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.
Clear, well made paths and minor road.
None to start.
Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve car park, 1km west of Castle.
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There is a parking area on the B725 around 1km west of Caerlaverock Castle; it is marked with a Caerlaverock National Nature reserve sign. 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 well-made path that runs through the edge of Castle Wood, with occasional views out over the mudflats to Criffel, seen across the estuary.
There's a fork but the two routes rejoin. 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. Eventually the path emerges near a wooden hide. There's a path junction here - the hide is to the right, straight ahead is a path that connects to the Caerlaverock Wetland Centre (which has an admission charge), whilst our route turns left up the track.
Follow the track. A path on the left crossing a footbridge 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 if Caerlaverock Castle is open, visiting this may require payment of the admission charge. Continuing on the main track, there are soon 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.
The track eventually reaches the admissions building and visitor centre - you need to pay here if the castle is open and you wish to visit internally. 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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