Top 8 Walks in Dumfries and Galloway

1. Where Can You Walk Among the Stars? Try the Galloway Forest Trail

If you’re searching for a walk that infuses history and scenery with a touch of stargazing magic, head straight for Galloway Forest Park. Spanning more than 300 square miles, Galloway Forest Park walks are among the most popular in the region.

By day, the trails lead you through towering conifers, sparkling burns and hidden waterfalls; by night, the skies open up in dazzling clarity, thanks to its designation as a Dark Sky Park Scotland, one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. The Glen Trool Trail is a real highlight. This circular route carries you through tranquil woodland before opening up to panoramic views of Loch Trool and the surrounding hills. 

It’s a place where history is close underfoot: look out for Bruce’s Stone, a monument commemorating Robert the Bruce’s victory over English forces in 1307. Between the forest wildlife, the rushing water of the burns, and the sheer peace of the loch, it’s a walk that feels both grounding and inspiring, perfect for families, couples or anyone craving a half-day escape in nature.

How long is the walk and what can you expect?

The Glen Trool Trail, sometimes also known as the Loch Trool Circular, is a 7-mile circular walk of moderate difficulty. Expect well-marked forest paths and classic forest walking trails Dumfries is known for.

Wear sturdy footwear, as the ground can be muddy in wetter months, and bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching, red squirrels, buzzards and even ospreys can be spotted here. Parking is available at Caldons car park, with clear signposts to guide you around the loop.

2. Want Stunning Coastal Views? Walk the Mull of Galloway Trail

If you’d rather swap forests for sea spray, this trail is one of the most exhilarating Mull of Galloway walks and coastal routes in the area.

This long-distance route runs from Stranraer all the way to Scotland’s southernmost point, the dramatic Mull of Galloway. Along the way you’ll trace high cliffs where seabirds wheel overhead, sandy bays washed by Atlantic waves, and fishing villages where time seems to slow. The finale at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is hard to beat. It offers sweeping views across to the Isle of Man, Ireland and, on very clear days, even the Mountains of Mourne, making it one of the most spectacular cliff walks Scotland has to offer.

Wildlife lovers are in for a treat here, too: the RSPB reserve on the headland is home to guillemots, razorbills and, if you’re lucky, the occasional puffin. Keep your camera handy, this is prime photography territory, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the cliffs gold.

This is a trail you can dip in and out of as it suits your energy and schedule. Many walkers pick a shorter stretch, combining a few hours on the path with a leisurely lunch or a visit to one of the small harbours along the coast.

Can you do it in stages?

Yes, and that’s one of the joys of the Mull of Galloway Trail. If you’re based in a local cottage, try:

Stranraer to Ardwell (about 10 miles): A varied section mixing shore paths and inland stretches.

Ardwell to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (around 17 miles): Longer and more challenging, but rewarded with dramatic cliff scenery and the thrill of reaching Scotland’s southern tip.

If you’d rather not walk out-and-back, local buses or a pre-booked taxi can help with returns. However far you go, you’ll be rewarded with the elemental drama of Scotland’s coastline, wild, windswept and utterly memorable.

3. Looking for a Woodland Escape? Visit the Wood of Cree

If peaceful woodland trails are more your style, the Wood of Cree walk is a gem waiting to be explored. Tucked just outside Newton Stewart, this is the largest ancient woodland in southern Scotland and a sanctuary for both wildlife and walkers. 

Managed by the RSPB, the reserve is alive with birdsong year-round, over 100 species call it home, while spring brings carpets of bluebells that transform the forest floor into a haze of purple and green. Walking here feels like stepping into another world. The air is fresh with the scent of oak and ash trees, streams tumble through shaded glades, and dappled sunlight filters through the canopy. 

It’s a lovely option for families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a calmer alternative to the region’s hill walks. Bring binoculars if you can: pied flycatchers, wood warblers and redstarts are often spotted among the branches, and at dusk you might glimpse bats swooping over the clearings.

How accessible is it?

