New Abbey - Waterloo Monument - Sweetheart Abbey Circular

Tony Brotherton

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New Abbey – Waterloo Monument – New Abbey Cornmill – Sweetheart Abbey

From the village of New Abbey the way climbs via a moorland lane and steeply up through conifers to an open hill on which stands the Waterloo Monument. This 65ft tower was raised in 1816 and has a spiral staircase, unfortunately now blocked off, presumably by the council because of safety considerations and fears of litigation! Descending through mixed woodland, you come again to New Abbey with a chance to visit the cornmill and Sweetheart Abbey, both in the care of Historic Scotland. The walk is only 2½ miles long, but the steep ascent to the monument merits its 'moderate' tag.

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

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Moor, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
7/12/2011 - Shaun McKittrick

Update 12/07/11 - We did this walk today. At point 10 when you are meant to locate the track running downhill from the steps of Waterloo Monument ... extensive tree felling has taken place. The track becomes impassable after approx. 15metres due to weeds/thorns/remains of trees etc. and thus we had to make this an out and back walk as opposed to circular. Also, the photos/points don't match up, they seem to be out of sequence i.e. Point 2 should show photo of Abbey Arms (shown instead on point 3), Point 3 should show Mill Pond (shown instead on point 4) etc. Speaking of the Abbey Arms, we had a wonderful meal there afterwards. They have tables outside and are very dog friendly. Otherwise, a nice walk if you go prepared to treat it as an out and back walk.