Millfore exceeds two thousand feet but is one of the less visited of the Galloway hills. Its ascent is fairly short but rough, and is rewarded with a superb outlook over its neighbours and Loch Dee.
Bog Factor
Forest track, then pathless and rough ascent up slopes including heather and coarse grasses.
Black Loch car park, off A712 Queen's Way.
None to start.
NX499730
There is a car park on the left just short of Black Loch, reached by driving up an unmade forest track from the A712 Queen's Way. Begin the walk by continuing along the track on foot, heading to the left of Black Loch. There may be felling works ongoing in this area - note any signs. At the fork at the far end turn right to double back along the north side of the loch, rising gently. Note the tall conical structure constructed from tiny bricks - an artwork called 'The Eye' and built by Colin Rose.
The track rises past the northern side of the loch and then turns sharply left. Continue on the main track for some distance - it eventually climbs and passes under some electricity pylons. Soon after this there is a first glimpse of Millfore; continue along the track as it emerges from the forestry to pass over a bealach between Kirkloch and Poultybuie Hill.
Leave the track at this point (GR 489742, a tiny indistinct cairn marks the spot) to head along a faint path crossing the rough, boggy ground towards Kirkloch. The going here is tough - wet, with deep heather and much tussocky ground. A fence must be stepped over just before a steep slope leads to the little cairn on Kirkloch. From here a rough, ill-defined ridge leads on towards Millfore - keep to the left at first to avoid a depression. There are extensive views, especially west towards the Ayrshire coast with Ailsa Craig and Arran clearly visible on a fine day.
The going eventually becomes drier and coarse grasses replace the tough heather. There are one or two rocky outcrops on the final steeper climb up to the summit, which is marked by cairns on various points and a trig point on the highest. Only at this final moment is the best of the views revealed, a superb outlook northwards over Loch Dee with the major hills of Galloway neatly laid out, crowned by The Merrick.
After enjoying this reward, unless intent on a long traverse the return is by the same route.
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