Day Trip to the
Rhinns of Kells and Dalry area of Galloway
on Sunday 5 February 2012
Map required is LandRanger 77 Dalmellington to New
Galloway
but you can download and print the required map section .. see below ....
This is now a past outing. Like to read about it?
Transport
A car pool will leave Cathcart at 8am and travel south on the M74 until the A702 junction just south of Crawford and follow this through Thornhill (on the A76) to St John's Town of Dalry. Take the A713 northwards a short distance to Polharrow Bridge, then take the minor road westwards to Forrest Lodge for the start of the high and low level routes. At the end of the walks we will find some suitable refreshment in St John’s Town of Dalry before heading home.
Low level
Starting from Forrest Lodge at GR NX553862 head back down the road a short distance to the forest track at GR 559862. Take this track and follow the most direct route to the south of the forest emerging near to Largmore at GR 569824. If you’re feeling energetic you can take the short detour up to the Fire Tower at Shinmount. At Largmore join the Southern Upland Way and follow the Way east into the centre of Dalry.
| Distance | 12 km |
| Total ascent | 350m |
| Likely time | 5 hours |
High level
This is a classic circular route taking in Corserine (814m) and the southern heights of the Rhinns of Kells Ridge. If you are fortunate to walk the route in fine weather, the views will be quite spectacular, particularly to the west looking over the Dungeon Hills towards the Merrick.
Starting from Forrest Lodge at GR NX553862, head southwest following the forest road. Continue to gain height gently until you reach a high point near to an observation tower. Leave the forest road at this point following a path which follows the edge of the plantation until you arrive at a stile. Once on the open hillside there are various indistinct paths continuing southwest. Head southwards and pick up a dyke .. this avoids a steep section. There is a very distinct and well trodden path to the north of this dyke over Meikle Lump to the summit of Meikle Millyea (746m).
Continue northwest, following a broken dyke over Milldown and Milfire along the ridge line. The path here is well trodden and easily followed and continues to Corserine summit. From Corserine summit continue east then north east over Polmaddy Gairy. Look out for another well trodden path to find a safe and easy descent to the forest edge.
A stile will provide an easy crossing point into the forest and a path, which has recently been upgraded, will lead to a forest road. Follow the forest road east and southeast back to the start point.
| Distance | 16 km |
| Total ascent | 900m |
| Likely time | 6 hours |
What next?
If you would like to join us on this day walk, let me know by e-mail or phone by Wednesday 1 February and I'll organise the cars .. please let me know if you'd be willing to drive, or whether you'd prefer a lift.
See you on the day!
Mark Setford, Galloway Organiser
t: 01294 826457
e: mark.setford@edf-energy.com
