Clints of Dromore(route)
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 83
This is an lovely walk in the heart of Cairnsmore Nature Reserve with a real chance of seeing wildlife.
The start is before the old Gatehouse station at a small car park GR538622 and goes in a clockwise direction initially on a forest road heading north for 1.5K and then a forest ride to the open ground where a new fence heads uphill to the west end of the Clints. The route turns easterly here and the next 2K is along the top of the cliffs where a real feel of airiness is experienced and the views superb. Continuing in the same direction the old railway line is soon reached and is followed for 2.2K to the old station house where the main road is joined and the car park is only a few hundred metres beyond.
If Cairnsmore Nature Reserve Visitor centre is open the finish of the walk can include a short stop there.
Actual Walk Distance - 8.5km
Merrick via the Rig of the Gloon(route)
Maps OS Explorer 318 Landranger 77
This is an alternative route to ascend the Merrick, and the Rig of the Gloon will test the fittest. This is a most satisfying way to see the highest top in the south of Scotland from a different angle.
Starting at loch Trool GR415804 the path to Culsharg is taken where the forest road is taken to its end where a path will be found. This path follows the line of the Buchan Burn emerging at the foot of the Rig of the Gloon with the better part of 500 metres ascent in 2K, not for the faint hearted as there is no clear path to the top of the Merrick. However, the effort is all worthwhile when the trig point is reached and the views to the north and west are savoured and naturally a break for lunch will be taken.
The return is by the "tourist" path passing the Neive of the Spit and Benyellary then rejoining the outward leg at Culsharg for the final 2K back to Loch trool.
Actual Walk Distance - 13km
Clatteringshaws to Dalry(route)
Maps OS Explorer 318/319 Landranger 77
This route follows part of the Southern Upland Way easterly from Clatteringshaws to Dalry.
Starting from the road end GR567771 leading to Upper Craigenbay and a pleasant walk along the road affords good views to Clatteringshaws to the left and in front glimpses of all the Galloway ranges can be seen. The Southern Upland Way path is picked up at GR539790 and the SUW markers define the route every few hundred metres. Boots are required as the ground can often be boggy. A gentle climb through the forest leads to open ground around the Clenrie where a break can be taken and admire the views.
The route to Dalry is straightforward on good paths and roads with a nice crossing on the footbridge over the Water of Ken and refreshments can be found in the village near the pick up point GR619812.
Actual Walk Distance - 16km
Cairnsmore of Fleet via Millburn(route)
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 83
This is a brand new route up Cairnsmore of Fleet and the final ascent is challenging but well worth the effort.
The start is at the new car park at the entrance to the estate GR463633 with an easy signposted walk to the old car park then through the field where the livestock must be heeded. On leaving the field a short walk leads to a sign indicating Mill Burn and this follows a series of paths and roads to Mill Burn and the path leads uphill getting steadily steeper until a stile is crossed. At this point paths become tracks and the route to the top is fairly rough and care must be exercised as the heather hides holes, but in May the vegetation is still low and does not pose the same problem as in late summer.
Once the top is achieved a well earned lunch break allows six kingdoms to be absorbed, and witout doubt this gives the finest views of the Cree and everything beyond. The next stage is along the flat top keeping to the east side to get the best views of the crags and a short climb on to the south top GR509654. A retracing of steps for 200 metres leads to a dyke that in turn becomes a path then farm track down the side of the Graddoch Burn. This track rejoins the path through the estate back to the car park.
Actual Walk Distance - 15km
The Dungeons(route)
Maps OS Explorer 318 Landranger 77
This route gets right into the heart of the Dungeon Range and the granite intrusions that characterise this area and being centrally positioned gives arguably the best views of the Galloways.
The start and finish of this walk is Loch Trool GR415804 and the first section is retraced as the last. Leaving Bruce's Stone the road to Glenhead past the Buchan farm is taken to the sign indicating Gairland Burn where the stile is climbed and a good path, sometimes muddy, is followed to Loch Valley.The path continues on the west side of Loch Valley and at its north end the Mid Burn normally can be crossed. A north westerly direction for just over 2K goes past Loch Neldricken, up a steep gully, past a memorial and a short climb to the summit of Craignaw where the extensive views make the effort worthwhile.
