** SORRY - THIS WALK IS FULLY BOOKED. ** NEW ROUTE ** This route through the rolling Stewarty Countryside provides extensive views of both the Galloway Hills and the Solway Coast, finishing in the attractive village of Auchencairn.
We set off across rolling agricultural countryside, before turning onto rougher tracks up into open forest, with the hill fort becoming prominent ahead. Eventually we reach the head of the valley of the Hass Burn, where the track winds down to a remote crossroads. Here we leave the main route to make the short, sharp climb up to Dungarry Hill Fort, widely considered to be from the 8th century, although some think it much older. Although its history is unclear, its views are not, extensive to both north west to the Galloway Hills and south west to the Solway Firth. An ideal spot for lunch.
We descend by the same path to the main track and head down the valley between increasingly lush pastures, with good views of the pointed summit of Bengairn to our left. Along the way we pass the Mine House, behind which is the site of iron ore mines that once flourished in the area. Ahead of us we can see Auchencairn Bay and Heston Island, as we pass through farms to reach the minor road that leads us past Auchencairn cemetery and along the attractive lower reaches of the Hass Burn into Auchencairn itself, where refreshments may be available at the local shop.