Walking, Running and Cycling
The area offers extraordinary routes you can explore while staying at the Cottage.
Dumfries & Galloway is in the perfect location for adventurers. With its beautiful scenery, nature and wildlife, a stunning coastline with open beaches and extraordinary views. It’s the perfect place for you if you want to foget the busy city life and immerse yourself in nature.
Here’s a few tips on the best walking routes that will take you from forests to cities to admire what this region has to offer.
FOR WALKERS
Rockliffe to Kippford
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Distance: 2 miles
This route will take you through two lovely villages and along stunning coastal scenery. Along the way you will find interesting statues as you apporach Kippoford. The route is fairly straightforward, but should you want a detailed map, try the Walking Britain entry HERE.
River Dee Walk from Kirkcudbright
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 4.75 miles
Look out for: Bird life, shops and galleries in the town once you’re finished.
Enjoy river views and bird life on this walking path, suitable for walkers of different levels. The route is manageable even for those not used to steep sections and muddy roads. Parking is easy. Ideal to combine with a day out exploring Kirkcudbright too.
Click HERE for a route map and further details.
Loch Trool Loop, Galloway Forest Park
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Distance: 5.75 miles
Look out for: Ancient battle site, rich wildlife
Galloway Forest Park offers some of the best walking trails of the area. Loch Trool is among the best, for its peculiar features including an ancient battle site, Bruce’s Stone landmark and amazing lake views.
See the Glentrool Visitor Centre section of the Scotland Forestry Commission site HERE for various routes and activities to try.
Glenkiln Reservoir Walk
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 5 miles
Easy path an easy access. The route used to be like an open-air museum with sculptures of artists of the calibre of Rodin, but since one was stole, these have now been removed. The reservoir still it is worth a visit.
Click here for a map of the route.
FOR RUNNERS
Park Run at The Crichton, Dumfries.
Recurrence: Every Saturday at 9.30am
Distance: 5km
The course is entirely on tarmac paths. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. Dependent on availability, marshals will be at key sections of the course, or signs will be in place.
FOR CYCLISTS
Part of the 7stanes, this trail has different routes according to difficulty. So even if you’re not an expert cyclist you can still enjoy the beautiful views and have some fun on your mountain bike!
Click here for more information.
This trail offers a fabulous route through the forest and different levels of difficulty, from experts to amateurs.
Click here for more information.
This is the right trail for families and beginners. The scenery is breath-taking and the roads are easy and long, without many difficulties.
Click here for more information.