We’ve just completed a major update of our routes across Dumfries and Galloway – focussing on the walks at lower levels, and the first sections of the Southern Upland Way. Over the last week 40 routes have been completely rewalked, rewritten and photographed, which combined with last years updates means almost all the routes in the region have been rewalked and written in the last year.
The expanded coverage includes four routes which are completely new to Walkhighlands.
The Watson Bird Walk at St John’s Town of Dalry which was created in 2022 to celebrate the late Donald Watson, a renowned bird artist who lived here; it was one of his favourite routes. The first half is along the flood embankment of the Water of Ken, rich in wildflowers. The second half climbs over Mulloch Hill with superb views over the Glenkens.
Crichope Linn is an almost forgotten showplace, a dramatic gorge that is a real hidden gem. The footbridges may have long since been removed, and it’s a place to explore with care as there are dangerous drops.
The Carsethorn and Powillimount Shore walk heads out along the shores of the Solway Firth from Carsethorn, continuing across the sands and mud until Powillimount Beach. The return is along quiet country roads, passing John Paul Jones cottage museum – the birthplace of the father of the US Navy.
The New Luce and the Caves of Kilhern route is set in a quiet and somewhat neglected part of Dumfries and Galloway. It combines a section of the Southern Upland Way over the moors – and the chance to visit a chambered cairn – with minor roads to make a circuit from the small village of New Luce.