This pleasant stroll from Newton Stewart heads along the banks of the lovely River Cree.
Bog Factor
Surfaced paths, grassy paths and pavement.
Riverside car park, Newton Stewart.
Bus to Newton Stewart.
NX412652
From the car park head up to the river bank by the Sparling Bridge and turn left to walk upstream above the River Cree. Soon the route joins a road verge, and it is necessary to head left to briefly join the main street before turning right to cross the stone road bridge over the river. On the far side turn right in front of the white cottage (signed Newton Stewart Riverside) following a lane, and curving right to eventually become a surfaced path now heading downstream alongside the river.
Pass the other side of the Sparling Bridge, and keep ahead through a metal gate into a field at the end of a lane. Go straight across the grassy field (can be a little wet in places) to reach another similar gate, and in the next field keep right, closer to the river. Go through a third metal gate to pick up a path that continues through woodland above the river.
Turn left just before the main road bridge, following a path up to the main road where there is a carved granite bench. Turn right along the pavement to cross the road bridge. On the far side you can either continue until gap in the crash barrier before turning sharp right, or instead shortcut by stepping over the crash barrier onto the path that descends wooden steps back down to the river.
Back by the riverside, turn left to head back upstream along a tarmac path. There are several benches along this stretch, providing opportunities to sit and watch the various waterfowl in the river. A sparling is a rare type of fish which breeds only in the Cree and two other Scottish rivers. The path eventually joins a road and leads back to the start.
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