River Annan Walk

About River Annan Walk

A circular riverside walk with three options and lengths, from 2.5km-10km. The options consist of stone paths, beaten earth, tracks, grass paths and steps and stiles in places. Option A is easy and options B&C are moderate. Boots or stout shoes recommended.

-Option A - 2.5km, 45 mins
-Option B - 5km, 2 hours
-Option C - 10km, 3 hours

To start all options, A,B,C, park in the Battery Street car park and follow the riverside path upstream through the Everholm Park. The park is beautifully laid out, with shrubs and trees sheltering the sports pitches and athletic ground.

At the far end of the park, the path leads through a gate into woodland. The river is never far away and the whole atmosphere is calm and restful. Coming out of the trees, the Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge appears ahead. This footbridge was built as a tribute to those who died during the Second World War.

OPTION A - Cross the bridge and turn left down the track, which follows the river downstream and back towards Annan. After a few hundred metres, the track swings away from the river – you can follow this track, which takes you along a lane to the main road. Turn left here and proceed to Annan Bridge. Alternatively, take the narrow riverside path on your left and follow it back to Annan Bridge. After crossing Annan Bridge take the road on the left just after the Blue Bell Inn. This is the Battery Brae. The car park is at the bottom of the hill.

OPTION B - On reaching the Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge, carry straight on up the right-hand bank of the river under the bridge which carries the A75 road. Follow the riverside path to the “Caul” or weir, which now supplies water to Chapelcross Nuclear Power Station. In the autumn, salmon and sea trout can be seen moving up the river to spawn. Please take care here, as the water is fast flowing, deep and cold.

Further upstream you reach the Jubilee Suspension Bridge . The Jubilee Bridge was built in 1898 to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria. The views along this stretch are picturesque, especially with the autumn colours on the trees. Cross the bridge and follow the path downstream on the river bank towards Annan.

After entering a wooded area, pass a disused pump house and the Caul. About 300 metres after passing the Caul, you reach the walls of a disused mill sluice gate. Here you have the choice of either carrying on down the river bank to rejoin Option A at the Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge, or turning right and climbing the steps onto a high level path which takes you to Annan Cemetery. Pass through the cemetery to the road and turn left towards Annan.

OPTION C - From the Jubilee Bridge, continue on the right hand bank of the river past the pumping station. The path follows the river across a meadow and then enters a wooded area. A stile on the right leads to a path to Warmanbie House Hotel which can provide food and refreshment. Here the river forms “Rabbit Island”.

At the North end of the island Mount Annan house can be seen among the trees above the river. This was built by the Dirom family who also owned the nearby Corsehill Sandstone Quarry. The woodland abounds in wildlife: red squirrel, roe deer, otter, foxes, badgers, kingfishers, waterfowl and owls are all to be seen at various times of day and season. Respect these animals and do not disturb them unnecessarily; humans are the intruders here.

The path continues along the riverbank past a fishing shelter. At this point join an estate drive which continues up river towards Brydekirk. At the Lodge and the junction with the main road turn left and cross the bridge into the village.

The original Brydekirk was situated about half a mile further up-stream, close to Brydekirk Mains farm. It had its origins around a small chapel dedicated to Saint Bryde or St. Bridget. Little evidence remains of the settlement and the chapel which was abandoned in the 16th Century. Lieutenant-General Alexander Dirom planned the present village in the early 19th Century. He envisaged a town based on textile factories with water mills, driven by the River Annan. The plan included a market place, ornamental gardens, crescents of houses, a schooland churches. Despite much endeavour, the mills have been dismantled and Brydekirk remains a village. Food and refreshments are available at the Brig Inn beside the bridge.

To return to Annan turn down River Street beside the Inn and keep straight on over grass where the road turns right. The riverside path strikes off on its own and enters woodland, which is a carpet of primroses and bluebells in spring and, in autumn, a natural larder with hazel nuts, brambles and sloes.