Walk to Carnsalloch or Kirkton from Dalscone

Walk to Carnsalloch or Kirkton from Dalscone

A gentle low-level walk near the Nith to bring the walker into Kirkmahoe from the Dumfries area along Core Path 90.

Mainly grassy paths across raised levees. Parts can be muddy after rain. Kissing gates provide access. One very short climb over levee if going to Kirkton, one small stile on Carnsalloch route.

DG1 1SF Grid Ref NX983782 To Carnsalloch 2 miles / 3km To Kirkton 2.5 miles/4km

Allow 1.5 - 2 hours

Leave Dalscone following the signed path, with Dalscone Fun Farm on your left. After about 200 metres at a gate, there is a signpost directing you to Core Path 90. The track bears to the right and goes along the top of the banking. Walk for about a mile, going through one gate, with lovely views of Kirkmahoe ahead and to the right. When you reach another gate, near Carnsalloch House, you have a choice of routes. (a) go straight ahead through this gate and after a hundred yards or so, climb over the stile and go through the next gate on your right into the Carnsalloch estate. The track skirts round the burnt out shell of the once grand Palladian mansion and joins with the main driveway which takes you to the main road,

passing the wonderful but ruinous stable block. (b) follow the fence downhill for a few yards and go through a gate into the field on your right. A few yards ahead, on your left is a bridge which crosses the burn. As soon as you have crossed the burn, go through the metal gate on your right and climb over the banking. Immediately turn right at the bottom. Walk beside the banking for about 350 yards until you reach a series of field gates. Turn right through the gates to walk beside the burn. Follow this path, for about half a mile until you reach the road. Turn right to cross the bridge, then immediately go through the field gate on your left and follow the path into Kirkton.