The Wood of Cree offers a mix of easy to moderate trails, well-marked and suitable for short strolls or longer rambles. Managed by the RSPB, it’s part of a collection of beautiful RSPB walks Scotland is famous for. The main loop takes around an hour, with paths that are generally firm underfoot, though waterproof shoes are handy in wetter months. 

Parking is available at the reserve car park, and the trails are clearly signposted from there. Families with younger children will appreciate the gentler woodland tracks, while more adventurous walkers can branch off to explore additional paths towards Barclye Wood.

With its sense of tranquillity and natural richness, the Wood of Cree is the kind of place you’ll want to linger, so pack a picnic, slow down, and let the forest work its magic.

4. Fancy a Seaside Stroll? Try the Rockcliffe to Kippford Path

For a gentle walk that combines coastal views with village charm, the Rockcliffe to Kippford walk is hard to beat.  This short route hugs the shoreline of Rough Firth, linking two of Dumfries and Galloway’s prettiest seaside villages, a classic among the coastal paths Dumfries is loved for. At just 2.5 miles each way, it’s one of the most popular family-friendly walks Scotland visitors enjoy.

The path meanders through woodland, across meadows, and along sandy stretches where you can pause to skim stones or watch wading birds. On clear days, the views across the estuary are spectacular, with sailboats bobbing in the water and the chance to spot seals basking on the rocks. It’s a flat, well-trodden route, so you won’t need hiking boots, comfortable trainers will do just fine. 

What’s nearby to visit?

One of the joys of this walk is how much there is to see along the way:

Jubilee Path: A leafy section shaded by trees, popular in spring for its wildflowers.

Shell Beach: A small bay known for its abundance of shells - a hit with children and collectors alike.

Castlehill Point: A short detour offering a wonderful viewpoint over the estuary.

At either end, you’ll find plenty of places to refuel. Rockcliffe has a charming tearoom, while Kippford is known for its welcoming pubs where you can tuck into a hearty meal with a view of the harbour. This is a walk that’s as much about soaking up the atmosphere as it is about the steps themselves.

5. Want to Hike a Hill? Climb Criffel for Sweeping Solway Views

If you fancy a proper hill walk without committing to a full mountain day, the Criffel walk is a fantastic choice. Rising to 570 metres above sea level, this distinctive peak dominates the skyline near Dalbeattie and offers some of the best panoramic views in southwest Scotland. 

On a clear day you can see across the Solway Firth to the Lake District, and inland towards the rolling Dumfries and Galloway hills.. It’s a rewarding climb that gives you that “top of the world” feeling without needing alpine fitness levels.

The walk takes you through farmland and heather moor, with the path steadily climbing towards the summit. In autumn, the landscape glows with russet and gold, while winter days bring crisp air and wide horizons. It’s a walk that feels wild yet accessible, a favourite for anyone who enjoys hillwalking Scotland style adventures..

Is it a hard climb?

The route is moderate to strenuous, depending on conditions. The main challenge is the terrain: some paths are boggy or uneven, especially after rain. 

Good boots are essential, and walking poles can help with the steeper sections. The most commonly recommended approach is from Arbigland, where recent improvements to the trail have made the ascent easier and less muddy. Allow around 3 - 4 hours for the round trip, including time to linger at the summit and take in those Solway views.

For keen walkers, Criffel is a must-do: a hill that may be modest in height, but delivers views and a sense of achievement far greater than its stature.

6. Interested in History? Explore the Caerlaverock Castle Circular Walk

If you like your walks with a dash of history, the Caerlaverock Castle walk ticks all the boxes. This remarkable triangular fortress, complete with moat and towers, is one of Scotland’s most striking castles, making it one of the most memorable heritage walks Dumfries visitors can enjoy.

The route combines heritage, nature, and fresh air, creating a walk that’s as entertaining for children as it is rewarding for adults. Starting near the castle, the trail winds through farmland and open fields, before circling into the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. 

Here, the scenery shifts to saltmarshes and wetlands rich with birdlife. Depending on the season, you can spot barnacle geese in winter, lapwings in spring, or dragonflies darting over the reedbeds in summer. Combine this with the dramatic backdrop of castle ruins and you’ve got one of the most memorable heritage walks in Dumfries.

