New Luce

A circular farmland and moorland walk, 3.5km/5½ miles long. Allow 3 hours to complete. Covers minor road, hard surface and grass tracks, soft in places.

Stiles and cattle grid. Stout shoes or boots recommended.

Parking is available at the village hall in New Luce. Start From the village hall, turn left towards Glenluce for 2.5km/1½ miles. At Cruise Farm, turn left up the track and follow the Southern Upland Way across moorland to reach a quiet road. Turn left and follow the road back to New Luce. Once you leave the road at Cruise Farm, the scenery changes dramatically. The long, straight track to the derelict farmhouse at Kilhern crosses open heather moorland. There is little shelter but the walk is pleasant and peaceful. In summer, meadow pipits and curlews join the Galloway cattle on the moor. Over to your right on Kilhern Moss, hut circles and cairns are a reminder of former occupation.

At Kilhern continue left across moorland to the Caves of Kilhern. These appear as a pile of boulders on a small rise to your right. This Neolithic chambered long cairn was constructed 4000-5000 years ago as a communal burial place. The remains of four chambers can still be seen but many of the stones have been removed. The route soon heads downhill, with excellent views to the Cross Water of Luce. After passing a conifer plantation look out for the remains of hut circles, further evidence of the area’s past.

On reaching the road, a short detour to your right takes you to the Loups of Barnshangan, an attractive waterfall and gorge. Cross a stile on your left to reach a bridge for the best views then return to the road and continue your route back to New Luce.