Galloway Walks

Difficulty level A: Distance 9 mls: Total climb 3058ft
Parking: at Bruce’s Stone on Loch Doon
Although the maximum height achieved is not much more than 2000ft, the total climb is a good deal more and it is quite a testing walk requiring a good level of fitness and plenty of time. Follow the signposted path from Bruce’s Stone to Loch Valley, crossing the Gairland Burn at any suitable point and climbing the hill in front of you (The Rig of the Jarkness), following the top in an easterly direction. Loch Valley is visible to the north and at its end cross over between Lochs Valley and Narroch (it is best to keep to the top of the Rig until the end of Loch Valley). Proceed up the shoulder of Snibe Hill in a NNE direction using one of the tracks going up the hill. This track peters out in due course but keep going towards the highest point you can see. The top of Craignaw is located at NX 45875 83312. From the cairn at the top of Craignaw change direction and go NNW towards Loch Enoch . The terrain can be quite difficult here and you should be very careful when clambering up and down the various crags and rocky areas you meet. You are crossing the western end of the Nick of the Dungeon which means going down a fair bit from Craignaw and then up on the other side to meet the SW corner of Loch Enoch. Cut straight across to the west along the south end of Loch Enoch, trying to lose as little height as possible, in order to reach the Rig of Loch Enoch. There is a discernable track from here leading SW along the Rig to Buchan Hill, which you can either circumnavigate to the east or cross straight over and down the Black Gairy (which should be done with care!) continuing SW to the path leading back to Bruce’s Stone.