2 minute read
To Riddingwood and Auchencairn
A walk from Kirkton to Riddingwood and Auchencairn
A walk on quiet country roads north of Kirkton.
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There are no gates or stiles on this route. It is suitable for mobility scooters and cyclists. There are some gentle but sustained uphill and downhill gradients. DG1 1ST Grid Ref NX975815 Riddingwood Loop 5miles / 8 km Allow 2 hours
Auchencairn Loop 6.5 miles / 10.5 km Allow 3 hours
It is possible to add the short walk to Lanrick Hall on page 20 to this route.
This walk starts from the old pump in the centre of Kirkton village. With your back to the village hall, head off downhill on the road (Barrasgate) which leads to Locharbriggs. After about 500 yards the road turns sharply to the left at Shawend farm, and then winds uphill past Crawfordhall farmstead on the left hand side. As you go over the top of the hill known locally as “The Nick” take a left hand turn towards St Blanes cemetery. The view over to the right is towards Tinwald and Amisfield. At the fork in the road beyond the cemetery follow the road to the right. Follow this road for about a mile to the crossroads at Riddingwood House lodge. Looking behind, you will see Criffel off to the south, and the hills of Terregles to the south east.
You now have a choice of routes:
Option 1
At the crossroads turn left, and head on about three quarters of a mile towards the old windmill stump. Turn sharp left at the windmill stump onto a narrower road and walk on past Broomdykes farm for another three quarters of a mile. At the junction turn right, rejoining the road just below Riddingwood, walking back to Kirkton village. Your route will lead you again past St Blanes cemetery, after which you should take a right hand turn over “The Nick” and down into the village.
Option 2 - extended walk through Auchencairn
At the crossroads at Riddingwood House lodge walk straight ahead, onto the road which would lead eventually to Ae Village. Passing Netherhall farm after about three quarters of a mile turn left up a short rise and travel on towards the small hamlet of Auchencairn. Follow the road on through Auchencairn, for about one and a quarter miles. This road turns to the left at the end of the village and takes you to the old windmill stump. Cross over and follow the narrower road past Broomdykes farm. At the next junction turn right and follow the road back to Kirkton village.
