Striding Arches, near Moniaive

Summary

The Striding Arches are a series of three massive stone sandstone arches built on the hilltops around Cairnhead, near Moniaive. Built by renowned sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, the arches are complemented by another springing from an old byre at the foot of the valley. This walk starts from the byre and climbs up through the forest to visit one of the hilltop arches; it is possible to extend the route to visit a second arch along the hill ridge.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Most of the ascent is on forestry tracks; final section is on boggy moorland.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Cairnhead. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 334m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX702971

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Colt Hill

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

The walk starts at a small parking area at Cairnhead, some distance further along a bumpy unsurfaced track from Benbuie at the end of the minor road up the glen of the Dalwhat Water from Moniaive. Before beginning the walk proper, double back from the parking area and information board to take the parallel track heading uphill, to visit the Byre. The track leads past a derelict cottage to enter a walled green lawn - with poems carved into the stones. Here stands the Byre - an old barn with open windows in the gables, from one of which springs one of Andy Goldsworthy's remarkable red sandstone arches.

Stage 2

Return to the parking area to begin the walk to the hilltop arch on Colt Hill. From the far end of the parking, pass the barrier and follow the main track up the glen. It soon crosses a bridge and continues through the dense plantations. Ignore a track leading off to the left, continuing up the glen and following the track when it swings sharply right, crossing the main burn and then cutting across the hillside.

Stage 3

Eventually the track heads up the glen above the Fingland Burn, passing through a gate to reach open ground between various sections of forestry. Ignore the track going sharp right, continuing instead to the wooden footpath signpost. Turn right from this, signed Colt Hill Arch, then keep to the left fork, heading up along the edge of mature forestry (which may soon be felled), and to the left of a fence.

Stage 4

Continue up beside the fence - the going is muddy in places - to eventually reach the open hilltop; the massive arch is only revealed at the last moment. Like the other arches (the highest, on Benbrack, can be seen across the glen) it stands just under four metres high, and stretches across 7 metres. It is built from 31 blocks of hand-dressed red sandstone weighing approximately 27 tons.

Stage 5

The walk returns the same way. It can be extended by a further 7km to visit the Benbrack arch; to do this, return to the wooden signpost at the pass, then follow the wet path opposite, signed for Benbrack Arch. This meets the Southern Upland Way on the top of Black Hill; turn left along this, following the Way over Cairnhill and then on south to Benbrack. The return is a retracing of steps. There are no real paths to the third arch, on Bail Hill, which is accessible only to keen hill-bashers!

Route Profile

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