Tagged by "WalkFest09"
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Fell and Cairnholy
(route)
Maps OS Explorer 311/312 Landranger 83
This route combines different historical eras of granite quarrying at the Fell, the Covenanters at Kirkmabreck church and Neolithic man at Cairnholy. Starting in Creetown the route passes the present Kirkmabreck church going uphill through woodland to pick up the path going south easterly for 2K. This was the daily trudge for the quarry workers on their way to work at the Fell, a spectacular but dangerous place. Continuing in the same direction for 1.4K the road to Cambret farm is briefly used before climbing to Cairnholy Hill GR513553. The descent to Cairnholy Chambered Cairns is followed by an easy walk down the road to the pick up at Kirkdale GR517531.
Actual walk distance = 10km
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Cairnharrow & Ben John
(route)
Maps OS Explorer 312 Landranger 83
This is a delightful route taking in 3 tops and affording lovely views of the Cree Estuary, the Machars, Isle of Man and the Cumbrian Fells. This area is filled with the remains of the Neolithic Period and one or two sites will be visited during the walk. The route itself starts from the Skyreburn glen at Whiteside GR555562 and after climbing a gate a track goes through a plantation for 700 metres. The route follows a NW then a northerly direction for 650 metres quickly gaining height to the ridge that goes westerly for 1.4K to the highest point of the walk Cairnharrow GR533561. This an ideal spot for a break and take in the views.
Going south then east for 2K the tops of Barholm Hill and Ben John are crossed before picking up a track that leads to Laggan farm, with an easy 3K walk easterly past High Auchenlarie to Kirkdale GR517531. The standing stones of Cairnholy are in the proximity of the finish and are worth a visit.
Actual walking distance= 11km
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Almorness Point
(route)
Maps OS Explorer 313 Landranger 84
The start is in Palnackie GR820569, of flounder trampling fame, and the route is a clockwise circuit of Almorness peninsula on a well recognised series of roads and paths that goes down the east side giving views towards Kippford and Rockcliffe. The Point at the south end gives elevated views across the Solway and there is a good chance to see nesting birds and other wildlife. Turning north Auchencairn and Orchardton bays come into view with a backdrop of Screel and Bengairn and the 5K walk back to the start goes through a variety of interesting landscapes.
Actual walking distance = 13km
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Manxman's Rock
(route)
Maps OS Explorer 312 Landranger 83 This route from Kirkandrews to Brighouse along the coast is rarely walked. It is a walk along a rugged part of the Galloway coast evoking thoughts of our smuggling past but it is also a walk that has surprises round each headland. The start of the route is at the road end GR602484 to Kirkandrews passing the delightful little church and following the farm road to GR601477 where a gate is climbed to access a path that leads to the cairn on top of Barn Heugh where a stop is worth taking to soak in the views. The route meanders south easterly aimimg to maintain a high elevation to appreciate the changing aspects and uses stiles and gates to avoid the necessity to scamble over fences. The route passes Manxman's Rock where a stop can be taken. The latter part of the route goes onto better paths round the cliff tops where there will be nesting seabirds leading to the Holiday Park at Brighouse where refreshments are available.
Actual Walking Distance = 8km
