Chasing waterfalls in Dumfries and Galloway!

Now that we are coming up to the better weather (well let’s hope for a nice hot summer). Here are a couple of water walks round Dumfries and Galloway, Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall/Loch Skeen & Mares Braid Waterfall. 

Grey Mare's Tail 

This stunning location is situated in the lovely Moffat hills and has a waterfall that is 60 metres high and a loch at the top. The hike involves a hard climb along a well traveled trail (return by same route). The slopes slope extremely steeply down to the waterfall on one side, so owners should be very careful not to let their dog go too far off the trail. The walk is roughly 2.75 miles to the loch at the top. 

Open all year, but go in late summer (Aug/Sept) to see the heather blossoming all over the hills in purples and pinks, or go in late autumn (Oct) to see the hills in spectacular contrasts of orange and green.

Parking costs £3 per day, however it may get crowded during nice weather

Route: Cross the bridge from the parking lot, then continue along the trail as it ascends the side of the hill. Continue rising, keeping an eye out for sheep and wild mountain goats who share the hills with you as you approach the waterfall. You can travel as far as you like before turning around, or if you still want more, you can follow the trail all the way to the summit and arrive at Loch Skeen. If you're truly up for an adventure, you can go up to one of the nearby peaks (or do them all in a loop), but would say only for experienced hillwalkers with the right gear.

If you would like more information click on the link to National Trust for Scotland National Trust for Scotland - grey-mares-tail

Refreshments: If you'd like to have a picnic, you can sit on a blanket next to the stream or on a seat at the beginning of the walk beside the car park. If you fancy something more  for eating the closest town, Moffat, is 10 miles away. It is a popular wee town with lots of lovely little  independent shops.  There are several dog-friendly pubs and a cafes. (Some of our favourites include The Buccleuch Arms & The Star)

Mares Braid Waterfall

We found this little gem in lockdown it is along the Southwick Coastal Reserve on the Solway Coast, Back Burn Waterfall, also known as Mares Braids Waterfall, is situated close to Sandyhills in Dumfries & Galloway. As we did, you might easily drive right by the walk's entrance without even knowing where it was.

You must verify the tide timings before you go since this trek is only accessible when the tide is out. People have been trapped out here previously by the swift tides at Sandyhills.

Park in the layby at the T-junction marked "Southwick Cemetery" after Sandyhills. The walk's entrance is located across the street. If you use the google pin you will find it easier Google pin drop

The first section of the landscape is a loose stone walkway that leads to "Needles Eye." The ground is particularly soft as you cross the salt marsh that the water has eroded as you go down the coast and near "Lot's Wife" sea stack. You must hop over gaps on the path since there are quite a few. Although there are occasionally wider gaps, we were able to find a way around them. At one point, I wondered if we should be taking the kids and the dogs on this walk but the laughs we had was worthwhile.

If you would like to read more about Dumfries and Galloways Walks please click on the link below to my other posts https://dumfriesandgallowayplacestowalk.blogspot.com/?m=1

Waterloo Monument and Criffel hill

Waterloo Monument 
 

Waterloo was build in 1810, it is an impressive 150ft tower in the hills close to New Abbey,. The walk is enjoyable short but steep walk from the village to the tower, if you are looking for something to do for a couple of hours I would highly recommend.

To start park at the corn exchange walk out towards the monument this is mostly flat and some old forest then you will see a sign (you do have to look for it). Turn left into the forest and you will start going uphill through woodlands then the path splits into a Y follow the sign to the left. This is where it gets steep and if you are slightly unfit like me you will need a wee break half way on one of the side stones. Keep walking where you will see the lovely tower. You can climb up the to the tower, be warned it’s not for the faint hearted it’s small and spiral! However when you get to the top the views are amazing over the Solway firth.

Criffel Hill 

 

Criffel is our ‘local hill’ it offers lovely views across Galloway, Dumfries, Solway Firth and the Lake District. Criffel may only be 569 meters high but its modest altitude belies its prominence. The ascent is short but steep and should take you about 2 hours. So get those walking boots on and set off. And please be prepared for every eventuality including packing waterproofs, water, compass, phone, an extra jumper and a few biscuits in your backpack.

Best to start from Ardwall by New Abbey (Grid Ref NX970634). There is a walkers’ car park at the end of the unsigned minor road to Ardwall. From the car park entrance, cross the track to the farm and go through the kissing gate opposite, signed ‘Public path’. After a short distance take a track which branches to the right (waymarker post) and continue to a gate at the entrance to the forest. And then you are on your way.

