In this article, we will inspire you to set your eyes on the region and put in on your Scottish bucket list, discover some of the best walks in Dumfries and Galloway!
Unfairly, Dumfries and Galloway stays overshadowed by Scottish Highlands, however, once a visitor to the area, its experience and beauty will make you long to come back and explore further and learn more about its local communities.
Beyond a doubt, the best way to get the feel of the region is exploring on foot (or by bike), and we can’t encourage you enough to give a chance to Dumfries and Galloway!
10 amazing walks in Dumfries and Galloway
Mull of Galloway (coastal walk)
Isle of Whithorn (coastal walk)
Kippford to Sandyhills (coastal walk)
Cairnsmore of Fleet (hill walk)
Loch Trool loop (woodland walk)
The Merrick (hill walk)
Crichope Linn (woodland walk)
Grey Mare’s Tail and Loch Skeen (hill walk)
White Coomb (hill walk)
Hart Fell and Saddle Yoke horseshoe (hill walk)
*** BONUS STROLLS ***
Wigtown Explorer and River walk
1.Mull of Galloway
Distance: 4-6 km
Terrain: coastal
Time: 2-3 hours (or half day)
Level of difficulty: easy, but care needed on clifftops
The most southerly point of Scotland, Mull of Galloway presents unmissable walking opportunities with complimentary breath-taking views of high cliffs, hidden coves, jagged rocks stretching into the sea. A must-visit spot for walkers, Mull of Galloway also excites with seabird colonies, classic lighthouse and beach views.
Although getting to Mull of Galloway involves a lengthy drive, a visit to the southernmost point of Scotland is most recommended and will not disappoint you!
You may think that a location featuring a lighthouse, seasonal café and tourist infrastructure does not have the ‘wilderness factor’, but rest assured it does, and finding a quiet wild stretch of coast at Mull of Galloway is quite easy as most visitors tend to floak at the lighthouse and cafes.
HINT: Mull of Galloway is a ‘no drone zone’ due to abundance of seabirds and wildlife, so when visiting the area stick to the good old camera!
How to find these quiet wild corners at Mull of Galloway
Start your visit and a walk at the dedicated car park (3 parking areas: #1 marked spaces along the road, #2 lot next to a café and #3 the largest lot near the lighthouse)
First, head to the lighthouse, an obvious attraction. A maintained trail will take you around the whitewashed walls, with narrower paths forking off the main route. Explore the tip of Mull of Galloway, descent to the fog horn and viewpoints to Luce Bay. These are good spots to observe the ever changing sea currents (quite hypnotising!), marine wildlife and far coast of England in the distance.
The most obvious landmarks aside, return to the small café, cross the gate at the cliff edge and take a path that runs along the clifftops, next to the fence, as per the illustration below:
Carefully follow the narrow path, but refrain from touching the fence as some sections are powered (a friend learnt it hard way :)).
Soon you’ll come to a curve, walk farther for the best views of the lighthouse and the cliffs! Pictures taken from this point indeed remind aerial photography!
You will find many spots great for picnic or short rest, enjoy the scenery and tranquillity! You will be amazed to find that most visitors stick to the lighthouse and the surroundings, and only few venture to explore the coastal paths of the Mull.
As you walk away from the lighthouse, the coastal views slightly change and higher cliffs become much gentler bumps, less dramatic to the eye but just as good for exploration!
Walking along the coastline you will pass Kennedy’s Cairn (a short detour), feel free to have a closer look at this stone construction, but return to walk along the coast for another 400 yards before reaching the point where coastal path approaches the single track road at the cattle grid.
If the weather is good and you feel like it, you can continue to follow the coastal path that later will take you thru pastures to the main road, but otherwise we recommend a return walk from the spot where the path meets the road at the cattle grid.
To return to the car park you can either retrace your steps along the cliffs, or simply walk along the minor road, careful of the tourist traffic.
Those who desire to explore the southernmost area of Scotland may be interested in learning more about a long distance hike to Mull of Galloway. The 60km trail running from Loch Ryan to the lighthouse at Mull of Galloway via Stranraer can be completed within 2-3 days.
2. Isle of Whithorn
Distance: 1.5 km
Terrain: coastal
Time: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: easy stroll
The name ‘Isle of Whithorn’ may fool you, as during the visit you will not be exploring an island, but a small fishing village and a lovely headland crowned with a small lighthouse. Interesting that the ‘headland’ used to be ‘an island’ before the harbour joined it with the mainland; this is not clearly visible from the land level, but looking at aerial photographs you will immediately spot the man-made connection.
