Priestland - Saughall Cottage - Loanhead - Bransfield - Priestland

Derek Smith

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This delightful short and easy circular walk has a wide variety of interesting features and there are no stiles or kissing gates. Stroll up several roads and lanes to the top of the hill, and then your return route is almost entirely downhill along rarely used ancient tracks through the glorious countryside, giving you excellent panoramic views. Known locally as 'The long Cairn Walk' the route passes a Neolithic cairn near Loanfoot Farm which is typical of a stone age chambered burial tomb and is the longest cairn site to be found in Scotland. A walking stick may be handy as you may pass along the edge of a meadow containing cows. All of the gates are in good order but the final path along Gower Water has an access overgrown with nettles.

The walk is suitable for children, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies as they will have difficulty along the final footpath by Gower water. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled, but boots will be best and except for the nettles (which can be avoided), there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. On your route there are no refreshments, bench seats or any other facilities.

Scotland - South Scotland - Ayrshire and Arran - Countryside