St Ann's to Lockerbie

Summary

Winding through the heart of Annandale the route runs through fields and woods and along river banks, with the option of a short diversion into the town of Lockerbie, where all facilities can be found.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Easy walking on minor roads, field paths and wood land tracks. The going is mostly firm underfoot with only a few damp spots.

Public Transport

Bus to A701 north of St Ann's (on Dumfries - Moffat route). Lockerbie is served by both bus and train (but no direct link to St Ann's).

Start

A701 2km north from St Ann's. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.75km / 13 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 119m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NY071952

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Accommodation

Walk Description

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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. 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

Turn left, following the sign indicating Lockerbie, and go along the minor road to the pretty little hamlet of Millhousebridge, an estate village built in 1814, on the River Annan. Turn right along the minor road beside the river, which becomes a track through fields.

Stage 4

Leave the river at a signpost for a minor road that leads to the lovely woods of Gallaberry Plantation through which a wide track meanders. Despite the name this is not a plantation of regimented, close-packed conifers but mixed woodland with much light and shade and many fine trees.

Stage 5

At the southern end of the woods the route crosses Dryfe Water then follows minor roads, farm tracks and field paths to the minor road just north of Turnmuir Plantation. Lockerbie lies just 2km to the east along this quiet road. Lockerbie is an ancient town. The name is Norse and means Lockard's Farm so it dates to at least the time of the Vikings. Not far away is Ladyward Roman Fort so it may be even older. However it wasn't until the 1700s that Lockerbie became important as a staging post between London and Glasgow. In the nineteenth century the main road and railway to Glasgow were both built through Lockerbie, where they remain.

Next stage: Lockerbie to Hoddom Castle

Route / photos : Chris Townsend

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