10 best winter walks

Keith Fergus explores the best 10 walks to catch the winter air.

Kippford to Sandyhills The Galloway coast offers a fantastic array of walking for everyone, but the seven miles between Kippford and Sandyhills is possibly the best of the lot. Beginning at the lovely village of Kippford, the route travels south-east along the peaceful Jubilee Path leading to the small Victorian village of Rockcliffe. Beach or pavement can be taken from here on to The Merse from where a good path extends to the Iron Age Fort of Castlehill Point which provides exceptional views, particularly of the great Lake District mountains lying only a short distance across the Solway Firth. The path then climbs steeply east along exposed cliffs towards the hamlets of Port o' Warren and Portling, with peace and quiet almost guaranteed. A final stiff pull climbs to The Torrs which offers another incredible vantage point leaving a sharp descent down into Sandyhills and a short bus journey back to Kippford.

OS Landranger Map 84 Start Grid Reference NX836554 Finish NX891553 Hart Fell Moffat is a great base to explore the several mountains nearby and Hart Fell rises a short distance from the town. Apparently Hart Fell used to be the home of the wizard Merlin whilst the small well of Hartfell Spa, with its supposed healing properties sits at her base. The route begins near Ericstane with a good path travelling north-east to Hartfell Spa. A steep ascent climbs onto Arthur's Seat, but with the hard work done, a gentle stroll is all that lies between you and Hart Fell's 808 metre...

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• By : Keith Fergus
• In : Walking Scotland
• Issue : 47
• Page : 54
• Words : 1,645