The Right to Roam

Being outdoors in Dumfries is spectacular. Whether you’ve just climbed the Merrick, visited Wanklockhead (Scotland’s highest village) or simply taken a picnic and explored the nooks and crannies of Rockcliffe’s rugged shoreline, you simply cannot be anything but inspired and refreshed. As a region we make use of the outdoors both recreationally and agriculturally and this space is something we are extremely proud off and hope more visitors come and share with us, albeit responsibly.

The Dumfries and Galloway outdoor access trusts aims are to ensure everyone has the right to roam across the countryside and working landowners to ensure access rights are adhered to at all times, and working together if issues arise. Or aim is also to support the growth of new paths and plan sustainably for the maintenance of the hundred of wonderful paths that already exist. We do this by working with committed volunteers, third sector groups and the local authorities Access team which allows to cover such the entire region as best we can.

And lastly we promote the benefit of physical activity in the outdoors which as we all know has a profound impact on our physical, mental and emotional health.

Did you know that Dumfries and Galloway is one of the largest regions in Scotland with a coastline that stretches over 350km from the Solway Firth in the East to the Mull of Galloway in the West, Scotland’s most Southernly point? We are also host to the highest mountains in southern Scotland and Britain’s largest Forest Park (also designated as the UK’s first Dark Sky Park)which can be found to the north of the region nestled in a landscape divided by river valleys that span the countryside before opening out into breathtakingly estuaries, bays and beaches which are waiting to be explored. And whilst nature itself ensures your senses are brought a live, if you do require a small break the landscape hides the most picturesque small towns and villages along the way that will welcome you and provide local amenities as you require.

But don’t get comfortable to quickly as we are privileged to host 5 of the 7 Stanes mountain bike centres in Dumfries and Galloway (and they really are world class) and can be found at Dalbeattie, Mabie, Ae, Glentrool and Kirroughtree forests. On bike or by foot these forests are excellently maintained and set up for fabulous exploration and competing should you choose to enter one of the many events hosted throughout the season. We also offer the Sustrans  Route 7 long distance cycle route that runs through Gretna, Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart before Crossing the Glentrool Forest. National Cycle Network routes in South West Scotland – Sustrans.org.uk . We’ve highlighted throughout the website the gold standard and probably best known regional walking route- The Southern Upland Way. It spans the entire region starting in Portpatrick before leaving the region and continuing through the borders until it meets the North sea at Cockburn path. Whilst this walk is 214 miles in total and is something that requires substantial planning, we can’t recommend this route enough, even the smallest of sections will offer you a flavour of what our regions beauty has to offer.

If hill walking is more your thing, we have plenty for everyone, tackle Criffel  in Dumfries with the family, The Merrick in Newton Stewart if you fancy a challenge, or head into the Moffat hills if you want the freedom that comes with peace and tranquillity that the area offers.

Or maybe you love the water, maybe you’ve got the bug for opening water swimming , paddle boarding or having the wind in the sales is something that reignites your energy- if this is the case we cant sing loud enough about Lock Ken and all they have to offer in terms of facilities and surroundings. The same can be said for the well placed loch in Lochmaben where a thriving sailing club continues to grow.

Over time we aim to update you new and interesting places to walk/cycle/run or explore by water and we will do this in our updates section, you can see the love we have for the region and the energy we have to preserve the assets we already have and the ambition we share to create new options for residents and visitors to benefit from.

So where do you like to walk in Dumfries and Galloway? Well for us, its everywhere! But we thought we would pop some of the more well known walks on here, as well as some hidden gems to give you some inspiration or to help you plan the next time you head out with your walking boots!!

Criffel (Hill walk)

Grey Mares Tail and Loch Skeen (Hill walk)

Kippford to Sandy Hills (coastal walk)

Mull of Galloway Trail (coastal walk)

Cairnsmore of fleet (hill walk)

Loch trool Loch loop (forest walk)

Mabie Forest loop (forest walk)