Annandale Way: Lockerbie to Hoddom Castle

Summary

South of Lockerbie the Annandale Way continues through fields and woods, with some sections on minor roads. The main route from Lochmaben is rejoined on the edge of Sorrysike Moor woods, and both options then continue to Hoddom Castle.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Easy walking on minor roads, field paths and wood land tracks. The going is mostly firm underfoot with only a few damp spots.

Getting there

Start

Lockerbie.

Public Transport

Lockerbie is served by bus and trains, but there is no public transport to Hoddom Castle. The nearest bus stop is at Hoddom Cross.

Start Grid Ref

NY136816

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.8km / 8.5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 97m (Profile)

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Explorer 322 - Annandale

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Walk Description

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WARNING

The footbridge in Stage 7 (Mainholm Bridge) over the River Annan is closed. Diversion is via B723 (care needed) to Hoddom Bridge to rejoin the route.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

To rejoin the Annandale Way from Lockerbie, head south along the main street, keeping ahead at the traffic lights with the Dumfries road. Continue ahead for another 0.5km or more, then turn right onto Quaas Loaning, signposted for 'Turnmuir Walks'. When the road swings left keep straight ahead on a track descending through trees. This soon emerges on the B7076; cross carefully and then head up the steps onto the footbridge over the A74(M) motorway. Descend the steps beyond and then continue ahead in the same direction, passing to the right of the electricity substation and following a grassy track with bungalows on the right hand side.

Stage 2

Ignore a footpath off to the left and continue until the track reaches a t-junction. Turn left here, following another track, then turn right at Eskrigg nature reserve car park. Turn right at a path junction, then follow the made path as it swings left. Turn left at the next crosspaths in South Turnmuir Plantation.

Stage 3

Once through the pleasant woods of the nature reserve the route crosses farmland and small woods on minor roads, tracks and paths to the hamlet of Kettleholm on the Water of Milk.

Stage 4

At Kettleholm take a track that runs through a narrow band of woodland beside and then above the west bank of the Water of Milk. The track passes some ruined kennels and then a tall gothic ruin clad in ivy with trees growing inside it.

Stage 5

The track ends at a junction of minor roads. Continue south here on a minor road to Broom and then right to wooded and boggy Sorrysike Moor where the main route from Lochmaben comes in from the west.

Stage 6

From Sorrysike Moor the route follows a track to Brocklerigg Farm and the Water of Milk and then a riverside track to a footbridge opposite Hoddom Castle. This track is also the Salmon Trail cycleway and there are many carvings and signs about the life cycle of the salmon. Cross the footbridge; to head onto the next stage of the Annandale Way turn left here along the riverside path, but to reach this stage end at Hoddom Castle go straight ahead across a field and through some woods. The castle was built in the 1560s. The grounds are now a caravan and camping park and there is a bar and shop in the castle; a pick up could be arranged here. The nearest bus stop is at Hoddom Cross, 2km along the road from Hoddom Bridge.

Next stage: Hoddom Castle to Annan

Route / photos : Chris Townsend

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