Walking in Dumfries & Galloway
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The Dalveen Pass in the Lowther Hills near Thornhill
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The estuary of River Nith, looking across to Criffell from Glencaple
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The quaint fishing village of Portpatrick
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The Grey Mare’s Tail, northeast of Moffat
From coast to glen, Dumfries & Galloway never ceases to amaze thanks to the huge variety of walking routes on offer. Whether it’s up in the hills or along the coastline, there is walk to suit all abilities, not to mention Scotland’s longest walking route and several fantastic walking festivals.
Head to the hills of Dumfries & Galloway and you’ll be amazed by the range of walking routes on offer as you take in the wild landscape. Uncover the rugged beauty of the Galloway Hills as you explore the forests, lochs and moors on foot.
The Galloway Hills take in 24 peaks above 2,000 ft and among them are ranges such as the Rhins of Kells, the Minnigaff Hills, the Awful Hand and the Dungeon Hills. The Merrick, rising up above Loch Trool, is Dumfries & Galloway's highest hill at 2,765 ft and forms the 'forefinger of the Awful Hand’ range.
The Moffat Hills attract walkers of all levels, keen to spot natural wonders such as the strange Devil's Beeftub and the impressive Grey Mare's Tail waterfall. The Lowther Hills, in the east of Dumfries & Galloway, are home to Wanlockhead, which at 1,531 ft above sea level, is the highest village in Scotland.
As well as rolling hills, Dumfries & Galloway offers fantastic coastal walks. The coastline boasts over 200 miles of walking, from the sandy beaches of the beautiful Solway Coast to the cliffs of the rugged south west. Enjoy the peace and quiet on a walk beside the Nith estuary near Dumfries and admire the extensive, evocative ruins of medieval Caerlaverock Castle or, for a more challenging walk, head along the high cliffs of the Mull of Galloway, a windswept headland in the far south west.
Embark on the Southern Upland Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the longest walking route in the country. It stretches coast to coast across the south of Scotland from Portpatrick in the far west of Dumfries & Galloway to Cockburnspath on the North Sea coast of the Scottish Borders, taking in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Why not meet like-minded wanderers during one of the great annual walking festivals? Walkfest, the Newton Stewart Walking Festival, is now firmly established as the biggest walking festival in the south west of Scotland. Or explore the beautiful river valleys and green, rounded hills of the Langholm area during the Langholm Walking Festival in June.
You can find a number of fantastic walking routes in Dumfries & Galloway whatever the season.
