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In the absence of Munros,
the mountains of 3000ft or more that attract
ambitious 'peak baggers' and without the
hordes that invade Wainright's beloved
Lake District, the Galloway Hills remain,
almost totally unspoilt. They offer the
walker a wealth of opportunity to enjoy
the peace and tranquillity of rolling
hills, countless lochs, picturesque burns
and waterfalls, and an abundance of plants,
bird and animal life.
The walker has a choice
of over 40 summits of 2000ft or more (shown
below), many presenting quite a challenge,
whilst lesser hills and forest trails
offer a more leisurely pursuit with ample
opportunity to appreciate the beauty of
magnificent scenery and varied wildlife.
The Galloway Hills form
part of the Southern Uplands but are generally
contained in a fairly compact arrangement
of six distinct groups:-
- The 'Awful Hand', a fanciful
name given to a range of hills in which
the Merrick (at 2766ft the highest of
the Galloways) is the forefinger. The
other fingers are Shalloch on Minnoch,
Tarfessock and Kirriereoch, with Benyellary
the thumb. Buchan Hill, at the southern
end of the range, overlooks Loch Trool.
- The Dungeon Range, which runs
parallel to the Awful Hand, extends
from Craiglee,
near Loch Dee, to Macaterick. The highest
in the range is Mullwarchar at 2270ft.
- The Kells, an undulating
ridge of hills parallel to, and
east of, the Dungeon Range, stretches
from Darrou at the southern end to Black
Craig which rises above Loch Doon. Corserine,
at 2669ft, is the dominating hill in
the ridge which includes 13 summits
of 2000ft or more.
- The Minnigaff Group with Lamachan,
its highest at 2350ft and Curlywee the
most rugged, lies south of Loch Dee
between the Water of Trool and Clatteringshaws
Loch.
- The Carsphairn Range, situated
to the north-east of the main group
of Galloway Hills, includes Cairnsmore
of Carsphairn (2614ft) and 13 other
hill-tops of over 2000ft.
- The Solway Hills are fairly
cattered along the Solway Coast-line
from Cairnsmore
of Fleet (2331ft) near Newton Stewart,
to Criffel just south of Dumfries.
Despite the general
compactness of the Galloways, the absence
of trains and scarcity of public transport
makes the walker very much dependent on
his/her own vehicle for access to the
hills. Also, with the froliferation of
forestry, a knowledge of suitable access
points, forest roads and paths is essential;
these are not generally publicised or easily
obtained.
The walker should note,
with the possible exception of the popular
tourist path to Merrick
and the picturesque Gairland Burn path,
clear paths are very few and far between.
Deer, goat and sheep trails can often
be used to advantage but all too frequently
the way lies across grassy, heather-strewn,
bracken covered, or rocky surfaces and
the multipicity of burns, albeit extremely
attractive, can present a problem after
heavy rain.
An obvious need is for
substantial footwear, suitable clothing,
first-aid kit, a whistle and emergency
rations. A compass is also a must, plus
relevant maps and the ability to use both
in all weathers.
The maps should preferrably be of the
scale 1:25000 which give details of forestry
roads and firebreaks. The use of gaiters
is strongly recommended, not just as a
safeguard against adders (not really a
great problem) but as a protection against
heather and excessive damp, and a walking
pole can be handy for checking the depth
of marshy ground or snow. Essential too,
for emergencies or enforced long stays
in the hills is a 'bivvy bay' (survival
bag) and walking crampons for crossing
ice fields in winter.
Mountain bothies do exist
and offer shelter, but these are few and
far between, and are all on lower ground.
We do not apologise for
stressing the need for care, for whilst
the Galloways lack the sheer ruggedness
of the Scottish Highlands they are fairly
remote. Weather conditions can change
rapidly. We strongly recommend posting
a Route
Card using our online system and leaving
a copy with a friend or, if staying in
local accommodation, your hotelier.
The walker is also reminded
of the need to take special care to prevent
the outbreak of forest fires, to avoid
damage to property, to close gates (particularly
during lambing season in the spring),
to take litter away, and to generally
preserve the unspoilt nature of our beloved
Galloway Hills.
Duly advised however,
the visitor is able to enjoy complete
freedom, to roam at will and sample the
delights of one of the most beautifull
parts of Scotland, if not the whole of
the British Isles.
The climate too, being
influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, is
generally mild and compares favourably
with many districts south of the border.
So, whether for the pleasure
of viewing the wonderful scenery, observing
the flora and fauna, or just for the exercise,
the walkers of Galloway's hills will not
be dissapointed.
Welcome to Bonnie Galloway
- 'Scotland's Best kept Secret'
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