Explore the beautiful and wildlife-rich countryside surrounding the island castle of Threave. There is a charge to visit the castle which is an optional add-on to the walk - bring binoculars for the bird hides (osprey and peregrine).
Bog Factor
Clear paths, can be muddy and prone to flooding. Section to castle is suitable for some buggies.
Threave Castle car park.
None to start. .
NX745616
Follow the signs from the A75 just west of Castle Douglas to Threave Castle (not to be confused with nearby Threave Gardens) and follow the narrow road to the parking area. An information centre has details of the wildlife which can be found on the estate which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Start the walk by following the clear path past the toilets keeping the stone wall on your right.
At a T-junction with bench turn left - the path to the right is the return route and a shorter way if you just want to go to the bird hides. Continue on the surfaced path next to fields and cross a boardwalk. When the river is reached with a good view of Threave Castle ahead take the detour path on the left to visit Stepping Stones hide overlooking the River Dee. Ospreys sometimes fish here in the summer and kingfishers and otters have also been seen. Return to the main path and continue ahead to reach the landing stage for visits to the castle.
The visit to Threave Castle involves a short boat trip to the island. The Castle is managed by Historic Scotland and there is a charge to visit. Built by the Third Earl of Douglas (who also went by the jolly nickname Archibald the Grim) in about 1369, it remains a substantial tower, sited in a strategic and easily defended position on an island in the River Dee.
Continue on the path soon crossing a long boardwalk to reach an osprey viewing platform and hide overlooking the river and wetlands at Threave. In summer there are often NTS guides with scopes and binoculars for visitors to use. Waders flock here throughout the year and snipe, oystercatcher, curlew and redshank are all regular visitors. The path continues with the wetlands on the left and another boardwalk heading into trees. At a path junction go left and when the path splits take the lower option on the left which leads down to a bird hide overlooking the wetlands.
From this hide follow the path right up to a T junction and turn left to visit another hide on the side of the hill with extensive views over the wetlands. Hen harriers and peregrines move here from their upland breeding areas in the winter months. This is also a good place to spot bats at dusk with 7 different types living here. Although a path continues up over the hill this route turns back right from the hide to return to the previous junction. Keep straight on now and left at the next fork. Head through the woods, with great views over Threave Castle. The path soon rejoins the outward route; turn left to return to the start.
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