Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve

Head along the edge of the Caerlaverock National Nature reserve mudflats, looking out for wintering geese, en route to one of Scotland's most beautiful and romantic ruined castles.

Terrain

Clear woodland path, some very muddy patches

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve car park, 1km west of Castle. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area on the B725 around 1km west of Caerlaverock Castle; it is marked with a Caerlaverock National Nature reserve sign. A short wooden walkway leads to a seat overlooking the mudflats towards Criffel. The habitat here provides an ideal wintering ground for barnacle geese (the entire population of these from Svalbard winter on the Solway), godwit and knot. Begin the walk along the broad path that runs between Castle Wood and the mudflats themselves.

Stage 2

After a fairly open section the path eventually heads slightly left to run through Castle Wood itself. Some of the trees in this semi-natural woodland are over 200 years old, and spruces planted in more recent times have now been removed. Cross a wooden footbridge and follow the path through the fringes of the wood - the going is muddy in places with some boardwalks. Eventually the path emerges on a track by some houses.

Stage 3

Follow the track. A path on the left crossing a bridge gives access to what was the base for the earliest castle at Caerlaverock. Though only the foundations remain this was thought to have been one of the earliest stone castles built in Scotland. Note that to enter this site you need to pay for admission to Caerlaverock Castle; if not doing so, continue on the track. Soon there are good views to the spectacular ruins of the second castle, built in 1300 and surrounded by a double moat. The position near the border with England ensured that the castle had a turbulent history of seiges and changed hands many times.

Stage 4

The track eventually reaches the admissions building and visitor centre - you need to pay here if you wish to leave the track to visit the castle more closely. There is also a cafe (Apr - Oct) and a replica of a wooden trebuchet. Once ready to leave, you can either retrace your steps, or complete a circuit by following the driveway up to the road. Once at the road turn left and follow it back to the start.

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