Burns Walk, Dumfries

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
5 kms	01:30 (hrs:mins)	50 metres	Explorer 321: Nithsdale & Dumfries

Description

This riverside walk walk can either be 5km in length, or can be extended as explained below to 7.5km.
Start at the foot of Devorgilla Bridge, Whitesands, Dumfries. Devorgilla Bridge is an elegant sandstone bridge, which was built around 1431 to replace the timber bridgeof 1280. The central cutwater (pier) is extended up to the bridge parapet and was the site of the former Toll Gate, marking the boundary between Dumfries and Maxwelltown. Follow the finger post for 'Burns Walk, Dalscone 3 miles'. Pass under Buccleuch Street Bridge and then past the swimming pool and rowing club. The next section of the path is prone to flooding when the Nith is in spate. If your route is blocked, then take the following detour: (Turn right up the hill, then left at the t-junction. Take the second road on the right (Irving Street) and then turn left at the next junction. Continue past Dumfries Academy and the enterance to the staff car park. In a short distance, you will reach some railings and a gap in the wall. Descend the slope to rejoin the riverside path and follow the 'main route' directions.
Main Route This route is a quiet corridor heading out of town. Follow the path straight ahead until it climbs the riverbank to meet Albany Place/Nunholm Road. Pass through the kissing gate and turn left along the pavement. After a short distance, turn left at the signpost towards the river. As you continue along the path you will pass under one railway bridge and two road bridges. This section of the river is very popular with local fishermen. Shortly after the second road bridge you will reach a small car park. At this point you have two options.

Option One: To return to the town centre follow the track away from the car park. This track joins the public road. Continue to the T-junction and turn right. Follow this road past Gracefield Arts Centre and Dumfries Academy and on through the town centre to return to the start of your walk.

Option Two: Continue along the riverside path and pass under the Martinton Railway Bridge. The next section of the path runs high above the river and alongside Dumfries and Galloway County Golf Course. Along the way you will climb the steps up Dalscone Bank and walk among the impressive beech trees. Pass under the next road bridge, cross the stile on you right and climb the steps to meet the bypass. Turn left, heading for the roundabout. Descend through the subway where you will find another sign for 'Burns Walk'. Shortly after leaving the subway, take the steps on your left and continue along the path until you reach the bridge over the cycleway. Turn left through the gate to join the cycleway, then left along the cycleway for the return leg into town. Continue straight along the cycleway, proceeding straight ahead at the road crossings, until you reach the sign for 'Town Centre and Station'. Turn right at this point to meet the public road, turn left and follow the Edinburgh Road, Academy Street and Buccleuch Street, truning left before the bridge to return to the Whitesand, where you started your walk.

Access Info

The walk begins from the Whitesands, where longstay car parking is available for free. The main bus stop in Dumfries is at Whitesands and it is only a short walk from the train station.

Additional Info

Check out the Walking in and around Dumfries and New Abbey for more information, available from any Tourist Information Centre in Dumfries and Galloway.