Walk 1-1: Into the wilderness: Cairnsmore of Fleet

This route explores the wilder side of the majestic Cairnsmore of Fleet, taking in both summits. This huge wild space is not only a National Nature Reserve, but also a SSSI and core zone of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, making it an area of extremely high conservation value.

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Beginning at the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, we follow the forest tracks out towards the lesser travelled open expanse of peatland on the eastern side. Travelling across typical Galloway terrain, there will be chance to listen for the eerie cries of young peregrine falcons, the shrieks of ravens or the knocking sound of Stonechats. Roe deer frequent the woodland fringes of the reserve and red deer can be seen on the hills, with the occasional Wild Goat encounter. Dragonflies and damselflies gather round the pond areas and orchids bloom on the heath.

Climbing steeply up to Nick of the Saddle and stopping briefly to take in the stunning views, we will then begin our ascent to the highest point of Cairnsmore (711m), leaving the highest point we make our way across the top heading to the lower second summit cairn (656m).

Finally descending the Door of Cairnsmore, making our way back across the Clints of Dromore to the Visitor Centre at Dromore Farm.