Wigtown explorer

If you can pull yourself away from browsing the bookshops, this route explores something of Wigtown's environs, including a visit to the marshes around the head of Wigtown Bay.

Terrain

Paths and minor roads; can be muddy at times.

Public Transport

Bus to Wigtown.

Start

Wigtown square. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 70m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX433553

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Tiny Wigtown is Scotland's capital when it comes to second hand books, with 12 bookshops and over 20 book-related businesses. It also hosts a book festival in the autumn that attracts some top literary talent. To begin the walk from the square, head downhill past the left side of the impressive County Buildings down Bank Street, turning left before the bottom onto Church Lane.

Stage 2

Keep straight ahead when this meets Beddie Crescent, and at the far end continue onto a grass-grown track lined with trees. This is known as the Lovers' Walk and it gives excellent views over the marshes to Wigtown Bay. Pass the telecommunications mast and then turn right at a T-junction of paths, signed for Wigtown via A714. Eventually the route emerges at a gate onto a track by a house; continue ahead to reach the main road.

Stage 3

Turn right along the grass verge of the A714 but then right again onto a minor road signed for the Moss of Cree. At the next road junction, turn right again, and finally left into a car park by the sign for the Martyr's Stake. Take the path from the right corner of the car park - it runs along the old railway line. Soon a short detour along a wooden boardwalk on the left visits the Martyrs' Stone. This marks where two local women were drowned at the stake during the 'Killing Times' for their sympathy with the Covenanters - people who wished to break from the then-established Episcopal Church. Although many were persecuted or killed, the Covenanters were ultimately successful as the Church of Scotland was founded. Return to the railway line path and continue along it - muddy in places.

Stage 4

Soon the path leaves the top of the embankment by sloping down to the left. Further along a mound on the left is all that remains of the former Wigtown Castle. The path then emerges on a minor road. Turn left here to visit Wigtown harbour. By taking a path on the left from here you can visit a bird hide overlooking the marshes and wetlands at the head of Wigtown Bay - an important reserve for birds.

Stage 5

After visiting the hide, return back along the minor road, bearing right at the houses to follow it as it leads back into Wigtown, bending left to return to the main street. If you are looking for a cafe, ReadingLasses in one of the bookshops is excellent.

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