We recommend starting the walk on the Main Street, visiting the small harbour before leaving the paved tracks and heading to the lighthouse. Along the way you will pass remains of old cottages and St.Ninians chapel. You will see the lighthouse from afar, inviting you to come and explore the nearby shoreline and cliffs. Perhaps you’ll spot locals catching the fish, trying their luck at lower cliffs.
You may want to extend the walk by following one of the paths along the eastern side of the headland.
3.Kippford to Sandyhills
Distance: 12 km
Terrain: coastal
Time: 3-4 hours (or half to full day)
Level of difficulty: moderate (lengthy, linear, elevation gain 256m)
The walk from lovely village of Kippford to beautiful golden sanded beach at Sandyhills is an ultimate day coastal walk in Dumfries and Galloway region. The trail starts in a small coastal village (free visitors car park directions) and follows a mixture of pavements and wild paths along the coast, visits quiet settlements along the way, climbs a couple of clifftops before gently descending to a fine beach. The walk is unmarked, but relatively easy to follow.
Since the walk starts and finishes in villages 12 km apart, you have to consider means of getting back to Klippford, either by bus, hitchhike, bike or car.
HINT: We opted for the easiest: a friend wanted to join us for this walk hence we had 2 cars at our disposal; we left one in Sandyhills and the other one in Kippford.
What to expect during the hike from Kippford to Sandyhills
Initially, the trail follows a quiet coastal road lined with white cottages. Past the bus stop and the small shop/gallery the road narrows. Continue ahead for another 1 kilometre before taking a path to the left, signposted to the Elm cottage. Pass the cottage and keep to the path that enters the woodland. The next destination along the trail is Rockcliff village and a boutique beach, a perfect spot for a break after the first kilometres of the hike. The peaceful and relaxed ambience of Rockcliff makes it hard to leave, you may want to enjoy the sunny bench for a lot longer than initially planned!
Further, the trail keeps close to the shore as it passes several more cottages before all the ‘civilisation’ is left behind and you’re heading to the high cliffs. Ensure to explore the viewpoints along the way as you reach Castle Point – kind of a ‘corner cliff’.
The next section of the trail follows the clifftops and is steep in places, but only briefly. The path levels as it reaches a walled pasture. Look out for the curious cattle that may come to take a closer look and investigate who you are. If they do, do not panic nor behave aggressively towards them, they mean no harm, but are curious creatures by nature. If you’re walking with a dog, ensure to keep your canine friend on a lead at all times, especially near livestock.
At the far end of the pasture, uphill, you’ll cross another wall (a gate) and the views will open to a fantastic coastline with dramatic but not too high cliffs and lovely coastal cottages of Port o’Warren.
Further, the trail descends to the settlement, before heading towards the coast again. A path well overgrown with gorse will guide you towards wild beach and over the golden sands of Sandyhills beach. A dense web of paths may present a navigation challenge, but if keeping to the right (close to the beach) you should soon find a suitable descent route and enjoy the beach in no time.
Sandyhills car park and bus stop/toilets are located at the other end of the campsite.
To recap, the unmissable landmarks/locations along the way from Kippford to Sandyhills are: Rockcliff village, cliffs of Castle Point and the golden sanded beach at Sandyhills.
HINT: Since the walk is lengthy we recommend planning it for a full day, to have plenty of time to explore the coastal nooks and crannies and have enough time for breaks if you are lucky enough to walk on a sunny day.
Check out this online map for detailed info on the route from Kippford to Sandyhills.
You may also like: 14 best walks in Glencoe, Scottish hiking paradise!
4.Cairnsmore of Fleet
Distance: 12.5 km
Terrain: hillwalk on forrest track and moorland path
Time: 4 hours (or half day)
Level of difficulty: moderate (lengthy, elevation gain 683m)
When exploring Dumfries and Galloway you should not miss the western part of the region.
While travelling from east to west along coastal road A75 you will notice a range of gentle but high hills stretching between Gatehouse of Fleet and Newton Stewart. The highest of them, Cairnsmore of Fleet (710masl) gave name to the nature reserve at its foot.
