White Coomb by the Grey Mare's Tail

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Summary

White Coomb is the highest of the Moffat hills. This circular hillwak is the classic approach, heading up past the spectacular Grey Mare's Tail to beautiful Loch Skeen. It then encounters some tough going before reaching the tops at Lochcraig Head. From here broad ridges are followed arouFnd to the summit of White Coomb.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Pitched stone footpath to Loch Skeen, but heavy going across boggy moorland beyond. From Lochcraig Head the route has easier going along broad, boggy ridges before a final steeper descent. There is a burn crossing which may give difficulty after heavy rains.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Grey Mare's Tail car park. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 751m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NT186144

Summits Climbed

Corbett / Donald: White Coomb
Donald: Lochcraig Head

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (24)

Stage 1

Park at the Grey Mare's Tail car park, which is well signed; there is a parking charge. This area is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and interpretative boards and a trailer give information about their work here. There are car parks on both sides of the burn, with the larger one on the west side. From here, begin along the main path, keeping right at a fork to continue to a footbridge giving access to the east side of the burn, where there is a seating area and more information boards. Follow the stone pitched path which climbs steeply, soon getting above the landslips at the lower end of the gorge. The path then makes a rising traverse above the gorge. The Grey Mare's Tail is soon in full view and becomes more impressive - as does the drop into the ravine on your left.

Stage 2

The falls are 60m high and are reckoned to be the fifth highest in the country; they certainly rank amongst the greatest waterfalls in Scotland and were celebrated in verse by Sir Walter Scott. Peregrine Falcons nest amongst the crags here, whilst you might also spot a herd of wild goats that roam freely. The gradient eases as the path continues above the gorge, passing some smaller but still attractive falls. The good path continues into the hanging valley above, as the Tail burn winds between hummocks. At one point the path passes the ruins of an old sheiling.

Stage 3

Eventually Loch Skeen is reached. This beautiful sheet of water is the highest major hill loch in southern Scotland and is a picturesque spot, backed by the great southern crags of Lochcraig Head and the rocky ridge of Mid Craig. Sadly the well made path ends a short distance further on.

Stage 4

From here you can either follow an extremely wet path that continues by the eastern side of the loch for some distance before cutting across the heather, or aim more directly across thick heather to gain the line of a fence and drystone dyke somewhat earlier, and follow these as they lead towards the grassy slopes to the east of the crags of Lochcraig Head. Whichever way is chosen gives heavy going, but as the wall and fence begin the climb more steeply the going improves. Eventually the wall curves left onto the summit plateau.

Stage 5

A cairn near the edge of the crags has a fine outlook over Loch Skeen, though the true summit of Lochcraig Head is marked only by a couple of flat rocks a few hundred metres north of the wall - those bagging the Donalds will want to make the detour. Continue WSW beside the wall, dropping down into the Talla Nick - the boggy ground here is partly avoided by walking along the top of what remains of the wall. The route then follows the wall/fence up to Firthrigg Head. Here Donald-baggers will want to make a longer detour to visit Molls Cleuch Dodd.

Stage 6

Back on the main route, continue WSW along the broad ridge, which can be wet in places, passing over Donald's Cleuch Head and then on beyond to Firthhope Rig where there is a junction of fences. Here follow the fence that leads ESE towards White Coomb. The slopes on the right side are part of the Carrifran Wildwood reserve; a project is slowly restoring the natural forest in the glen of the Carrifran burn and over 450,000 trees have so far been planted.

Stage 7

The fence turns south - keep ahead alongside the collapsed drystone dyke. The summit of White Coomb - a Corbett and the highest of the Moffat hills - is reached by a short detour to the right from the wall. The cairn is a fine and very extensive viewpoint, both for the surrounding hills, across into the Borders, and towards the Solway Firth. Return to the broken wall and begin the descent by following it downhill to the east.

Stage 8

The descent becomes quite steep at one point, where the path veers to the left of the wall briefly to head down some rocky ground at Rough Craigs. Below this the wall is rejoined, and eventually it curves left to head towards the Tail Burn. Cross the burn to rejoin the good path of the outward route; this can be done using stones in dry weather or by a paddle; after very heavy rain the crossing could be difficult or even impossible. Once back on the fine path turn right along it to retrace your steps back down to the start, passing the Grey Mare's Tail once more.

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