Grey Mare's Tail to White Coomb

Simon Tweedie

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The walk is one of the most dramatic in the area. It starts in the Grey Mare's Tail car park. During spring there is a small temporary building in the car park which houses a CCTV, set up to observe the peregrine falcons which nest on the craigs. It is well worth a visit and the volunteer wardens are both friendly and well-informed. A small donation is appreciated. You are asked to keep dogs under control at all times.

This is a mountainous area and is subject to changing weather patterns. The hills are often shrouded in mist, so competent navigational skills are necessary. The walk is very different in winter. When the route is icy, crampons are recommended. In very cold winters the Mare's Tail waterfall freezes, attracting top-class ice climbers. Having said that, much of the high-level walk follows the remains of an old, dry-stane dyke, making navigation quite easy even when visibility is poor.

Scotland - South Scotland - Dumfries and Galloway - Moffat Hills

Features

Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mountains, National Trust, River, Wildlife
7/13/2011 - Shaun McKittrick

Top marks to the author, a well written guide which was easy to navigate. Very dog friendly ... no stiles etc. to cross and for about 1/4 of the route, you're never too far from fresh running stream water. It took us a good 7 hours to do but we took our time stopping to enjoy the views, take some photos and have a breather. As author suggests, it is quite boggy underfoot while making your way along the eastern side of Lough Skeen. Once you're at the top of Lochcraig Head (Point 6) it's fairly easy going from there following the track beside the stone wall, allowing you to savour the ever changing and beautiful views. 10/10. Cheers Simon.

5/21/2004 - Simon Tweedie

"Safe crossing place"? "100yds"? Not my words. Most people just paddle through as it is not very deep. If you feel the water is very high after heavy rain then it may be safer to follow the burn back up to the point where it disgorges from Loch Skene.

4/23/2004 - Michael Atkinson

Superb walk - great views and once you are past the Loch, very peaceful place. One criticism of the guide - we were unable to find the safe crossing place referred to as being 100 yds up from the end of the dyke. The place we found was a good 15 minutes walk back up to the Loch.

10/8/2002 - Walkingworld Administrator

Walked during the Moffat Festival 6th Oct 2002. Simply wonderful. The waterfall and Loch Skene are beautiful and we were lucky enough to see wild goats. Views from the top of White Coomb were amazing. Thanks, Simon, a real treat.