From afar the two tops of Cairnsmore of Fleet may look like a group of hills, but rest assured you will be climbing only one mountain, one of the best known in the region!
A hike to Cairnsmore of Fleet is straightforward, moderately steep and in good weather conditions does not present any navigational difficulty. In fact you will follow a clear path throughout the hike.
We recommend this walk for afternoon, with sunset views from the top, but please ensure to be able to descent the hill before nightfall, or alternatively do prepare for an evening walk (map/hikers sat nav and headtorch). Why not explore this online/offline hiking app, with the route already marked for you.
The best starting point is a small parking area in Cairnsmore settlement (Google directions). Cairnsmore of Fleet trail is signposted from this spot, the summit is said to be 4 miles away. Apart from this single signpost at the parking area, the trail is unmarked, albeit easy to follow.
Leaving the parking lot thru a wooden gate stick to the car track which follows a stream. Continue along this track as is climbs slightly uphill and passes a country house. The path diverts Cairnsmore Stable Cottage by forking to the right before arriving at another track, between woodland and pastures.
Having passed an old house on the right look out for a gate and a faint path which diagonally crosses the green pasture busy with sheep. At the far end of the meadow (slightly to the left) is another gate and a well-trodden path continues up thru the forest.
Soon the path will run along the forest edge, pass a wide track and a stone bench. The path becomes even easier to follow as it changed to a cobbled trail before arriving to another gate, this time in the open space of the lower hills. Look out for feral goats and you may be lucky to spot a small group munching fresh grass nearby.
As you’re finally in the open hillside a rough path climbs to higher ground, a broad grassy ridge. You will see a large cairn in the distance, to the left. This is the destination, the war memorial at the top of Cairnsmore of Fleet western summit. The final approach to the memorial is almost flat.
View from the broad summit ridge are not incredibly dramatic, but include a couple of ranges of lower hills, glens and rivers as well as Galloway Forest Park and Merrick! Very picturesque indeed!
The best way back to the car park is retracing your steps.
5.Loch Trool loop
Distance: 9.2 km
Terrain: hilly forest walk with clear paths and forest tracks
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours (or half day)
Level of difficulty: Easy walk on well-defined paths but longer than most easy walks, with some uphill sections
This is a fantastic walk to suit whole family, with stunning views over Loch Trool and the surrounding hills. The walk includes several uphill sections, but these are not very strenuous and the path is very well maintained all around the loch.
Start the walk at the Caldons car park, at the western end of Loch Trool (directions). Cross the bridge over the Water of Trool and walk on the tarmac road until you see the first post with a green marking on your left. Leave the road and follow the path, it goes closer to the banks of the loch, first through the dense woods and then it opens up. Along the way you’ll go through a couple of gates, the path climbs and descends many times, giving you an opportunity to either dip in a loch or admire the breath-taking views across the water towards the hills. In the summer, the scent of blooming flowers is strong and very pleasing.
Near the head of the loch the trail inclines steeply, with a couple of flights of steps. Next, the path runs along a stony wall and a fence as it gently slopes into the glen. It eventually turns left to reach a burn. Follow the path upstream until it reaches a track, cross the bridge and follow the track uphill for nearly 2 km until you reach the paved public road.
Before continuing on the road, detour to visit Bruce’s Stone (unmarked). This large cairn was erected in 1929 to commemorate a battle in which Robert the Bruce and his army of just 300 men defeated an English army of 1500 heavy cavalry by luring them to the banks of Loch Trool.
The views to Loch Trool below are beautiful and give you last chance to oversee the loch from the above.
Continue your walk along the tarred road for around 2km until you see the signpost directing you to go off the road, into the trees on the left. After crossing a burn the path reaches the lower shores of Loch Trool, a last chance to look back across the water. You are now not far from the car park.
Note: It is possible to continue the walk along the road all day way from the Bruce’s Stone to the car park if you prefer it (for example due to midges, or rain or overgrown trail etc).
6.The Merrick (843 masl)
Distance: 13 km
Terrain: hill walk on man-maid path through the woods and then on a grassy hill ridge
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate, steep in places, some wet sections
Lying in the heart of Galloway range, The Merrick is the highest peak in southern Scotland, hence tends to be quite a busy peak when comparing to other hills in the area, giving you a chance to interact and talk to fellow walkers.
