St Ann's to Lochmaben

This stage of the Annandale Way starts with woodland tracks and paths before a roadwalk leads on to the attractive town of Lochmaben.

Terrain

Good going with dry paths, firm tracks and paved roads; long section of road walking on moderately busy road.

Public Transport

Bus to A701 north of St Ann's (on Dumfries - Moffat route); buses also serve Lochmaben.

Start

A701 2km north from St Ann's. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

This stage starts from the main A701 road around 2km north of St Ann's; the road is served by buses between Dumfries and Moffat or alternatively you could arrange to be dropped off by your accommodation owner. A sign indicates where the route heads east from the road onto a forest track through big Hazelbank Plantation. Watch out for signs here as there was logging in progress in April 2011 with diversions in place. From the southern edge of Hazelbank Plantation minor roads and paths lead through fields and small woods to Spedlin's Flow and a view of the Spedlin's Tower, a gaunt stone block that is said to be haunted by a prisoner forgotten and left to die there.

Stage 2

The woods of Spedlin's Flow merge into those of Corncockle Plantation, through which the route follows a wide track. On the south side of this wood the minor road between the hamlets of Templand and Millhousebridge is reached, with a signpost indicating the Annadale Way in both directions as this is where the route divides.

Stage 3

For the Lochmaben route, turn right on the road and then left as tracks and paths lead across fields to Kinnel Bridge over Kinnel Water. The route originally then followed the busy road to Lochmaben, but after crossing the river you can now turn left on a footpath that runs beside it. Follow the river for around 1.5km, rounding a couple of wide bends, until a track on the right runs across fields to Broomhill Farm. Continue on the track through the farm to reach a minor road, and then turn right along this to the edge of Lochmaben. At the t-junction to left to head into the village, passing the Mill Loch.

Stage 4

Lochmaben is a pleasant old town (it dates back to at least the 13th century when a castle was built here) with shops, cafes, bars and accommodation. There is a caravan and camp site on the banks of Loch Kirk.

Next stage: Lochmaben to Hoddom Castle

Original route / photos : Chris Townsend; updated Walkhighlands

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