Cairnsmore of Fleet

Cairnsmore of Fleet, at 711 metres, is the highest of the so called 'Solway Hills'. It's comanding location overlooking the Cree Estuary ensures the walker can enjoy the magnificence of Wigtown Bay and the Machars in the near vicinity, with the Lake District, North Wales and the Isle of Man in the distance. This walk should be within the capability of an averagely fit family, although the walker should be prepared for a steady climb of 630 metres to the summit.

There is a small car park within Cairnsmore Estate, and it is from here, ascending via the popular and well defined tourist path, that this walk traverses. The car park is reached by leaving the A75 nearto Palnure Burn Bridge (opposite the 'Rowan Glen' factory). Follow this unclassified road until you turn sharp left over Graddoch Burn then enter the Estate through the remains of an old viaduct. A pleasant wooded drive alongside the burn that leads to Cairnsmore Farm continue around the farm buildings until you reach at 'T' junction. The car park is about 50 metres to the left.

The path starts from the gate beyond the car park and is faintly defined diagonally to the north east corner of the field, behind a cluster of gorse bushes. Once you pass through the gate, the path from here on is well defined and generally fairly dry under foot.

As you ascend through the series of woodland paths and forest rides, the walker should pause momentarily to enjoy the views across Newton Stewart and the Machars. Despite the fact you're walking through forestry, the aspect is very open and unrestricted views continually unfold behind you.

When you emerge from the forestry, the climb ahead can be clearly seen up the steeper section of the open hillside. I have witnessed many a wise walker taking a break upon a large stone situated to the right of the gate before embarking further up the hill. Continuing upwards the path zig zags its way to the more level, and very welcome final stretch as you reach the crown of the hill. Be warned however, you still have just over 1km to walk to the summit, albeit the gradient is much gentler. At times this section of the walk can become wet underfoot, particularly during the winter.

The final, and virtually level (at least in Galloway Hills terms it's level!) half kilometre can be accurately identified even in winter with snow on the ground. A series of small cairns are situated along the left (or westerly) side of the path and these are picked up after passing two larger cairns to the right of the path. In clear conditions the path is very clear, however in misty or snow covered conditions the walker might find themselves walking astray if you don't pay attention to these cairns.

As you near the Ordnance Survey pillar at the 711m summit, pause a while and contemplate a memorial stone erected to remember the airmen who perished in various air crashes on Cairnsmore of Fleet during World War 2.

There are a number of circular routes and nearby peaks which the walker can include in a visit to Cairnsmore of Fleet, but this walk returns to the start by retracing your steps. (An alternative descent will feature in a later walk).

Other interesting diversions might include a visit to McClave's Pantry, a cave in the face of a ridge of rocks situated at NX 493 660 about 300 metres from the path after you pass through the opening in a now broken down wall on the zig zag hillside section. You might need to search a little to find it, as in my experience it isn't easy to find!

Another cave, known as Billy Marshall's Cave is situated at NX 494 679, approximately 900 metres north west of the summit. Again this cave is worth a visit, but difficult to find. Fortunately a rock above the cave has an iron bar protruding from it - thus helping to identify its location.

The distance from the car park to the summit is just over 4.7 kilomtres (3 miles) and can be covered easily in 2 to 2.5 hours. It's my favoured Sunday morning jaunt, so if you meet a big guy wi' a wee white Westie at foot, say hello!

Lastly leave a note of your intended route and time of return; this could be done on Galloway Mountain Rescue Teams web site at www.gallowaymrt.org.uk where there is a dedicated route planner.

My map of choice is Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure Map No. 32