On a nice day with a good visibility, you will see most of Galloway Forrest and surrounding hills as well as Northern Ireland and Isle of Man from the top, which makes it a nice reward for all the effort.
The route from Loch Trool is unmarked but it is maintained and relatively easy to follow (with several signposts along the way).
Park at the upper car park and head up the road – there is a big information board for Merrick Trail, on the left hand side, that marks the trailhead. Initially the trail climbs high above Buchan Burn to finally meet the noisy burn at the kissing gate. Further you’ll pass a number of small waterfalls as you climb higher.
The path eventually moves away and above the burn, it also flattens out and becomes sandy, with muddy spots.
Soon you’ll reach an old bothy in the meadow surrounded by magnificent trees. Leaving the bothy, the trail climbs again through the woods until it reaches the wide track. Look out for a sign indicating the Merrick trail, basically cross the trail slightly to the right, go through the metal gate into the woods. This shaded section is very enjoyable, especially on a hot day.
At the edge of the forest, observant eye will notice a cement sign on the ground indicating the end of forest walk and start of the mountain walk. You’re entering the open hillside. After crossing another gate, continue up, as the path climbs quite steeply to the top of Benyellary (719masl).
Some places can be wet and boggy but you should not have any problem navigating through it. From Benyellary the path gently descends to a saddle before arriving to the foot of Merrick, preparing you for the final climb.
The top of Merrick is marked by a whitewashed trig point hidden in a massive tumbledown cairn.
Merrick summit views are superb, offering an overview of the whole area, we especially loved the views down to Loch Valley and the wild and empty country that stretches away to the east and north.
When ready retrace your footstep to get back to the car park.
7. Crichope Linn
Distance: 3 km
Terrain: woodland
Time: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: easy, but care needed as some sections are slippery
Crichope Linn is one of the best hidden gems of Dumfries and Galloway and has stayed rather unknown, despite being enjoyed by nature lovers since Victorian times. When exploring the Linn look out for names and messages carved in stone along the path! These old-times graffiti adds to the charm of Crichope Linn, but we would strongly discourage you from leaving your own marks.
Although the trail is unmarked, it is very easy to follow, as a well-trodden path runs past all must-see attractions of Crichope Linn.
This stunning woodland walk along Crichope Burn (a fast stream) starts near a small parking lot, a short drive from Thornhill, and follows a wild path to a hidden gorge with unique rock formations and features.
Having arrived to the parking lot return to the road and walk back approx 150 metres, till you see an old wooden signpost to Crichope Linn, or a green metal post for Beattock. The trailhead is marked ‘footpath’ at the opposite side of the road and the path immediately enters the woodland, thru a gate. Initially the trail is no different to any other woodland walk as it follows the stream, but after a couple of minutes of walking you will come to large orangey rocks covered in Victorian graffitti.
Take care on the narrow path, some spots can be very muddy and slippery. Soon you will arrive to a massive rock where the path forks. To the right you’ll see a natural door, go explore! This particular one leads to a hidden viewpoint over a narrow gorge. Without a doubt this is the most magnificent sight of Crichope Linn walk. A hidden viewpoint over a fast stream and a gorge, quite similar to the famous Pulpit Rock. We strongly recommend to explore all side trails along the way!
Due to the high humidity and micro-climate of Crichope Linn, the stones and ground tend to be wet and slippery, often covered in slimy moss and other vegetation. We encourage you to check out every corner of Crichope Linn, but also urge you to be very careful. Especially if you’re enjoying the walk with children, please ensure to keep an eye and have the young ones close at all times!
Having explored the hidden gorge, why not take the upper trail and walk along the stream? It’s a very pleasant woodland walk, with abundance of wild flowers and magnificent old trees.
If you feel adventurous you can continue along the stream to reach a track and cross a small bridge, and return to the trailhead on the opposite side of the stream, otherwise carefully retrace your steps.
8.Grey Mare’s Tail and Loch Skeen
Distance: 5.5 km
Terrain: well maintained footpath
Time: 2-3 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy/moderate, straight forward and short walk but the path along the gorge is very steep
Grey Mare’s Tail is one of the best known waterfalls in Scotland, located amongst picturesque hills and only a short drive from Moffat. A visit to the waterfall view point alone is a short and easy walk, but a keen walker would probably like to spend more time in the beautiful calming surroundings of Southern Scotland. Hence we’re encouraging you to walk up to the beautiful Loch Skeen (or Loch Skene) and enjoy the views of the waterfall along the way.
