Walks · 2019-07-15 · spectacular scenery including Druids Loch, areas of mixed and native oak...
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PPRECIATE the beautiful landscape, wildlife and diversity of this delightful Estate on one of our walking, cycling or mountain bike trails. The trails vary in length and each incorporate different features and habitats. 1. To Beech Loch and Back 2. Enchanted Forest 3. A Turn Along the Marr Burn 4. Castle View 2km 2.5km 4km 5km Surrounded by a wide variety of species and ages of trees, this short walk provides an enjoyable introduction to the mixed woodlands here at Drumlanrig. The route follows the Coldstream Burn before leading to the imposing Montagu Bridge and then passing Beech Loch. A short stroll through the mixed woodlands of Drumlanrig, the walk leads past Beech and Coldstream Lochs, before looping around Kiln Knowe. From here it is downhill all the way passing Montagu Bridge and finally leading back towards the Castle. This ‘watery walk’ will lead you through beautiful woodlands before delivering you on the bank of the Marr Burn. As you walk along to the soothing sound of rushing water, look out for the Victorian built St Geoffery’s Bridge and wonder at the Andy Goldsworthy sandstone arch. Walk on past the remains of the turbine house which, until the 1920s, produced electricity, and then on to the remains of an 18th century water cascade. This strenuous walk begins with a gradual climb to Mount Malloch, providing a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the stunning Queensberry Estate and the River Nith. The rolling Lowther Hills and the majestic Drumlanrig Castle on its ridge nestling at the foot of the valley are a sight to behold. As you pass Druids Loch and the Marr Burn en route to Mount Malloch, look out for signs of otters and kingfishers. In the latter part of the year, you may see salmon as they battle their way upstream to spawn. From the viewpoint, the route meanders past Starn Loch, and passes the giant Wellingtonia trees. As you continue on, you will enter into Starn Cleuch, a reconstructed Victorian footpath which weaves its way through a steep gorge towards the end of the walk. Walk Gradings EASY Suitable for most people, sensible footwear to be worn. MODERATE Suitable for people of average fitness, appropriate clothing, walking boots or wellingtons required. STRENUOUS Suitable for people used to physical exertion. Walking boots and outdoor clothing essential. The CASCADE, which was created by Charles, 3rd Duke of Queensberry, was troublesome from the beginning. Indeed it was cursed. There is no firm date for the construction of the cascade although there is reference to the ‘caskade’ in the late 17th century and it is illustrated on all 18th century plans. In order to feed this watery feature, a 2 mile (3.2km) long aqueduct was constructed to feed water from the upper reaches of the Marr Burn. By the 18th century the cascade had fallen into decline due to the forces of nature. BEECH LOCH is home to a large variety of aquatic invertebrates (beasties). In addition, large numbers of newts come here to spawn each summer. The nesting Little Grebe are hard to spot, recognised by their call as they skulk in the marginal vegetation, while other birds found on or around the Loch include Herons, Ducks, Warblers and the occasional Kingfisher. Dotted throughout the gardens and woodlands are the beautiful HEATHER HOUSES, built to provide work during a time of depression. They are constructed using natural material found locally, including heather from the moorlands, timber from the woodland, moss and lichen. Throughout the woodlands are beautiful stone BRIDGES, each one a testament to the tradesmen that built them so many years ago. These bridges also serve the local wildlife. For example, gaps in the stonework provide roost sites for bats, while birds such as Wagtails and Dippers can build their nests there in order to be close to the food the river provides. Situated in the field at Starn Loch is the CHIMNEY, built to bring the smoke from the glass house fires of Low Gardens. The flume for the chimney is over 600m in length, with the chimney reaching a further 20m in height. Constructing such an impressive chimney for these reasons may seem extreme, but without it, the smoke would collect in the valley bottom on a calm day, spoiling the outlook from the Castle for the Buccleuch family in residence. The LEAPING ARCH, which is positioned in the Marr Burn, was commissioned by Richard, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensberry in 2009 and was designed and constructed by the internationally renowned local artist Andy Goldsworthy. The arch is built from sandstone extracted from the Estate’s own quarry (where the Castle stone itself was sourced) and represents a salmon leaping upstream to its spawning ground. