Duncow Mill West

This walk is suitable for families and offer spectacular views across the Nith Valley to the Solway and beyond.

It mainly follows quiet double or single track public roads. There are long gentle ascents and descents, but the walk is not difficult or challenging. Please be aware of farm traffic and take care on blind corners. Keep all dogs on leads because of farm animals and ground-nesting birds. Newlands Estate has a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. Be aware that newly calved cows and bulls can be dangerous and avoid walking in fields where they are present. Newly lambed ewes are also present from March to May and should not be approached for fear of miss-mothering.

There are many points of historical interest and plenty of opportunities to see farm animals and wildlife and a variety of native plants as the seasons change. There are bird boxes in trees along the routes, and if you are lucky, you may spot red squirrels and red kites. This part of Dumfriesshire has a continuous history which runs from the Bronze Age to the present day. Hut circles on the Moors, Iron Age Hillforts and Roman sites can all be found in Kirkmahoe.