A large car park accommodates all visitors to Grey Mare’s Tail (charge of £3 applies for the whole day – coins or card).
The area is owned and managed by National Trust for Scotland hence there is well maintained path all the way to the south-east banks of Loch Skene.
The trailhead is located on the west side of the burn (there is a wooden bridge over the burn if you parked on east side).The path climbs steeply and continues to be steep until it levels up with the Tail Burn on higher ground. Although very hard the way up is just as rewarding with stunning views across the glen below, and down as it drops into the ravines.
As you hike up Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall becomes more impressive with each step. The falls are 60m high and rank amongst the most impressive in Scotland.
If lucky you may come across hairy feral goats that roam this area.
It is worth to continue to the waters of Loch Skene (a pristine lake surrounded by gentle hills, at the upper glen) before retracing your footsteps back to the car park.
If you’d like to complete a circular high route over Loch Skeen check walk no 9 below.
9. White Coomb
Distance: 11.5 km
Terrain: well maintained footpath to Loch Skeen, but boggy moorland and some steep ascents and descents beyond, burn crossing
Time: 5 – 7 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate/difficult, difficult to cross boggy sections, river crossing might be tricky after heavy rain
This hike starts at the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall car park (charge of £3 applies for the whole day – coins or cards).
As the area is owned and managed by National Trust for Scotland the path to Loch Skeen is well maintained. You will easily see the path climbing steeply above the car park, follow it until reaching the loch. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the beautiful waterfall, as the path goes higher above the gorge, in fact this trail offers the best views to Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall. Once the gradient eases the path still continues above the gorge passing smaller falls and cascades before eventually levelling with the Tail burn winding between hummocks in a wide valley.
The well-made path ends at the southern shores of Loch Skene and now the boggy part starts. You can either follow a wet path that continues by the eastern side of the loch for some distance before cutting across the heather (aim for the shortest distance between the path and the fence above the heather), or turn right from the main path, shortly before reaching the loch and walk across thick heather to reach a fence and drystone dyke.
Once you reached the fence follow it towards the grassy slopes to the east of the crags of Lochcraig Head. This section is extremely boggy and will take some time to figure out how best cross some sections which seem impassable at first sight. Definitely walking poles come very handy when assessing the boggy sections and looking for more firm ground to step on.
The walking gets drier once you reach the foot of the hill. However, the initial section up the top of Lochcraig Head is very steep and tough going, but it is relatively short and once the trail turns left walking gets easier.
The top of the Lochcraig Head is off the path to your right, marked by couple of flat rocks. But for best views down to Loch Skene head to a cairn near the edge of the crags.
To continue, follow the fence down to Talla Nick, this is again quite boggy and wet ground, some sections are best avoided by walking on the collapsed wall.
If you feel like the walking is harder or the weather is about to change you have an options to shorten the walk and instead of heading up to Firthybrig Head you can stick to craigs closer to the Loch Skene. Head to Water Craig first and then gradually down along Mid Craig until you reach the shores of Loch Skene again, and the good path.
To continue to White Coomb, follow the fence from Talla Nick to Firthrigg Head. Walking is now more straightforward and the fences pretty much set the way till the top of White Coomb.
Continue West-Southwest along the broad ridge – the path is visible and relatively dry with only occasional wet spots. The scenery towards the right gets better with each step. At Firthhope Rig, there is a junction of fences, follow the one to your left (East-Southeast). This location is a good place to admire the Hart Fell ridge and nearby hills.
Having reached the end of the fence, you will be able to see a narrow (sheep like) path. Follow it and in no time (10 mins) you will be standing on flattish top of White Coomb.
You have now climbed the highest peak of the Moffat hills. The cairn at its top is a fine and very extensive viewpoint, both for the surrounding hills, across into the Borders, and towards the Solway Firthas well as dales below.
To continue, take a faint path gently descending towards the wall. When following the wall initially the way down is very steep, with some eroded and slippery sections. It curves a couple of times and soon after walking gets easier it takes you to Tail Burn. Crossing the burn may be a trickier after rainfall, hence take your time to assess the best place for your crossing. Consider how broad is the river, how deep, check the stones etc
Once you have crossed the burn continue down on the man-made path used as the outward route.
