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WalkFest09 Routes at OS Explore
Walks on 8th May 2011

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There are a total of 8 walks today

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 Three Fingers of Awfu Hand

 

 Distance: 17km

£ 10

 Ascent: 1100m

Ref 3-1

Route Summary
This is a classic linear route over the southern half of the Awfu Hand Range taking in five tops including Merrick and Kirriereoch. Starting at Bruce's Stone, the short steep climb to Fell of Eschoncan gives one of the finest views of Loch Trool. A reasonable path leads to the Bennan followed by Benyellary and the highest Corbett in Galloway, the Merrick. A steep descent down the Little Spear is followed by the climb to the final top, Kirriereoch. A gentle walk down the ridge picks up a forest road to the finish at Kirriereoch car park.
Maps OS Explorer 318

Transport
Registration 08:00
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 08:30 (Journey 30 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 17:45

Walk Leader
TBC (Galloway MRT)

Walker Age
Walker name

 The Three "Wees"

 

 Distance: 15km

£ 10

 Ascent: 800m

Ref 3-2

Route Summary
The Three Wees was one of the most popular routes in 2010 and this year we are offering it as a weekend walk. This is another way of reaching the top of one of Galloway's finest summits, Curleywee, by a new route which gives different aspects of the surrounding hills, especially the approach to the rugged slopes of Curleywee. The route starts at Auchinleck following forest roads to rough open ground leading to the first "wee", Black Benwee Hill, then due north for 3.5 km over White Benwee Hill to the superb viewpoint of the third "wee", Curleywee. The route continues over Bennanbrack to Lamachan and follows Caldons Burn to the finish at the car park at Caldons.
Map OS Explorer 319

Transport
Registration 08:45
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:15 (Journey 20 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 18:00

Walk Leader
Ken McCubbin and Mike Kneeshaw (Galloway MRT)

Walker Age
Walker name

 Loch Grannoch and Cairnsmore of Fleet

 

 Distance: 16km

£ 10

 Ascent: 800m

Ref 3-3

Route Summary
This is the first time this approach has been used and approaching Cairnsmore from an easterly direction provides the best views of her hidden and much more spectacular flanks. The walk starts at the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct following the forest road to Loch Grannoch, a beauty spot in its own right, before tackling the wild steep slopes of Craigronald. The route crosses Meikle Multaggart with another short steep climb to the top of Cairnsmore. The descent is by the path that leads to the car park at the entrance to Cairnsmore estate.
Map OS Explorer 319

Transport
Registration 08:00
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 08:30 (Journey 45 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 16:15

Walk Leader
David McNicol (Galloway MRT)

Walker Age
Walker name

 Galloway's Jewelled Necklace (Dungeons)

 Distance: 16km

£ 10

 Ascent: 900m

Ref 3-4

Route Summary
The route from Bruce's Stone to Loch Enoch following Lochs Valley, Neldricken and Arron has long been one of the classic walks in Galloway. By returning via the Deil's Boolin Green and Craignaw this provides a superb viewpoint to enjoy the neighbouring ranges. From Craignaw the descent is to Mid Burn to pick up the path back to Loch Trool.
Map OS Explorer 318

Transport
Registration 08:00
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 08:30 (Journey 30 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 18:00

Walk Leader
TBC (Galloway MRT)

Walker Age
Walker name

 Manxman's Rock

 

 Distance: 8.5km

£ 10

 Ascent: 200m

Ref 3-5

Route Summary
This walk proved very popular a few years ago and is worth repeating. This route from Kirkandrews to Brighouse along the coast is rarely walked and follows a rugged part of the Galloway coast evoking thoughts of our smuggling past, but it is also a walk that has surprises round each headland. The start of the route is Kirkandrews following a track to the cairn on top of Barn Heugh where a stop is worth taking to soak in the views. The route meanders along the coast to Manxman's Rock where another stop can be taken and the origins of the name will be explained. The route continues past Borness, round the cliff tops to the finish at Brighouse Bay.
Map OS Explorer 312

Transport
Registration 10:00
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 10:30 (Journey 45 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 16:15

Walk Leader
Jenny Smith

Walker Age
Walker name

 Threave Castle and Gardens Photographic Walk

 Distance: 5km

£ 15

 Ascent: 100m

Ref 3-6

Route Summary
Another opportunity for the aspiring outdoor photographer to learn from Keith Ratcliffe, now on his fourth visit to our festival. This year the theme is around one of Galloway's most photographed areas, Threave Castle and Threave Gardens. The walk itself is well worth doing on its own but in the company of Keith, your photographic skills and techniques will be enhanced.
Map OS Explorer 312

Transport
Registration 08:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:00 (Journey 40 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 17:00

Walk Leader
Keith Ratcliffe

Walker Age
Walker name

 Monreith Coast and Fell of Barhullion

 

 Distance: 10km

£ 10

 Ascent: 200m

Ref 3-7

Route Summary
This is a new walk that has a mixture of coast and arable land with a high point that gives superb views over Luce Bay. Starting on the shore close to St Medan's Golf Course, the route initially follows the coast round to the village of Monreith. Heading inland a track leads to Blairbuy and on to the Fell of Barhullion where there are various ancient sites. The route then heads due south, past Larroch and the Otter sculpture made famous by Gavin Maxwell, before finishing once again at the coast.
Map OS Explorer 311

Transport
Registration 10:00
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 10:30 (Journey 45 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 16:45

Walk Leaders
TBC


 Saints and Sinners

 

 Distance: 10km

£ 10

 Ascent: 300m

Ref 3-8

Route Summary
This popular Machars coastal route starts with a walk through Physgill bluebell wood to Luce Bay and St Ninian's cave. It then heads east, along the cliff tops to Burrowhead with spectacular sea views to the Isle of Man, finishing at the picturesque village of Isle of Whithorn. (Sections of this walk are on relatively exposed narrow, cliff top paths) A guide will provide the story of St Ninian and other less saintly characters associated with this Galloway coast, while seabirds and spring cliff top flowers add interest to the walk.
Map OS Explorer 311

Transport
Registration 10:00

Bus leaves Dashwood Square 10:30 (Journey 35 mins)
Return to Dashwood Square 16:45

Walk Leader
TBC

Walker Age
Walker name

 

Walk Gradings

Very strenuous - A true mountain adventure, often with difficult walking underfoot in Galloway's wildest locations. Distances are usually at least 16km (10 miles) and there is usually around 1000m of ascent.

 

Strenuous - Open hillside with some steep sections. Distances typically 10km (7 miles) to 15km (9 miles) with between 500 and 850m of ascent. Suitable only for those with a good level of fitness.

+

Moderate + - Generally on lower land across farm land, through forests or on the coast, usually on paths, but with some difficult sections. Distances of around 10km (7 miles) with typically around 300m of ascent.

Moderate - Generally on lower land across farm land, through forests or on the coast, usually on paths. Distances are generally 7km (4 miles) to 10km (7 miles) with only minimal levels of ascent but may include some exposed sections. A number of these walks are led by historical or wildlife experts and hence are taken at a slower pace to allow for items of interest along the route to be discussed.

 

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