Clints of Dromore Outbye, Fleet Valley

This walk extends the easy In-Bye route by heading up over the top of the craggy Clints of Dromore. Pathless, with deep heather and crossing very boggy ground - it gives very tough going for hardened hillwalkers only! The views are good, however, and it offers a chance to visit 'Hush' - a sculpture by Matt Baker.

Terrain

Very tough conditions underfoot - pathless, deep heather and bog.

Public Transport

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

Start

Dromore Visitor Centre, Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 216m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX554637

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

NB. This walk is tough going - if looking for a more straightforward outing, take the Inbye walk instead. 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 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 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 turns left at the next junction. Before heading left along the track, note the crumbling walls ahead. These are the ruins of Cullendoch, a medieval township. Hidden amongst them is 'Heart' - a sculpture by Matt Baker. 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 as the line heads through a shallow cutting there is another of the Matt Baker sculptures as Ocean is hanging on the Greywacke rockface on the right. Continue following the line until a bridge and stile on the right. Cross these to begin the very rough crossing of the Clints. There is a narrow - if wet - path for the first part of the ascent, aiming for a gap in the crags.

Stage 4

There are good views looking down to the viaduct. Eventually the path peters out and it is every man for himself across deep heather and bog for the next few kilometres. Head up steeply above the Clints to your left and continue between the edges of the crags to your left and the forestry on your right. After a dip in the crest, look out for a few rocks placed on a slab on the edge of one of the clints. 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

Continue along the top until a deep gap in the ridge; from here you have to descend 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. As a fence is approached bear left down the slope - it is less boggy if you keep to the near side of a burn.

Stage 6

Once below the Clints head east, making best use of traces of sheep paths across the lower slopes rather than the wettest ground down by the Russon Burn. 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 with an interpretation board. The path runs along a grassy ridge before descending to the right to reach and cross 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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