Follow in the footsteps of Robbie Burns as you trace the banks of the River Nith from the heart of Dumfries. The route returns to the town centre using a cyclepath.
Mostly good riverside paths, can be muddy at times. Also woodland paths, cyclepath and pavements.
Bus or train to Dumfries.
Whitesands carpark, Dumfries.
The walk begins on the riverside in the heart of Dumfries, on White Sands, at Devorgilla Bridge. This ancient structure dates back to 1432- making it one of the oldest in Scotland, and it replaced an even earlier wooden structure. Rebuilt in 1620 it is still open to pedestrians. There are car parks here as well as bus stops. Head upstream on the riverside walkway, passing behind the public toilets and under one of the arches of the busy Buccleugh Bridge.
Another, much newer bridge is reached next, used by the cyclepath. Do not cross but continue on the near bank. Keep left of the rowing club building and then some steps to continue right by the river- signed Burns Walk. The next section of the walk is prone to flooding and must be avoided at such times. Otherwise the path - quite narrow so requiring care - passes under a concrete bridge and continues along an attractive section of the Nith. This stretch is popular with local fishermen.
Eventually the path heads up steps to join Nunholm Road. Turn left along this for a few hundred metres until a signpost 'Burns Walk - Dalscone' indicates where to turn left to rejoin the river, passing under the many-arched rail bridge. Further on the path passes under the main A75 bypass and round a meander of the river with the ruins of Lincluden Collegiate Church visible over the far side. The river soon curves and passes back under the A75 to reach a parking area.
Cross this and continue on the riverbank path, passing under another railway bridge and then climbing up above the river through beech woodland, with the golf course on the right. At a signposted path junction continue on the riverside Burns walk towards Dalscone, heading up steps to gain even more height above the river. After passing under the A75 for a third and final time keep straight on at a path junction. Some of the rare breeds at the Dalscone Farm may be seen. The route joins a track and follows this to the right, leaving the river.
At the main road, turn right towards the roundabout. Head through the underpass, and keep left at the fork in the centre of the roundabout. Take the next right, signed as the Caledonian Cycleway. Go right again at another junction (signed cycleway for Dumfries), then head up and over the high footbridge. The cyclepath soon heads under a stone bridge and leads back towards Dumfries; keep straight on at the junction (with traffic lights). When the cycleway forks keep left and cross the road using the pelican crossing. Continue ahead on the cycleroute until another junction. At this point turn right - there is a cyclepath sign for the town centre and station. This soon emerges on Edinburgh Road. Turn left and follow the pavement beside this busy street, which soon becomes Academy Street.
The fine academy building - like many in Dumfries, constructed of red sandstone - is seen on the opposite side. Continue ahead as the road becomes Church Crescent and curves around Greyfriars Church. Here stands a fine statue of Robert Burns, marking one end of the High Street. Burns spent the last years of his life in Dumfries and died here; you can visit his house, a Burns centre, and his mausoleum. Continue the walk along Friar's Vennel. This leads back to riverside and the car park at the start.
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