Mabie Forest: Lochaber Trail Circular
You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.
This is a figure-of-eight circuit and so could be considered as two separate shorter walks, of about four and a shade under three miles respectively, on good paths and tracks throughout.
The course uses the Lochaber Trail and elements of the Nith View and Dalshinnie Glen Trails. It is pleasantly undulating and the walker is rewarded with some wonderful views over the uplands, whilst one also plunges into luscious, mainly deciduous woodland, follows a burn and visits a loch. There are occasional seats and picnic tables en route and toilets are provided near the start. Forestry Commission Scotland maintains Mabie Forest and caters for walkers, cyclists and orienteers. The forest is a stronghold of some declining butterfly species; in early summer look out for amongst others, pearl-bordered fritillaries, which flourish here under habitat maintenance schemes in Butterfly Conservation's new reserve. Also within Mabie Forest is Garden Wood, 'the only sensory garden in South-West Scotland'.
Local weather forecasts and other relevant information and services can be found on Galloway Mountain Rescue's excellent website: www.gallowaymrt.org.uk
Scotland - South Scotland - Dumfries and Galloway - Countryside
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Nature Trail, Play Area, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland