Knockman Wood and Garlies Castle

Tony Brotherton

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This walk consists of two contrasting loops, which may also be tackled as separate walks. One loop explores ancient, semi-natural Knockman Wood, with its mediaeval settlements and prehistoric cairns; the other takes a track across moorland, diverting to visit the melancholy ruins of Garlies Castle. The walk is set amid lovely quiet countryside to the north of Newton Stewart and lies almost entirely along good paths and across level or gently undulating terrain.

Following the benign involvement in recent years of Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust in pursuance of their grand design (see www.creevalley.com) in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland, the Knockman Wood section was re-walked in June 2011, new photographs added and some text amended.

For local weather forecasts and other relevant information and services go to www.gallowaymrt.org.uk for Galloway Mountain Rescue's excellent website.

Scotland - South Scotland - Dumfries and Galloway - Woodland or Forest

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Castle, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Mostly Flat, Mountains, Wildlife, Woodland
4/21/2024 - keith wright

A pleasant walk with some nice views. It was overcast when we started but soon the rain started once we got past Boreland Cairn. The carved seat is still in situ afording lovely views. We didn't walk the second loop to the Castle but will definitely do it on our next visit if the weather is better.

7/11/2011 - Shaun McKittrick

Dog friendly walk and it seems to be pretty tucked in out of the way. We did it on a sunny Saturday and despite there being 3 other cars in the car park, passed no-one out on the walk. Worth noting that the path continues alongside the fence for the regeneration area (there is a large stile into it which you don't cross) and between Points 21 and 22, you really need to have your wits about you as there is no path to follow as such for approx 300m. Garlies Castle itself is quite overgrown with weeds/nettles and it's difficult to get a good photo but worth a look.