Water of Minnoch

Circular riverside, woodland and forest walk. 11.5km/7 miles - allow 3½ hours. Covers hard surface path and track.

Grass path and
beaten earth, soft in places. Stiles and steps. Stout shoes or boots recommended

WARNING: Once or twice a year, usually in winter, this route may flood. Under these conditions it is best to avoid it altogether.

From Newton Stewart, follow the A714 towards Girvan, turning right at Bargrennan to Glentrool village. Follow signs to the large car park at Glen Trool visitor centre (open from April to the end of October).

Start at the National Cycle Network signpost at the start of the path along the Water of Minnoch. Follow the path through woodland to the bridge across the Water of Trool then turn right onto the Southern Upland Way. Soon you reach the junction of the Water of Trool and the Water of Minnoch. Continue along the path to the bridge at Holm of Bargrennan. Follow the Way into woodland with trees such as birch, oak and hazel. The path heads deep into the woods then crosses a dyke to re-join the river at an attractive, rocky section.

Continue through conifer forest to reach a track. Follow waymarkers, continuing straight ahead at the crossroads. Ignore the next SUW waymarker, indicating a path to the left. Instead, stay on the track and follow cycle route waymarkers. As you head uphill you are rewarded with good views to Lamachan hill. The track winds through the forest before heading down to meet the road. Turn right and follow the pleasant road back to Glen Trool visitor centre.