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Walking
Trusty's Hill and Rutherford's Monument
Location
Gatehouse of Fleet
Description
Turn left over the River Fleet Bridge and carry on until you arrive at the spot where the main road takes a sharp left turn. You will notice straight ahead a sign from Venniehill where you can enjoy magnificent views of Gatehouse of Fleet and surrounding countryside.
From the main road turn right on to the minor road and continue for approximately 300 meters where you make a left turn and start to climb the hill to a cattle grid. Take the path on the left here. Follow this through a private garden, remembering to close all the gates behind you, until you reach a style over a dyke. From here, follow the waymarkers through the rough, undulating landscape. When you come to the signpost for Trusty's Hill, follow this to the vitrified fort and Pictish carved stones know locally as the 'De'ils Specs'.
The Pictish stones can be found on the south side of Trusty's Hill, very near the summit. This is one of only two known sites in Galloway where the Picts have left clearly recognisable marks and it can only be a matter of speculation as to why these carvings have been found so far from 'Pictland' (normally regarded as the north east of Scotland). From here you will also enjoy splendid views of Fleet Bay.
Once you have visited the fort, retrace your steps and continue to follow the waymarkers until you come to a signpost for Rutherford's Monument. Follow the path to the monument where you obtain fine views of the Fleet Estuary and the surrounding countryside. The 55 foot high granite obelisk was erected in 1842 to the memory of the Reverend Samuel Rutherford who ministered in the Parish of Anwoth between 1627 and 1639. The millennium Cairn opposite shows the names of all ministers of Anwoth and Girthon until the year 2000 when it was erected.
To continue the walk, retrace your steps then follow the waymarkers through the wood to the ruined Old Kirk at Anwoth. There has been a church here from at least the 1100s. The ruin you see today was built between 1626 - 1627 and was in use until 1825. The Parish Church to the south was completed after this, between 1826 - 1828, but is no longer in use.
To complete your walk, follow the minor road past Woodend Cottage then turn right at the sign post and follow the woodland path uphill. From here, follow the waymarkers back onto the minor road, which takes you downhill to Gatehouse.
Start Point
Start from the car park at the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Gatehouse of Fleet.
More Info
For more information on walking in Dumfries & Galloway, please telephone 01387 253862
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| Walk Details |
| Distance |
Approx. time |
Height gain |
OS Map |
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5.5km / 3.5 miles
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2 hours
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Explorer 312
Landranger 83
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