Wood of Cree, near Newton Stewart

Summary

The Wood of Cree is a magical place; the largest area of ancient woodland in Southern Scotland, and is an RSPB nature reserve. This walk - combining the Woodland and Scrubland trails - climbs up beside a delightful cascading burn, running through natural woodland with some mighty oaks, and a carpet of bluebells in the spring. At the end of the walk you can visit an otter pool on the River Cree.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Wood of Cree RSPB Nature Reserve car park

Getting there

Start

Wood of Cree RSPB Nature Reserve car park.

Public Transport

None to start; bus to Newton Stewart 6.5km away.

Start Grid Ref

NX381708

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.75km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 111m (Profile)

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Explorer 319 - Galloway South

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

To reach the Wood of Cree head north from through Old Minnigaff by Newton Stewart, turning left at the church and following the minor road to the Reserve car park. To start the walk, cross the road to begin the ascent into the woodland on a wide, clear track. Pass through a gate and continue up the track as it swings right (by a donation stone). Continue up to reach a waymarker for the Woodland Trail. Take a small path right that keeps beside the Cordorcan Burn. Follow it uphill past a series of attractive waterfalls.

Stage 2

Ignore any paths off left and keep by the burn, which soon flows in a shallow gorge with more waterfalls. Watch out for Scotch Argus butterflies flitting over a thick carpet of bluebells in late spring and summer.

Stage 3

Further uphill, the path runs along beside a drystone dyke, with the burn on the opposite side. It then reaches a junction by a wooden shelter - turn right here, following 'Scrubland Trail' along a grassy track. The woodland thins to a more open and varied environment of scrub and stands of mature trees.

Stage 4

Leave the vehicle track to the left where indicated by a signpost onto a narrow path once more. This soon leads past a large eratic boulder, and then passes a couple of benches in a more open area. Cross a couple of wooden footbridges as the path winds through the trees, step through a gap in a drystone wall and follow the path as it meets a further stream and follows it downhill.

Stage 5

Ignore the next footbridge over the burn - follow the white arrow right. Soon another footbridge is reached - cross this one then follow a narrow path which keeps to the top of a high bank above the burn. Soon the path descends steeply, then reaches a junction where the main route goes left - make a brief detour ahead up to a viewpoint overlooking a larger waterfall to the right. Retrace to the junction and follow the marked path. This eventually emerges on the track near the start - turn right to descend to the car park.

Stage 6

Before departing it is worthwhile following the short path from the car park to the otter platform, where you just just be lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful creatures swimming in a big pool on the River Cree.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Newton Stewart Hotels

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