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Walk 2.2 - KIRROUGHTREE TO GATEHOUSE
STATION
Distance - 23km (14 miles) Walking Time
6 hours
Ascent - 842 metres (2762ft)
Difficulty Level - Moderate/Strenuous
Start - Multi Start Point (Sunday) NX450
646
Depart - 0930hrs
Return - 1700hrs
This is the second, and more strenuous
walk which includes Cairnsmore of Fleet.
Cairnsmore of Fleet, the most southerly
of the Three Cairnsmores and the highest
of the Solway or Minnigaff Hills, towering
over Newton Stewart, Creetown and the
Cree Estuary. The hill has become infamous
over the years in an aviation sense, as
no fewer than 11 aircraft have crashed
into its hugh granite bulk. That said,
Cairnsmore of Fleet is a rewarding climb
with fine views over the Cree and Wigtown
Bay to the south and the Galloway Hills
to the north. On a clear day, you can
see the five nations from its summit.
This is a real favourite and a welcome
addition to the festival itinerary.
This is a linear walk and We will arrange
return transport from the end of the route.
We start our walk by the most challenging
section. We initially follow public roads
from Kirroughtree Visitor Centre Multi
Start Point (NX 450 646) via Bardrochwood.
From here we start the main ascent of
Cairnsmore of Fleet firstly by forest
track then hill path. This is the most
common and well trodden path much favoured
by walkers. It's a fair challenge as every
step seems to be up - but well worth the
effort.
Once we reach the main plateau we continue
to the summit (711m) via the memorial
erected in memory of the airmen who have
perished on this hill. You can still find
aircraft wreckage on the hillside, so
keep your eyes peeled. If you are lucky
you might see an Osprey from Wigtown Bay
Reserve flying overhead. After we spend
time enjoying the splendid views of the
four nations as well as Wigtown Bay and
the Cree Estuary we continue north West
to Meikle McTaggart (609m) and Craigronald
(512m) eventually arriving at Loch Grannoch.
The latter section being fairly steep.
The final walk to Gatehouse Station
is along forest tracks. We will pass the
'Big Water of Fleet' viaduct which used
to carry trains along the Port Road from
Dumfries to Stranraer. Our arrival at
Gatehouse Station is the end of our walk
and the pick up point for the retun to
Kirroughtree Visitor Centre.
This walk is graded as moderate/strenuous
primarily due to it's length. The most
strenuous part of the walk is relatively
early on in the route.
Book Now -
This walk is limited to 30 walkers.
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