Screel Hill may rise only to a modest 344m but this rocky eminence provides a very rough walk. The reward is the stunning views over the Rough Firth and Auchencairn Bay.
Forestry paths, then very rough, rocky and muddy path on the open hill.
None to start.
Screel Wood forestry car park.
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Walk now open but some signed diversions may be in place due to storm damage until mid 2024 - follow any signs.
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Screel Wood forestry car park is on a minor road which off the A711 just under 4km north of Auchencairn. The walk begins up the forestry track beyond the barrier. This winds through the trees and rises gently to reach a junction of tracks. Ignore both tracks here and instead take the rough path that starts under the tree in between - it has a red waymarker. It ascends through newly planted native woodland.
The path eventually emerges onto a forestry track. Go straight across this and into the dark plantations opposite. The path bears left at a wall and passes through a gap before climbing more steeply through the trees. Eventually it emerges onto the open hillside above, with slopes of heather and bracken. Soon a bench provides an opportunity to admire the increasingly impressive views behind over Auchencairn Bay.
A short distance on from the bench a second path breaks off to the right whilst the main route continues across the flank of the hill. Both these routes eventually join up further along the ridge of Screel Hill - taking the path which climbs to the right is probably easier and drier. It soon zig-zags up through gaps in the broken crags to reach the broad, undulating ridge.
The path continues along the ridge. The going is tougher than might be expected as there are many boggy patches as well as uneven rocks, but eventually the large cairn at the far end of the Screel Hill ridge is reached. The views are excellent in all directions, with Castle Douglas now well-seen to the north.
For the return walk continue on the path past the cairn. It soon descends to a col near a divide between mature forestry and a recently felled area. Follow the path that leads sharply left to head down the Glen of Screel Burn. Part way down it joins a forestry track; bear left to continue down the glen. Eventually the track becomes that crossed by the outward route on the earlier climb, by a bench. Turn right here to head back down the path and retrace your steps to the car park.
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