The Hills
- Annan, Waterfoot and Summergate Lane
- Arkleton
- Balcary to Rascarrel
- Barnkirk Point
- Castle Douglas Town Trail
- Coastal Walk to Port Castle Bay
- Criffel
- Dalbeattie to Colvend Trail
- Hoddom Castle and farm walks
- Jubilee Path
- Kelhead Water
- Repentance Tower
- River Annan
- Rockcliffe to Sandyhills
- Rounall Wood
- Saint Kentigern's Churchyard
- Screel Hill
- Stairhaven Coastal Walk
- Tarras Water and Whita Hill
- The Hills
- Threave Estate
- Waterloo Monument
Catch a glimpse of roe deer in the Hills, an atmospheric wooded area on the edge Mabie Forest on this charming circular walk that follows the former railway line that once linked Dumfries with Stranraer.
From Dumfries take the A711 towards Dalbeattie, pass through Cargenbridge and follow that road until you see a sign on the right hand side for 'The Hills'.
From the car park, climb or bypass the stile and follow the blue way marker posts along the forest road. At the junction with the old railway line turn left and follow the cutting. The path parts company with the line and heads towards a burn leading you through an interesting piece of woodland. The Hills was a plantation on an ancient woodland site and is now being managed as ancient woodland.
The path swings uphill to join the forest road where you will get good views across the valley to Tower Wood, so called because of the circular outlook tower built at the turn of the century as a folly for the owners of Dalskairth House.
The Hills is a good spot for seeing roe deer, pied flycatcher and greater spotted woodpecker. Butterflies are common along the forest roadsides during summer. On joining the forest road, turn right to complete the circuit. You can turn left at this point to gain some higher ground and views back towards Dumfries, but you will need to retrace your steps and continue down the forest road for the return leg of your walk.
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