Kirroughtree - Cairnsmore of Fleet - Kirroughtree
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It is my contention that on a sunny day of blue skies there is no finer place in the world than Glorious Galloway - and nowhere better to be than in the Galloway Hills. In this area we tend to get almost as many such superb days in winter as in summer; and for this walk it is essential to choose a clear day fully to appreciate the fine panoramic prospects from Cairnmore of Fleet's broad, grassy summit. From it one has far-ranging views northwards to many of the higher hills, whilst to the south the silvery Cree snakes its sinuous curves into Wigtown Bay and the Solway Firth.
This 2,331ft (711m) mountain is the most readily accessible in the region and rare in having a good path all the way to the top. Nevertheless, this route is rated on the stiff side of moderate for its steady but relentless three-mile ascent and the corresponding descent. Cairnsmore itself appears generally benign, but any cloud in the area is drawn to it and the mountain can totally 'disappear' in certain conditions. Perhaps this explains why there have been no fewer than eleven aircraft crashes on its massif. A poignant plaque on a granite monument on its summit records the names of those airmen of several nationalities who died here.
Cairnsmore of Fleet may be tackled from several different directions and this route's length is median between the 'tourist route' of seven miles (see Walk 2454) and a tougher, twelve-mile approach from the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct (Walk 1987).
Scotland - South Scotland - Dumfries and Galloway - Galloway Forest Park
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Mountains, Play Area, Public Transport, River, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland