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
Enjoyed the grey mares tail walk. Looking to do the rest over the summer months.
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