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Walk 2.9 - CAIRNSMORE OF FLEET VIA
BILLY MARSHALL'S CAVE
Distance - 14km (9 miles) Walking Time
6 hours
Ascent - 736 metres (2208ft)
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Start - Multi Start Point (Sunday) NX450
646
Depart - 1000hrs
Return - 1600hrs
NOTE - The map of this route does
not clearly show that we will transfer
you by bus to the walk start point ar
Corwar.
This is one of two walks which includes
Cairnsmore of Fleet. It is 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 the aviation sense,
as no fewer than 11 aircraft have crashed
into its huge granite bulk. It 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 four nations from its summit.
This is a real local favourite and a welcome
addition to the festival itinerary.
We will transport you by minibus from
the multi start at Kirroughtree to Corwar
- here you will start your walk. We then
follow a series of Forest Tracks before
branching off a forest ride to meet up
with the upper section of the Louran Burn.
From here we commence the main ascent
up Cairnsmore of Fleet. As we climb up
this fairly steep section of the hill
we stop off at Billy Marshall's Cave.
Local legend has it that the so named
Gypsy King sought retreat in this cave
during turbulent times. He allegedly lived
until a ripe old age of 120 - a good reason
for heading to the Galloway Hills if we
ever needed an excuse!. We complete our
ascent passing Eastman's cairn before
reaching the summit (711m).
We will be descending via the well trodden
and much loved tourist path until we make
a detour for the final section via Bardrochwood.
The final section follows good forest
tracks and public roads and rounds off
a very amicable circular route. Walkers
should keep their eyes peeled for a glimpse
of the Wigtown Bay Ospreys. The breeding
pair returned to Galloway in 2001 and
have successfully reared five chicks in
the following three years.
This walk is graded as moderate, but
includes a steep section on the north
face of Cairnsmore of Fleet. It should
be achievable by most walkers including
families.
Book Now -
This walk is limited to 20 places.
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