FOREST GARDEN AND BLACKCRAIG WOOD

This is a most pleasant walk led by a local amateur historian who lives in the centre of the area being visited and his knowledge gives an insight to the development of this community.

A bus will take the group fro Newton Stewart to the start point at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre and a gentle walk along the road leads to the entrance to the Forest Garden. This was planted some years ago to give a visual display of trees from different parts of the world. In May this woodland is carpeted in a sea of blue from the native bluebells, a sight worth coming to see on its own.

A footpath leads to the entrance to Blackcraig Wood and onwards to Craigton Old Village where our guide will be able to describe the activities of this former community. This was once an area of mining and many of the former workings still exist but the “new” village of Blackcraig has seen a recent resurgence of house building and has taken on a new lease of life. The development of the Kirroughtree Forest, particularly the Seven Stanes mountain biking routes, has given a much-needed boost to the local economy. The route now follows the Old Military Road to Stronord and back to the starting point at the Visitor Centre, and again this will allow our guide to explain the significance of this historical roadway.

The walk should take approximately two hours allowing time for questions and refreshments before being taken back to Newton Stewart. If you would prefer to take your own transport please indicate this when you register.