Lochmaben to Hoddom Castle
From Lochmaben the Annandale Way runs beside big Castle Loch before crossing fields to the village of Hightae. Here the route climbs on minor roads and forest tracks through the woodlands around Rammerscales House to open moorland which is crossed to the 217 metre summit of Almagill Hill, a splendid viewpoint. The descent leads to more roads and fields and the Lockerbie branch rejoins before the route reaches Hoddom Castle.
Terrain
The climb to Almagill Head is the only significant ascent on the route apart from the first stage. The slopes of this hill are used for cattle grazing and can be very churned up, making for awkward walking whether wet or dry. In fact this is the roughest walking on the whole route. Narrow paths cross the hillsides but are not always clear. There are plenty of waymarks though. Away from the upland section the walking is on roads, tracks and good paths and there are no difficulties.
Public Transport
Bus to Lochmaben.
Start
Lochmaben.
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 Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.
Users' reports
As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.
There are 2 user reports for this walk - click to read them.
