DRANNANDOW

Note: Due to overwhelming demand we have added this additional route to the Friday itinerary

The walk is entirely on forest roads, and from the start opposite the former Penninghame Open Prison the first few hundred metres is through native woodland, and thereafter the route follows a mixture of open moorland and the occasional section of the inevitable Sitka.

The outward part of the journey whets the appetite for those tackling the Minnigaff Hills walk the following day. The views of Larg, Lamachan and Curleywee are especially stunning, and on the return the Cree Valley, Newton Stewart and beyond give a magnificent backdrop.

Almost certainly this is an area that would have been used by the Covenanters when seeking shelter from their persecutors during the 'Killing Times' of the late seventeenth century. There are also significant historical artefacts to be found.

This is also an opportunity to meet some of the leaders of the walks on the following two days as well as a chance to get to know some of your fellow walkers.

The walk will finish by mid afternoon allowing time to return to your accommodation, get something to eat before enjoying Friday night’s ceilidh where the muscles can be tuned up for the weekend ahead.