Big Water of Fleet Viaduct - Cairnsmore of Fleet - Viaduct

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
19.32 kms	07:30 (hrs:mins)	1500 metres	Explorer 319: Galloway Forest Park South

Description

A satisfying twelve-mile trek which tackles four mountain summits, including the 2,331ft Cairnsmore of Fleet.

Instead of taking the more usual 'tourist' route up from Cairnsmore Farm, this walk starts from the parking area at Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, passes through forestry and via moorland to Loch Grannoch, then makes the stiff climb up the craggy side of Craigronald (1,680ft). From here the route proceeds to an unnamed summit, thence on to Meikle Mulltaggart (2,008ft), continues via the Nick of the Saddle and up the slopes of Cairnsmore of Fleet to its cairn at 2,331ft. Next comes the cairn on Knee of Cairnsmore at 2,151ft. There follows a tricky descent down the steep slopes of the Door of Cairnsmore, crossing moorland to enter forestry and finally a pleasant walk back along the forest track.

Access Info

Take the B796 road from Gatehouse of Fleet signposted to the former Gatehouse Station (six miles away), then the forest road off right to reach Cairnsmore Visitor Centre at Dromore. A gated track leads on to the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct and parking area. There are no bus services to here. For Traveline information ring 0870-608-2608.