Caerlaverock Castle is an impressive 13th-century triangular moated castle set against the dramatic peak of Criffel. Located by the Solway Firth, the Castle is sandwiched between the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve and a Nature Reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, south of Dumfries in southwest Scotland.

In the Middle Ages, the Castle was owned by the powerful Maxwell family, however today, it is in the care of Historic Scotland and is a popular tourist attraction attracting around 30,000 visitors per year.

Over half of the surrounding Reserve is mudflats, covered by the incoming tide twice a day. As a result this area is the perfect roosting spot for many varied species of wildfowl and waders and an excellent location for birdwatchers. The Reserve is also internationally important for visiting Barnacle Geese and also famous for rare natterjack toads, tadpole shrimp and roe deer. There's also a chance of spotting badgers, which live in the nearby
wood and otters which feed in nearby pools. Remember to take your binoculars and camera.

Starting at Castle Corner car park on the B725, the walk winds its way out onto the Merse - an extensive fore-shore salt marsh - via various slightly raised walkways and bridges. Initially you'll have a woodland on your left side, then the landscape opens out beyond the wood into the broader Merse. There is no guarantee you'll have dry feet by the end of the walk, so please be prepared for wet and muddy conditions.

From the Merse, take the farm track to Hollands following this up to a road close to Nethertown. Once at the road, head north-west past Newmains and Northpark until you reach the junction with the B725. Follow the road for a short way, past Shearington until you come back to Caerlaverock Castle. A visit to the Castle is a great addition to your day out and allows you to find out more about this intriguing area.

From the castle, head through the wood and past the original castle earthworks and back towards the Merse. Once at the Merse, turn right to head back to the car park on the B725.

Perfect Walks, Caeleverock