Top Places to Walk in Dumfries and Galloway

 

From multi-day coastal treks to strolls around rolling parkland, there should be something to appeal to everyone among the top places to walk in Dumfries and Galloway. 

History buffs will want to check out the medieval battle site at Loch Trool while those looking for coastal views are spoilt for choice with the walking routes around the Mull of Galloway and the Solway Firth. If you want to get outdoors on your visit to south-west Scotland, choose from these places to walk in Dumfries and Galloway.

 

Loch Trool

Circular walk with a bit of history

Looking for a walk with scenic views and a bit of history mixed in? The circular walk around the peaceful waters of Loch Trool in the Galloway Forest Park is for you. There’s plenty to see as you walk the six-mile route, including the site of the Battle of Trool, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English army in 1307. Bruce's Stone, a large granite boulder, commemorates the battle. 

Look out for wildlife like redstarts and roe deer and keep an eye out for the waterfalls and burns that tumble down the surrounding hills. There are lots of shorter and easier walks in the park – head to one of the visitor centres for more ideas. The highest hill in Dumfries and Galloway is in the park too; it’s said that the view from Merrick to Snowdon in Wales is the longest view in Britain. Take your binoculars and check it out. 

Pitch up at the best campsites in Dumfries and Galloway

Annandale

A long hike from the uplands to the water

A multi-day hike rather than a short ramble, this 56-mile path runs from Annandale Head in the hills near the Scottish Borders region to the Solway Firth to the south. Walk under ancient oak trees and through conifer plantations, past the ruined castle at Castle Loch and climb Repentance Tower for long views over the land and water.

The path also takes you past the birthplace of Thomas Carlyle, the famous Victorian historian, and through the countryside that the poet Robert Burns wrote about in his works. There’s an uphill section at the beginning but the walk is gentle after that and there are campsites scattered along the way for when you want to rest your weary legs. 

Find campsites near Annan

Threave Estate

A shorter walk on a thriving estate

Go to Threave Estate and explore the 2.5-mile circular path through woodland and farmland and along a disused railway line in an area managed by the National Trust for Scotland. If that's not quite long enough, take one or both of the detours on the walk to see the ruins of Threave Castle or to the bird hide where you’ll be able to look for waterfowl.

Threave Estate is a good place for a day out from nearby Castle Douglas. While you're there, spend time in the colourful gardens and have something to eat or drink in the estate's cafés, which serve sweet treats like homemade cake and ice cream as well as savoury soups and sandwiches.

Looking for more gardens to visit? Find the best gardens to visit in Dumfries and Galloway here.

Rockcliffe to Kippford

Views across the Solway Firth going beach to beach

For a coastal walk that passes through flower-filled woodlands and meadows and is bookended by two pretty villages, take the two-mile stroll from Rockcliffe to Kippford. Start on the beach in Rockcliffe, looking out across the Solway Firth and over to the English Lake District, and finish on the beach in Kippford, taking some time to poke around in the rock pools looking for crabs.

If you're here at low tide, walk to the Rough Island bird sanctuary to see birds like ringed plovers and oystercatchers – but avoid going between May and July when the birds are breeding. 

Discover more things to do in Dumfries and Galloway

Mull of Galloway

Start from Scotland’s most southerly point and head north

If you want a longer trail as part of a walking holiday, lace up your boots and set out on the Mull of Galloway Trail. Start from Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway and take in the views across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man before setting off on your 37-mile trek. 

As you walk through coastal scenery and farmland, look out for wildlife like seals, red squirrels and deer and pass through quiet villages before finishing the walk at Glenapp Kirk. There are information boards along the route if you want to learn more about the local history.

Pitch up at campsites near the Mull of Galloway

River Dee Walk

Estuary walk with bird watching opportunities 

Meander along the River Dee from Kirkcudbright for views over the estuary, spotting small boats bobbing in the water or on the mudflats and sandbanks. Kirkcudbright is a good place to get some food and drink in the area too – fish are landed at the port and the award-winning fish and chip shop serves up the catch fresh from the harbour. 

 

Check out our guide to camping in Scotland for more tips on finding places to stay.

Looking for more places to eat? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway.