CAIRNSMORE OF FLEET FROM GATEHOUSE STATION

Although not a particularly long walk parts of the first section can be potentially typically Galloway, boggy and there is an ascent of 400 metres in one kilometre which will test both the lungs and the legs. However, it is a mountain route and must not be underestimated but in many ways it is arguably the best way to climb the most conspicuous mountain overlooking Newton Stewart.

Numbers and bus size will dictate the precise dropping off point but we will see the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct on what was formerly the railway affectionately known as Paddy’s Line. From here we climb up on to the Clints of Dromore and staying on the high side views towards Creetown begin to open up.

The next section over a couple of kilometres can be boggy and it leads to the Door of Cairnsmore, signalling the start of a steep climb over some rough ground towards the cairn at the southern end of the plateau. At some point in this climb a break will be taken to appreciate the extent of the unfolding views. The spectacular corries on Cairnsmore’s eastern flanks can only be appreciated from this approach and the Cree Estuary appears in its full glory. This area was used extensively as a firing range during World War 2 and very occasionally live ammunition is found. Cairnsmore is also a natural navigation feature for aircraft and sadly more than twenty accidents have taken place. Once the cairn has been reached the remainder of the walk is generally straightforward following a path past the Knee of Cairnsmore towards the summit at 711 metres. It is known that dotterels nest on the plateau and with a bit of luck might be spotted but unfortunately the Golden Eagle no longer soars supreme as the last pair was poisoned more than thirty years ago.

Two hundred metres before the trig point a memorial cairn to some of airmen killed on Cairnsmore can be seen, and the local Mountain Rescue Team not only assisted with the last crash but it also helped with five others in other parts of Galloway.

The summit of Cairnsmore has a very privileged position, not only the immediate panorama of Newton Stewart and the Cree Estuary, but the views of all the Galloway Hills are stunning and if weather conditions are perfect England, Isle of Man, Ireland and even Wales can be seen. This is an ideal spot to linger for a while and have a bite to eat. The route back to our pick up point is following the path back to Cairnsmore estate, and even in the forest sections there is the backdrop of the Machars.

Once climbed by this route it is worth returning to explore other ways to the top of Cairnsmore of Fleet.