Category: Rough

Some rocky and/or muddy parts on this route

Old Irvine

A long walk along a variety of country roads, tracks and some rough heathland without a huge amount of interest along the way. The instructions on the D&G leaflet are not always clear but with the help of a map it is reasonably easy to follow. Much of the moorland has been planted with a… Continue reading Old Irvine

Water of Minnoch

A most enjoyable walk – in particular the first half through mature native woods following the course of the river. This section of the path has been improved over the past few years and is perhaps not as wet as it once was. Many thanks to those who have done the work. The second section… Continue reading Water of Minnoch

New Luce to Kilhern

Most of this circular walk from New Luce is along a rather bleak stretch of the Southern Upland Way, following an old track (perhaps a drover’s road). The route is quite wet in places, and when I walked it there were cattle with calves on the track (as I had my dog with me I… Continue reading New Luce to Kilhern

Wood of Cree

This walk takes you through part of a wooded RSPB reserve along steep paths which are wet in places. There are no hides on this walk (although there may be on walk on the other end of the reserve). In February, the month of my visit, there are few birds to be seen as most… Continue reading Wood of Cree

Cruggleton Castle

Starting at the magnificent Galloway House and Gardens, then on past Rigg Bay, through woodland and on to a cliff top path ending at the remains of a castle, this walk has lots of interest whatever time of year you manage to take it. On leaving the pay and display car park it is well… Continue reading Cruggleton Castle

Wamphray Glen

Although this is not a long walk, the section through the Glen is surprisingly energetic as much of the route is up and down steep slopes or steps – which can be treacherous in wet weather especially when covered in leaves. The walk would be most enjoyable in spring or summer when the native flora… Continue reading Wamphray Glen

Gallow Hill

Based on the number of people I met on a mid-November day, this is a popular walk from the centre of Moffat – particularly with dog owners. The woods are now under the stewardship of Moffat Community Woodland Trust who are helping this former softwood plantation recover to a more natural native woodland. The paths… Continue reading Gallow Hill

Black Water of Dee

There is some storm damage on this short walk but nothing that presents too much of a challenge. The leg along the side of the Dee is particularly enjoyable although the path was not always clear when I visited in August – I imagine it is easier to find when the vegetation isn’t so high.… Continue reading Black Water of Dee

Wanlockhead to Sanquhar

The most convenient bus from Sanquhar currently runs at 11:23 am Monday to Saturday. If you do have time for a quick visit to the museum it certainly helps you understand the conditions that the miners (and children) worked under in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Wanlockhead. The recent addition of the ‘Visions of… Continue reading Wanlockhead to Sanquhar