Follow the tidal lower reaches of the River Dee, giving some fine opportunities for birdwatching. The walk starts in the picturesque town of Kirkcudbright and includes a riverside loop to Tongland bridge and power station before beginning the return leg.
Surfaced path for most of the walk except short stretch on the south side of the river between the two Tongland bridges.
Bus to Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright car park.
Kirkcudbright is a beautiful wee town, packed with fascinating buildings, art galleries and much of interest - it is well worth a detailed exploration. This walk begins from the car park in front of the tourist information centre/toilets. From the car park head past the toilets to the harbour and riverbank and turn right. The river is navigable by fishing and leisure boats to this point and there are usually several boats moored here.
When Kirkcudbright Bridge is reached continue straight ahead crossing the A755 and follow Dee Walk opposite - good path under sycamore trees next to the river. Stay on the surfaced path that to eventually cross a wooden footbridge. Turn left, the path is now sheltered by hedge and trees.
The path runs along the top of an embankment which protects the fields on the right from flooding. The River Dee here is tidal with exposed mudflats at low tide - this whole section can be alive with birdlife. At Cumstoun Pool the water widens where the Tarff water flows into the Dee. The grand house on the far side is Cumstoun House, built in the grounds of the former Cumstoun Castle.
The path leads through some deciduous woodland before emerging at the A711 at a gate beside the Tongland Bridge. This was designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1808 (after the initial foundations had been washed away in 1804). The river rises and falls by over 6 metres with the tides so the bridge had to be built with additional arches on either side to ease the passage of the water at high tide. Carefully cross the road and take the footpath immediately opposite. It passes under the arches of a former railway bridge - now long gone.
Ignore a track up to the right and continue with the river down on your left. The Tongland Hydro-electric power station can be seen opposite. Go through a kissing gate into the woods and continue along the path which climbs and crosses a stile before reaching a minor road. Turn left along the road - crossing the old Dee bridge - and follow it to the main A711. Then turn left and follow this past the power station. At 33MW it is the largest of the Galloway hydro power stations.
Continue along the pavement to reach and cross Tongland bridge. At this point the outward route is joined; turn right to retrace your steps along the long embankment path above the Dee all the way back to Kirkcudbright.
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