White Coomb by the Grey Mare's Tail

White Coomb is the highest of the Moffat hills; this route to it climbs past the spectacular Grey Mare's Tail waterfall before making a circuit of the hills around Loch Skeen.

Terrain

Excellent path at first. Boggy and intermittent from Loch Skeen up to ridge, then broad ridges.

Public Transport

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Start

Grey Mare's Tail car park. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km/7 miles
Time: 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 751m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NT186144

Summits Climbed

Corbett / Donald: White Coomb
Donald: Lochcraig Head

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 330 - Moffat
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the Grey Mare's Tail car park. This area, right up to White Coomb, is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. During the summer months there is an information trailer which gives details about the work of the trust here - you might meet the ranger inside. The path begins on the west side of the burn but soon crosses a footbridge and then climbs steeply to get above the landslips at the bottom end of the gorge of the Tail Burn. The path then makes a rising traverse above the gorge. Look out for the Peregrine Falcons who nest on the crags here.

Stage 2

The great cataract that is the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall becomes more impressive with each step - as does the drop into the ravine! The falls are 60m high and must rank amongst the most impressive in Scotland; they were celebrated in verse by Sir Walter Scott. Look out also for a herd of hairy wild mountain goats that roam this area. The path continues climbing, albeit now more gradually, and passes a couple of other smaller waterfalls.

Photo: AnnaKika

Stage 3

Continue up the hanging valley of the Tail Burn through hummocks to reach the outflow of picturesque Loch Skeen. The waters of the loch, seldom still, are backed by the craggy rim of the plateau; this is a beautiful spot. The well constructed path is now left behind as you bear to the right of a small lochan and pass Loch Skeen well on the E side across boggy ground.

Photo - Eileen Henderson

Stage 4

Climb steeply up the grassy slope by a wall and fence to gain the east shoulder of Lochcraig Head. The climb up on to Lochcraig Head is steep but height is gained quickly. In bad visibility, the fence is a good handrail for assisting the walker.

Stage 5

Descend from Lochcraig Head for 0.5km before re-ascending up Firthybrig Head. The terrain from here, continuing over Donald's Cleuch Head to Firthhope Rig is rather featureless although White Coomb comes into view. From Firthhope Rig head ESE following the fence on toward the small summit cairn of White Coomb, a Corbett and the highest of the Moffat hills. The western slopes of White Coomb are part of the Carrifran Wildwood reserve; a project is slowly restoring the natural forest in the glen of the Carrifran burn and over 450,000 trees have so far been planted.

Photo - Walter Baxter

Stage 6

Views across the Lochcraig Head show the surprisingly craggy South face above Loch Skeen. From here, descend ESE following a dyke down Rough Craigs. There is a slight scramble at one point on this steep descent. It leads back down to the Tail Burn, where stepping stones help take you back to the excellent path on the E bank. Now simply retrace your steps back past the Grey Mare's Tail to the start.

Route and unattributed photos: Kevin Pollock

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.