Mountain End trail, Clints of Dromore, Fleet Valley

Summary

This walk extends the easy In-Bye route by heading up over the top of the craggy Clints of Dromore. The route over the top is mostly waymarked but is rough and often very wet in places. The views are good, however, and it offers a chance to visit 'Hush' - a sculpture by Matt Baker.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Hill section is very rough underfoot, with heather and bog.

Getting there

Start

Dromore Visitor Centre, Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve.

Public Transport

None to start - nearest bus Palnure 1.5km from start.

Start Grid Ref

NX554637

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 246m (Profile)

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Explorer 319 - Galloway South

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park at the Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve visitor centre at Dromore. The whitewashed building behind the agricultural sheds houses toilets as well as information about the important habitats of the reserve. It also has some details on a series of sculptures hidden in the area - some are very hard to find! Begin the walk by continuing along the access track towards the viaduct seen ahead. The track passes a bog viewing area (seen on the left) and then eventually leads under the massive arches of the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct. Built to carry to old railway line to Stranraer, the viaduct featured in the classic film of the John Buchan novel, 'The 39 Steps'.

Stage 2

On the left on the far side is a sculpted seat and information area. Continue along the main track which bears left at a fork and then turn left at the next junction. After you turn left along the track, note the crumbling walls over to the right. These are the ruins of Cullendoch, a medieval township. Hidden amongst them is 'Heart' - a sculpture by Matt Baker - which can be visited by a rough, pathless detour. Now follow the track that slopes up to meet the western end of the viaduct, and then head to the right along the old railway line.

Stage 3

Further on the line heads through a shallow cutting through the Greywacke rocks. Continue following the line until a bridge and stile on the right. Cross these to begin the rough crossing of the Clints. There is a narrow path for the ascent, aiming for a gap in the crags.

Stage 4

There are good views looking down to the viaduct. The path is faint in places - but marker posts act as a guide. After the first rise there's a dip in the crest. Climb out of this to the next marker post, then look out for a few rocks placed on a slab on the edge of one of the clints over to the left. A detour and closer inspection reveals that this is a sculpture of chained rocks, each carved with lips. This is 'Hush' - probably the most affecting of the sculptures, especially with its hard to reach or find location.

Stage 5

Further on there's a deep gap in the ridge; bypass this to the right to drop into the gap safely. The walk continues heading west, either up and down on the Clints or keeping just to their right, always with views of the great bulk of the Cairnsmore of Fleet visible ahead. After a final rise the route begins to bear left down the slope - the exact line is unclear so head for any marker posts.

Stage 6

Once below the Clints head east; the path becomes clearer but is very wet in places down by the Russon Burn, though there are some boardwalks. Eventually head through a gate in a fence which crosses the glen - the old railway is now just a short distance away. Once on the railway trackbed again, go almost straight across through another gate. The path runs along a grassy ridge before descending in a zig-zag and finally crosses a wooden boardwalk. This then joins the access road to the Visitor Centre. Turn left along it, keeping right at a fork, to return to the start.

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