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:: Tuesday 15 May
SOUTHERN UPLAND WAY
CRAIGENBAY TO BARGRENNAN
A fuller description of the SUW can be found in the
official guide, which is available in most good bookshops
in Dumfries and Galloway.
This section is a traverse through the heart of the
Galloway Hills and Forest Park providing a diversity
of views, plants and wildlife and our guide will be
able to add interesting information during the walk.
The group will be transported from Newton Stewart
to Craigenbay on the north side of Clatteringshaws
Loch. The first half of the walk is on forest roads
with only gentle inclines and steady progress should
be made. The route goes alongside Clatteringshaws
Loch, through a section of forest before reaching
the bridge over the Black water of Dee. At this point
a feeling of openness is experienced as the hills
come into view and this increases as height is gained
towards Loch Dee.
Once the sparkling waters of Loch Dee become visible
the next few kilometres are completely free of obstructions
giving wonderful views of the three ranges that make
up the Galloway Hills.
A pair of binoculars is highly recommended. Loch
Dee is an ideal spot to have lunch and breathe in
the magnificence of the surroundings. A bothy can
be seen at White Laggan, which at one time was inhabited
by shepherds and was a passing place on the old Drover’s
Road.
Shortly after leaving Loch Dee the SUW leaves the
forest road and the feature of the second half is
paths and this gives a feeling of remoteness. Generally
the paths are good but in wet weather underfoot conditions
can be muddy and slippery, therefore walking boots
are essential.
The path leads towards Loch Trool, one of the most
photographed lochs in Scotland, and the Forestry Commission
has made the area more open providing virtually uninterrupted
views along the length of the loch.
We continue through the former Caldon’s campsite,
past the Covenanters’ Tomb and follow the Water of
Trool and, if desired, the visitor centre at Stroan
Bridge can be the finishing point. Refreshments are
available until 16-45.
However, a final 6 kilometres, through the forest,
can be added with a finish at Bargrennan where The
House O’ The Hill will be a welcome sight.
Transport will take the group back to Newton Stewart.
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