Walking

Acres of sky, miles of rugged coastline, sandy beaches, mysterious forests, rolling hills, tranquil lochs and room to breathe... take a walk in Dumfries & Galloway.

• Loch Ken Holiday Park

• Galloway Kite Trail (24miles around Loch Ken)

  It is an exciting nature watching opportunity to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery.
  https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/galloway-kite-trail-p582081
  Parton

• Parton Viewpoint (1km walk)

  This 1km walk follows a footpath along the edge of pasture and woodland to reach an elevated viewpoint overlooking Loch Ken and the surrounding area. There is an interpretative board and a picnic table at the viewpoint, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the panoramic views.
  http://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/parton-walk-i42.html
  Parton

• Bennan Viewpoint

  It is within the Galloway Forest Park and sits towards the Northern end of Loch Ken. It is a small hill but one which gives unsurpassed views over the loch and the surrounding countryside.
  https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/bennan-viewpoint
  Near New Galloway

• Galloway Forest Park

  The Galloway Forest Park is a fantastic place to explore, with some of southwest Scotland's most dramatic scenery.
  http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park
  

• The Southern Upland Way

  The Southern Upland Way is Britain's first official coast to coast long distance foot-path. It runs 212 miles (340 km) from Portpatrick on the south-west coast of Scotland to Cockburnspath on the eastern seaboard. It offers superb and varied walking country, still undiscovered by many enthusiasts. The Way provides a real challenge for the experienced walker, yet some of the shorter stretches are suitable for families and the less ambitious
  https://dgtrails.org/southern-upland-way/route/
  St Johns Town of Dalry to Sanquhar is one of many routes

• Dundeugh Forest

  This pleasant ramble follows tracks to make a circuit around Dundeugh Forest - now an island between the Water of Ken, Kendoon Loch and Glenhoul Glen.
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/dundeugh.shtml
  North of Dalry, Scotland, UK

• Castle Douglas Town Trail

  Take a walk around the fascinating historic town of Castle Douglas and see its fascinating buildings.
  https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/dumfries-and-galloway/castle-douglas
  

• Carlingwark Loch Circular

  Carlingwark Loch is a very attractive sheet of water on the fringes of the town of Castle Douglas. This enjoyable walk makes a circuit around the loch and beyond using paths and minor roads.
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/carlingwark-loch.shtml
  By Castle Douglas, Scotland, UK

• Threave Estate Walk

  This walk explores the countryside of the Threave Estate, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It winds a varied route through the pleasant landscape, and visits a bird hide on Lamb Island in the middle of the River Dee. The walk can be extended - and should be - by following the Threave Castle circuit.
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/threave-estate.shtml
  Near Castle Douglas, Scotland, UK

• Threave Castle Circuit

  Explore the beautiful and wildlife-rich countryside surrounding the island castle of Threave. There is a charge to visit the castle which is an optional add-on to the walk - bring binoculars for the bird hides (osprey and wildfowl).
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/threave-castle.shtml
  Near Castle Douglas, Scotland, UK

• River Dee Walk

  Follow the tidal lower reaches of the River Dee, giving some fine opportunities for birdwatching. The walk starts in the picturesque town of Kirkcudbright and includes a loop to Tongland hydroelectric power station before beginning the return leg.
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/river-dee-kirkcudbright.shtml
  Kirkcudbright, Scotland, UK

• Cally Woods Circular

  An easy walk through oak and mixed woodland which are a haven for wildlife including red squirrels and good for wildflowers in spring and summer.
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/cally-woods.shtml
  Gatehouse of Fleet, Scotland, UK

• Balloch Wood

  At present four main trails cover the length of the woodland and follow routes that have been walked by the local community for more than a century, following the natural contours of the woodland and using materials either from the woodland itself or from the most sympathetic local source.
  http://www.creetown-walks.co.uk/index.asp
  Creetown

• Glenkiln Sculptures Walk

  This enjoyable ramble amongst the attractive upland landscapes around the Glenkiln Reservoir is made memorable by a series of spectacular sculptures. With works by Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin and Jacob Epstein, this route is a must for anyone with an interest in art.
  https://www.walkingenglishman.com/scotland01.htm
  Near Shawhead, Scotland, UK

• Treasure Trails

  A Treasure Trail is an imaginative way to explore somewhere new. An easy to follow route will enable you to crack the clues whilst taking in some of the most fascinating sights along the way. Each treasure hunt is completed in your own time.
  https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/dumfries-and-galloway
  Dumfries

• Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve

  Head along the edge of the Caerlaverock National Nature reserve mudflats, looking out for wintering geese, en route to one of Scotland's most beautiful and romantic ruined castles.
  https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/caerlaverock-castle.shtml
  Caerlaverock, Scotland, UK