Is the walk suitable for children?

Yes, this is a 5-mile circular walk that’s mostly flat, well-marked and not too demanding, making it an ideal option if you’re keen on walking near castles Scotland while exploring with the family.

The castle itself is a brilliant place for kids to explore, with towers to climb and dungeons to peek into, while the surrounding wetlands are alive with wildlife spotting opportunities. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some sections can be muddy, but overall the terrain is friendly for all ages.

Round off the day with a picnic overlooking the moat or pop into the visitor centre café if it’s open. History, wildlife and a good stretch of the legs, it’s a perfect Dumfries and Galloway combination.

7. Want a Quiet Lochside Walk? Discover Loch Trool

For sheer tranquillity, it’s hard to beat a stroll around the Loch Trool walk. Nestled in the heart of Galloway Forest Park, this shimmering loch is encircled by wooded hillsides and steeped in history. 

The 5.5-mile circular route around its shores is one of the most scenic lochside walks Scotland offers, with benches dotted along the way. The trail undulates gently as it traces the loch’s edge, offering a changing perspective of the water and the surrounding hills. In spring, wildflowers brighten the path, while autumn cloaks the landscape in fiery colours. 

It’s also a place where history lingers: perched above the loch you’ll find Bruce’s Stone, a memorial to Robert the Bruce’s victory in 1307. The view from here is spectacular, stretching across the loch and deep into the hills beyond.

What makes Loch Trool special?

This walk is all about atmosphere. The stillness of the water, broken only by the call of curlews or the splash of a leaping trout, makes it feel miles away from the modern world. Wildlife is abundant, red squirrels, deer and birds of prey are often spotted, and the lochside benches are ideal for a picnic with a view.

It’s a moderate trail, best tackled in sturdy shoes, but suitable for most walkers including families with older children. Allow two to three hours, and don’t forget your camera, the reflections on a calm day are truly unforgettable.

8. Want a Taste of the Southern Upland Way? Walk the Sanquhar to Wanlockhead Section

If you’re ready for something a little more adventurous, try a stretch of the Southern Upland Way, Scotland’s first official coast-to-coast trail. You don’t need to tackle the full 214 miles to enjoy its magic, the Sanquhar to Wanlockhead section is a brilliant introduction. Covering around 7.5 miles, it links the historic town of Sanquhar with Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland at 467 metres.

This moorland walk has a wild, open feel, with sweeping views across the Lowther Hills and plenty of fresh air. The path climbs steadily out of Sanquhar, crossing heather slopes and open ridges, before dropping down into Wanlockhead. On a clear day, the visibility seems endless, giving you that invigorating sense of space that the Southern Uplands are famous for.

At the end of the walk, you’ll find the Museum of Lead Mining in Wanlockhead, where you can learn about the area’s industrial past and even go underground on a guided mine tour. It’s a fascinating way to round off a day on the hills.

Can you get public transport back?

Yes, though options are limited. Local buses run between Wanlockhead and Sanquhar, but services aren’t frequent, so it’s worth checking timetables in advance or arranging a taxi for the return journey. 

Alternatively, if you’re staying in one of the many nearby cottages in Dumfries and Galloway, you could make the walk one-way and have someone meet you at the finish.

This section is best for walkers with some experience and reasonable fitness. Waterproof layers and good boots are a must, as the upland weather can change quickly. For those who take it on, the reward is a day of expansive views and a real taste of Scotland’s long-distance walking culture.

Ready to Lace Up Your Boots and Explore Dumfries and Galloway?

With so many routes on offer, a Scotland cottage holiday gives you the freedom to mix and match, and the best walks in Dumfries and Galloway are always just around the corner. These eight routes highlight the beauty of walking holidays in Dumfries and Galloway, from coastal cliffs to peaceful lochs. Whether you want a gentle family stroll or a full-day adventure, the trails here deliver.

To make the most of your trip, simply book a holiday cottage with cottages.com. With walks starting right from your doorstep, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of fresh air, freedom and comfort.