The route now turns southerly along the granite ridge to Snibe Hill, past loch Narroch and a 1.3 climb leads to Craiglee, another superb viewpoint. The route goes north westerly to Dow Loch then westerly along the Rig of Jarkness with a steepish descent to the Gairland Burn and water level permitting cross it to rejoin the path back to the start.
Actual Walk Distance - 16km
Drannandow and Garlick Hill(route)
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 77
Starting on the Wood of Cree road at GR386698 the road to Drannandow farm is followed, and as this is a working farm with young lambs respect must be given. Continuing uphill to GR414726 the leg to and from Garlick Hill is taken and although it is possible to follow the tree line round a better option is to gain the high ground of Benailsa as the ground is usually wet. There are tracks that lead to the opening up to Garlick Hill but the effort is rewarded with spectacular views of Larg, Lamachan and Curleywee and a good spot for lunch.
The return is simply retracing your steps back to the forest road but turn left and this goes through a short forest section coming out at Napper's Cottage. The track carries on for almost 2K joining the outward leg back to Drannandow.
Actual Walk Distance - 15km
Cairngarroch(route)
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 77
This route is a real mixed bag of forest roads, paths and make your own way but nevertheless it does provide a cracking circuit taking in three tops.
Start and finish is Craigencallie GR503774 and goes in an anti-clockwise direction with the first section to the attack point on White Hill on good forest roads for 7K. The route onto the top of White Hill has a path but not clearly defined but the climb although steep is relatively short and along to the top of Culeywee is better defined. This is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch break with a view claimed by many to be the finest in Galloway. The descent from Curleywee to the Drover's Road is steep and walking poles are advised.
The next leg is fairly hard going as there is no obvious path but once the Whie Lochan of Drigmorn is reached it gets easier to the third top Millfore where afternoon coffee will be appreciated. The route goes easterly for 1K past the Buckdas of Cairnbaber to the forest road at GR489759.
Actual Walk Distance - 16km
Glen of the Bar(route)
This route is largely downhill and is part of the cycle route that has been established in Kirroughtree Forest in recent years. However, with care it can be shared by walkers and cyclists.
The start is at the former Talnoltry campsite GR487716 where there is easy access and simply follows a series of paths and roads to the Visitor Centre. Refreshments are available at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre. There is a strong potential to see a variety of wildlife during the day, and an added interest is the mining heritage in the area.
Actual Walk Distance - 9km
Lochs Whinyeon and Mannoch(route)
Maps OS Explorer 320 Landranger 83
This an absolute gem of a walk that should appeal to those who enjoy wilderness areas without having to climb big heights, but it still requires proper boots and clothing.
The start is on the Gatehouse/Laurieston road GR609606 and follows a path easterly between Benfadyeon and Fell of Laghead where a commemorative seat overlooks Loch Whinyeon and it is worth pausing to enjoy the vista. There is a distinct quad track on the north side of the loch but there is a chance that it will be boggy and at the NE corner a stream has to be negotiated but once the dam has been reached the remainder of the walk is on good forest roads and paths. This is a good spot for lunch with man made seating available.
A forest road leads south easterly from the dam through Glengap Forest emerging near Dow Craig Hill at Glengap. The route continues northerly with Loch Manoch to the east picking up the track to Upper Lairdmannoch and finally the pick up on the New Galloway/Ringford road at Beoch GR677611.
As the route is close to the Red Kite Trail there is a good chance of seeing these rare birds of prey recently re-introduced in to the Loch Ken area.
Actual Walk Distance - 11km
Aldinna Loch(route)
Maps OS Explorer 318 Landranger 76/77
This route combines a section of open hill with excellent views followed by a walk along forest roads but with the harvesting programme much of it has a pleasant open aspect.
The start of this walk is at Rowantree Toll GR353907 where the memorial to Davie Bell, the Ayrshire Highwayman, can be seen. A short walk back to the road junction to take the Crosshill road for 2K where the forest ends and a track leads north easterly then northerly to the top of Pinbreck Hill. This is the ideal place to have a snack and view Aldinna Loch one of the least visited lochs in our area as it is protected on all sides by totally uncompromising terrain.
A quick descent through the plantation soon finds the forest road that leads north easterly/ easterly past the Stinchar Falls, alongside the river and finally to the Stinchar Bridge GR396957 where the pick up point is.
Actual Walk Distance - 13km