10. Hart Fell and Saddle Yoke horseshoe
Distance: 13 km
Terrain: hillwalk
Time: 6-7 hours (or full day)
Level of difficulty: moderate (lengthy, elevation gain 871m)
This classic horseshoe walk will take you to explore some of the highest hills of Moffat area. Although the highest of hill tops along this route reach modest 808masl and 735masl, the walk is far from an easy stroll. Apart from a significant elevation gain, it includes a very steep initial section; additionally, the distance of 13 km is rather lengthy. So don’t underestimate the hike to Hart Fell and Saddle Yoke!
Hart Fell and Saddle Yoke hike in detail
The hike encircles Black Hope glen, a home to Blackhope burn. The recommended parking spot is located off the road, near a white cottage (directions). To find the trailhead follow the main road west, cross the Blackhope burn bridge and look out for a gate just before the wooden barn, walk across the pasture to find another gate, and cross.
Soon you’ll find that the initial section of this hike is a very steep climb over a grassy slope. A walking pole will be particularly handy during this ascent!
As the faint path climbs up at the western side of Hang Burn, the ground becomes less challenging and soon you may find yourself erected again, rather than crawling. Continue up to reach another gate, a door to the open space and endless hills!
Hiking trail will take you to Hart Fell first, a gentle top in the distance, before encircling the sources of Blackhope burn and climbing Saddle Yoke. Although Saddle Yoke looks gigantic from across the glen, climbing it does not present much challenge and is only a 20 mins ascent.
Hart Fell & Saddle Yoke horseshoe trail follows broad hilltops, endless grassy meadows and is quite easy to navigate in good weather. Having climbed Saddle Yoke the remaining walk is only downhill and not too steep, but may be muddy in places.
Hart Fell top is easy to locate, marked with a trig point and old stone wall, but Saddle Yoke is unmarked, although still easy to find the highest point. Look out for feral goats that feel particularly at home on the broad hilltops near Hart Fell!
To return to the parking area follow a broad southern shoulder of Saddle Yoke, a well-trodden path will take you down while it follows the glen at higher level before effortlessly descending to the bottom of Black Hope Glen, exactly to the parking lot!
** BONUS STROLLS **
If, like us, sometimes you wander in search of a nice, short walk near the place you’re staying, this wee stroll may be of interest to you. On one of our visits to Dumfries & Galloway, we stayed in Wigtown and we simply followed the signposts to the historic harbour and beyond.
Wigtown Explorer and River Walk (2-3 hours, 6.5 km)
Undoubtedly, Wigtown is one of the most popular towns in Dumfries and Galloway. This small, charming town hosts annual book festival and is home to dozens of independent book shops (the most famous of them and the largest book shop in Scotland ‘THE BOOK SHOP’ located on the main square). Apart from bookworm delights, Wigtown also offers several interesting historic sites and walks as well as a quiet birdwatching hide for nature lovers.
Two of Wigtown’s most celebrated walks are the ‘river walk’, and ‘old harbour walk’.
We recommend combining these two together to enjoy a fine and quiet afternoon stroll.
Start the walk from Wigtown main square and follow the Bank Street downhill, passing the old parish church and historic cemetery. Only a short walk further, at the small parking area, leave the main street and follow a gravelled trail (old railway path). Initially the path will take you past the ‘Martyr’s Stake’ (worth a short diversion), but mostly it works as a break between back gardens of old cottages and green pastures with sheep and abundance of protected birds. The far end of a railway path meets a small road, again, follow downhill to come to an old harbour and a birdwatchers’ hide.
Farther, follow the paved trail along the river until reaching the low fence. Cross the fence and continue the walk along the river, keep to the flood protection and walk all the way to the remains of a bridge over Bladnoch. Some good rest spots can be found opposite the disused quarry.
Leave the river at the old bridge, you’ll find a lovely tree-lined avenue leading in the direction of Wigtown. Follow it all the way and you will join the backstreets of Wigtown within 30 minutes.
We recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes for this walk, the part over river Bladnoch can be muddy or slippery in places.
We are hoping that once you set your feet on a trail in Dumfries and Galloway, you will feel inspired to complete all the walks on our list and more! There’s abundance of walking paths and trails, a keen eye will spot countless public paths connecting villages and towns.
We would love to hear how your visit to Dumfries and Galloway went, which experiences you enjoyed the most, whether you recommend other locations/trails, and why?
