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There are a total of 8 walks today

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Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 318 Landranger 77 Harveys Galloway Hills
WALKFEST 2009 CHALLENGE
This is as tough as it gets for a single day walk and is only for the regular walker used to covering rough ground at a minimum of 3km per hour but for those seeking a real challenge this is a must for you.

The start is at Forrest Lodge GR553863 following roads to the edge of the forest then follow the line of the Folk Burn to the top of Corserine. The next section is south for 1.2K to take a ride then road towards Back Hill of Bush where a ride is taken to the open ground of the Silver Flowe heading to the Nick of the Dungeon past the Wolf Slock and along the shores of Loch Enoch.

A steep climb up Redstone Rig leads to the summit of the Merrick and the final leg is down the tourist path past Benyellary, Culsharg and the Buchan Burn to the finish at Loch Trool GR415804.

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 318 Landranger 77 Harveys Galloway Hills
This is another Galloway classic on the Awfu Hand Range but this year a start point mid way and for the first time going northerly. Being further the views of the Clyde and surrounding area is quite special and Ben Lawers has been identified on at least one occasion.

The start of this route is at the forestry picnic area of Kirriereoch GR359867 and follows forestry roads for 4K but with recent harvesting, for the moment, there is a lovely open feel and there are views throughout this walk. Towards the end of the road a path is taken to the Cross Burn which in heavy rain can prove troublesome to get over. However, as always there is an alternative if required. Having crossed the burn there is a short section that can be boggy but as the ground gets steeper it becomes drier and a coffee break here gives an opportunity to take in the ever improving views. From here the route follows the old county boundary fence line easterly for a little over 2K to the top of Kirriereoch Hill and from this vantage the Dungeons and the Kells are spectacular.

Everything swings northerly and the descent from Kirriereoch is quite steep and requires care and walking poles could prove advantageous. The walk along the ridge is delightful with a never ending variety of landscapes and passing Carmaddie Brae, Tarfessock, Nick of Carclach and on to the high point of the day, Shalloch on Minnoch, one of the Corbetts in Galloway.

A final stop for a drink and admire the scenery is followed by a steady descent north north westerly for 4K passing Caerloch Dhu and Cairnadloch where the ground can be a little boggy and the path occasionally indistinct. The pick up is south of the Stinchar bridge at a lay by GR394947.

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer319 Landranger 77 Harveys Galloway Hills
This is another big day this time in the Minnigaff Hills but the final 25% is on a forest road. The first leg to Mulldonoch is new and over some rough ground with the middle section re-tracing a previous route in the opposite direction on easier terrain. it should be noted the section on the Bennanbrack ridge has mild exposure.

The route starts at the former camp site of Caldons GR397791 going through the grounds to pick up a track, leading to a forest road, turn right over the bridge and immediately turn left to follow the Caldons Burn upstream. There is a good path but care must be taken as there are several occasions where the path falls steeply away to the burn.After 1K a fork GR411780 in the streams is reached, and taking the easterly one using a forest ride open ground is reached with a steepish climb of 1K to the top of Muldonnoch from where the views really begin. A short south easterly descent to the Coo Lochans is followed by a 200 metres ascent over almost 2K to the top of Lamachan then north easterly to Bennanbrack and back to south easterly to the Nick of Curleywee GR451768.

A steep climb to the top of Curleywee is followed by a 1.5K walk to Dargall Lane passing over White Hill down a tussocky hillside to the forest road linking Lochs Dee and Trool. This easy final section still affords splendid views and leads past Glenhead to the pick up point at Loch Trool GR415804.

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 83/77
This is a delightful traverse of Cairnsmore of Fleet going in the opposite direction of a few years ago and witout doubt the views from the top in a southerly direction particularly are unsurpassed.

The route starts at the new car park at the entrance to the estate GR463633 going through the estate to the old car park (signposted) and follows a well defined path to the top of Cairnsmore. The initial field frequently has livestock and due care should be taken. In poor visibility it is easy to become disorientated on the top as it is a large featureless plateau but in good weather there is no better place to stop for lunch.

From the top a north easterly leg of 1.3K goes to Meikle Mulltaggart another 900 metres to a cairn then 1K north westerly to the Coo Lochans and a short climb to Craignelder and Millfore. The route continues north easterly past Craignarget where a path leads to a forest ride and on to a forest road that leads back to the pick up at the Red Deer Range GR522732.

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 77
This is an obvious low level circular walk that is a first for Walkfest and the vast majority of the walk is free of Sitka and with a start and finish at the Forestry Commission's Visitor Centre refreshments are available.

The drop off at the VC GR552763 is followed by a short section on the A712 before turning left to Craigenbay continuing to the signpost for the Southern Upland Way where it is followed for 2.5K. At GR521787 a forest ride is taken due south for 340 metres crossing a bridge over the Black water of Dee and following the line of pylons to the road that leads to Craigencallie. This section could be wet underfoot and appropriate footwear should be worn.

The route continues anti clockwise along the road past Craignell farm and back on to the A712 for a 1K walk back to the Visitor Centre where a welcome snack can be obtained.

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 319 Landranger 77
This linear route largely follows the line of the old Edinburgh Road and is a straightforward walk largely on roads and well defined paths. The attraction of this route is the remoteness without going into the recognised wilder areas and with open aspects there is the chance of seeing wild life including red deer, red squirrels and birds of prey.

Drop off is at the end of the road GR 545749 that leads to Craigencallie walking along the road past the dam for 1K before taking a forest road (Old Edinburgh Road) that goes past Lillie's Loch. The road turns into a path leading south westerly to another forest road which is taken for 1.6K past the Black Loch before turning south to pick up the path back to Murray's Monument and the pick up point at the car park GR490721

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 312 Landranger 83
The circuit of the peninsula overlooking Little Ross Island gives magnificent views of Kirkcudbright and Brighouse Bays during the clockwise route plus the bonus of seeing the Cumbrian Fells, Isle of Man and the Machars of Wigtownshire. There is also a gruesome story attached to the lighthouse.

The bus drop off point is close to the Holiday Park following a well defined path all the way past the Mull of Ross always keeping above the cliffs where nesting seabirds will be seen. The route leads to the most southerly point with excellent views over Little Ross and continues northerly round Ross Bay to pick up the road back to the start point with the opportunity for a refreshment in the holiday park.

Route Summary
Maps OS Explorer 312 Landranger 83
This route from Kirkandrews to Brighouse along the coast is rarely walked and we are pleased to include it in this year's Walkfest. It is a walk along a rugged part of the Galloway coast evoking thoughts of our smuggling past but it is also a walk that has surprises round each headland.

The start of the route is at the road end GR602484 to Kirkandrews passing the delightful little church and following the farm road to GR601477 where a gate is climbed to access a path that leads to the cairn on top of Barn Heugh where a stop is worth taking to soak in the views. The route meanders south easterly aimimg to maintain a high elevation to appreciate the changing aspects and uses stiles and gates to avoid the necessity to scamble over fences. The route passes Manxman's Rock where a stop can be taken and the origins of the name will be explained.

The latter part of the route goes onto better paths round the cliff tops where there will be nesting seabirds leading to the Holiday Park at Brighouse where refreshments are available.