There is an excellent path through forestry and uphill, it has recently been gravelled all the way to the top.

 

 Wee man was delighted to get to the top!! 

If you would like to read more about Dumfries and Galloways Walks please click on the link below to my other posts https://dumfriesandgallowayplacestowalk.blogspot.com/?m=1

Forest Walks Dumfries and Galloway

 Mabie Forest 

There is something for everyone here: open area for playing, picnicking, and barbecuing, several routes with breathtaking viewpoints, and abundant possibilities for animal watching.

Mabie is also one of the world-class 7stanes mountain biking centres and welcomes riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. 7Stanes Information 

There is many routes to take, but for the best one is the yellow route 'The Nith View'. This walk is 4 1/2 miles (trust me it doesn't feel like that once your up the big hill) it normally takes up about 2 hours that's dragging the kids along and the 2 dogs while having a few pit stops of a drink. 

This track climbs through the woods to a flat forest road that circles Larch Hill. From this high view point, there are ever-changing views of Mabie Forest depending what time of the year you walk this route, you will see the Nith valley and the Solway coastline. On a clear day, it is possible to see England's Lake District. On the route,  you will see the Goldielea Viaduct, which once carried trains between Dumfries and Stranraer, across the valley.

If you would like more information on Mabie Forest's walks have a look at the forestry website Mabie Information  

The Hills 

If you are looking for a quick walk The Hills this is only 1 mile, can let the dogs off for them to get a good quick run. 

START at the parking area, go over the stile or around it, and then follow the blue way-marking posts down the woodland road. Turn left and follow the cutting at the junction with the former railway line. The trail separates off the railroad and proceeds in the direction of a burn, passing through an intriguing area of woods. The trail turns upward before joining the forest road, where you can enjoy the valley's views of Tower Wood and the Goldielea Viaduct. 

To finish the circuit, turn right as you enter the wooded road. At this point, you have the option of turning left to gain some elevation and views back towards Dumfries, but doing so would require you to go back the way you came and continue down the woodland road.

If you would like to read more about Dumfries and Galloways Walks please click on the link below to my other posts https://dumfriesandgallowayplacestowalk.blogspot.com/?m=1

Why walk in Dumfries and Galloway

                                            (Mabie Forest) 

The Scottish Southern Uplands region of Dumfries and Galloway borders both England and the Irish Sea. Like practically all of Scotland, it's a great place for walkers who want to take in the varied and beautiful landscape. Dumfries and Galloway is a region of breath taking landscapes that are ideal for you and your dog to explore together on long walks in the countryside. It has more than 200 miles of coastline, ranges of steep hills, and vast woodlands.


Although the region's landscape may be its claim to fame, it also has a history and culture that are well worth investigating. Numerous walks in this area combine the stunning natural surroundings with an interesting history. I will be listing some of my favourite
dog walks me and my dogs love to walk in Dumfries and Galloway
that are guaranteed to entice you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors.



(Teddy, Theo & Bruno)

Health and Safety Advice:
THINK AHEAD!

• Wear good shoes and a decent waterproof jacket.
• For as long as you will be out, make sure you have plenty to eat and drink.
• The weather in Scotland may be highly unpredictable, so use common sense!
• If at all feasible, make sure someone knows when to anticipate your return.
• Please leave gates as you find them - Keep dogs under close control at all times -
• Keep to paths across farmland - Respect farm livestock - Take your litter home with you -
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees.

Dumfries and Galloway beaches allow dogs

There are many wonderful beaches in Dumfries and Galloway if you want to get out of the country. A café and a small store can be found at Sandyhills, a small sandy beach close to Dalbeattie, dogs are allowed all year round. 

Other beaches with no dog restrictions include Sandhead beach, close to Stranraer, which goes for more than a mile, Rockcliffe Beach, close to Dalbeattie and one wee beach that we call the 'secret beach' white port beach at Palnackie is a secluded beach that is great for a swim for both the dogs and you. Another favourite of ours is Mossyard near Gatehouse of Fleet with its holiday like sand and clear water. You can also hire a caravan looking over Fleetbay or if you prefer pitch a tent. Mossyard



(Port Beach)

Another lovely walk along the coastline is Brow Well 6 miles from Annan Brow Well was renowned for the assumed healing qualities of its waters, especially amongst residents of Dumfries. Brow Well Information and directions


(Brow Well, Ruthwell)

If you would like to read more about Dumfries and Galloways Walks please click on the link below to my other posts https://dumfriesandgallowayplacestowalk.blogspot.com/?m=1