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Screel Hill and Bengairn

To the south of Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway lies Screel Hill, a 1,126ft peak that sits between Auchencairn and Palnackie. It’s lesser-known neighbour, Bengairn, is 1,283ft and together they make a wonderful 6-mile circuit walk that offers sweeping views over the Solway Firth and would make a perfect walk if you are on holiday in the region and …

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Gatehouse of Fleet to Sandgreen

Dumfries & Galloway is full of pretty little villages, each with their own unique atmosphere and setting. From the lovely farming town of Castle Douglas, to the pretty Kircudbright with its boats bobbing in the harbour. One of my favourite towns in the entire region is Gatehouse of Fleet. Based on the A75 between Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart, Gatehouse …

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The Meaul Circuit at Carsphairn

Meaul is a 2,280ft Donald in Dumfries & Galloway, sitting at the north side of the wonderful Rhinns of Kells ridge (the sprawling range that includes the wonderful Corbett Corserine). I’ve made quite a habit of ticking off some of the smaller hills in Dumfries & Galloway and have had a great time doing so. Mullwharchar, Millfore, Lamachan Hill and …

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Balcary to Rascarrel Bay Coastal Circuit

To the south of the village of Auchencairn in Dumfries and Galloway lies the little-known spot of Balcary Bay. Sitting 13 miles and about 20 minues drive away from Kirkcudbright, the walk starts next to the Balcary Bay Hotel, in the free car park which can hold around 15 cars. I’ve been enjoying ticking off coastal walks in Dumfries and …

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Kirkcudbright to Torrs Point

One of my favourite towns in Dumfries & Galloway is Kirkcudbright, which is pronounced ‘kir-coo-bray’, and is without doubt one of the most mispronounced towns in all of Scotland! It is incredibly popular, and for good reason, as it’s the ‘Artist Town’ and is full of art galleries, art shops and other displays. Sitting on the sea, the River Dee …

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Killantringan Lighthouse Circular

Killantringan Lighthouse was designed by engineer David Alan Stevenson and entered service in 1900. The lighthouse sits to the north of Portpatrick and overlooks the Irish Sea and is a category B listed building with Historic Environment Scotland. It is currently privately owned after being decomissioned in 2005. This beautiful lighthouse is a dramatic part of the Dumfries & Galloway …

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Lamachan Hill and Curleywee

Glen Trool has been a favourite place of mine in Dumfries & Galloway for adventures. I have bagged Merrick (the highest point in the south of Scotland), I’ve fly fished lochs Valley and Neldricken, and I’ve hiked out to Mullwharchar (one of the most remote hills in the south of Scotland). One hill I discovered as I was researching walks …

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Stairhaven Coastal Circuit

One of the true hidden gems in Dumfries & Galloway is the tiny village of Stairhaven, which lies on the north-west side of the Whithorn peninsula. Even Google Maps seems to struggle with it, focusing instead on the nearby hamlet of Auchenmalg. Heading south on the A747 towards Port William and the Isle of Whithorn, a tiny sign on the …

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Benniguinea and Black Hill of Dee via Clatteringshaws Loch

One of the most popular tourist spots in the Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries & Galloway is Clatteringshaws Loch, which is a large freshwater reservoir-loch that has a large carpark and visitor centre. The loch offers beautiful views to the Merrick ridge and Corserine and the Rhinns of Kells and I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve driven …

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The Striding Arches at Moniaive

Hiking out to the striding arches at Moniaive have been one of my ‘must-do’ walks in Dumfries & Galloway for quite a while and I recently found time on a cold (I stress, cold!) January day to see these quirky artworks. What are the Striding Arches at Moniaive? Probably best I explain what these arches actually are. Landscape Artist Andy …