What looks like a short easy walk on paper is in fact quite hard work. The first 1.5 km or so is along a relatively level country lane, but once you start up the side of the hill most of the path is made up of quite steep stone steps which are in poor condition. I regretted doing this walk when there were wet leaves on the ground making it difficult to see where my feet were going, and I certainly wouldn’t like to go up if conditions were icy. There is a path up the back of the hill to the monument but this is a much longer walk from New Abbey.
Approaching the top of the steps to the left of the path there is some sort of modern structure buried in the ground (perhaps a water tank) which is not secure and (at least on the day of my visit) had a broken hatch open to a fall of perhaps 4 metres, so you may want to be wary if you have children or a dog with you.
The Monument is an imposing stone tower, which is open to the elements and has a spiral staircase ascending through the centre. It looks safe enough although I wasn’t bold enough to climb it, but if you decide to do so beware that the top has no guardrails.
There is a small car park at the top of the lane so if you just want to tackle the steep part you can do so, or you can pick up another couple of paths from this point including climbing Criffel via Knockendoch.
The Museum of Costume at Shambellie House has sadly long since closed.
| When I walked it | 13/12/21 |
| How long it took me | 1:40 |
| How far I walked | 4.1 km |