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Project supported by SNH • Respect the interest of other people • Take responsibly for your own actions • Care for the environment A Key Cascade Beech Loch Heather Houses Bridges Chimney Leaping Arch 1 2 3 4 5 6 Places of special interest: 1. To Beech Loch and Back 2. Enchanted Forest 3. A Turn Along the Marr Burn 4. Castle View Viewpoint Minor Road Track Path Water Woodland Sites Contours BUCCLEUCH RANGER SERVICE The service operates throughout the Estate, and is available to assist visitors with their understanding and enjoyment of the area. There is a program of ranger-led activities throughout the year, details of which can be found at www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk. The Buccleuch Ranger Service is also available for leading educational groups, walks and talks for specialised groups. For further information or enquires please contact us. Drumlanrig Castle Thornhill Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AQ Tel: 01848 331 555 Email: [email protected] WWW.DRUMLANRIGCASTLE.CO.UK Design: pmgd Places of special interest Walks
Transcript of Walks · 2019-07-15 · spectacular scenery including Druids Loch, areas of mixed and native oak...
PPRECIATE the beautiful landscape, wildlife and diversity of this delightful Estate on one of our walking, cyclingor mountain bike trails.
The trails vary in length and eachincorporate different featuresand habitats.
1. To Beech Loch and Back
2. Enchanted Forest
3. A Turn Along the Marr Burn
4. Castle View
2km
2.5km
4km
5km
Surrounded by a wide variety of species and ages of trees, this short walk provides an enjoyable introduction to the mixed woodlands here at Drumlanrig. The route follows the Coldstream Burn before leading
to the imposing Montagu Bridge and then passing Beech Loch.
A short stroll through the mixed woodlands of Drumlanrig, the walk leads past Beech and Coldstream Lochs, before looping around Kiln Knowe.From here it is downhill all the way passing Montagu Bridge and finally
leading back towards the Castle.
This ‘watery walk’ will lead you through beautiful woodlands before delivering you on the bank of the Marr Burn. As you walk along to the soothing sound of rushing water, look out for the Victorian built St Geoffery’s Bridge
and wonder at the Andy Goldsworthy sandstone arch. Walk on past the remains of the turbine house which, until the 1920s, produced electricity, and then on to the remains of an 18th century water cascade.
This strenuous walk begins with a gradual climb to Mount Malloch, providing a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the stunning Queensberry Estate and the River Nith. The rolling Lowther Hills and the majestic Drumlanrig Castle on its ridge
nestling at the foot of the valley are a sight to behold. As you pass Druids Loch and the Marr Burn en route to Mount Malloch, look out for signs of otters and kingfishers. In the latter part of the year, you may see salmon as they battle their way upstream to spawn. From the viewpoint, the route meanders past Starn Loch, and passes the giant Wellingtonia trees. As you continue on, you will enter into Starn Cleuch, a reconstructed Victorian footpath which weaves its way through a steep gorge towards the end of the walk.
Walk Gradings
EASYSuitable for most people, sensible footwear to be worn.
MODERATESuitable for people ofaverage fitness, appropriate clothing, walking boots or wellingtons required.
STRENUOUSSuitable for people usedto physical exertion.Walking boots and outdoor clothing essential.
The CASCADE, which was created by Charles,3rd Duke of Queensberry, was troublesome from the beginning. Indeed it was cursed. There is no firm date for the construction of the cascade although there is reference to the ‘caskade’ in the late 17th century and it is illustrated on all 18th century plans. In order to feed this watery feature, a 2 mile (3.2km) long aqueduct was constructed to feed water from the upper reaches of the Marr Burn. By the 18th century the cascade had fallen into decline due to the forces of nature.
BEECH LOCH is home to a large variety of aquatic invertebrates (beasties). In addition, large numbers of newts come here to spawn each summer. The nesting Little Grebeare hard to spot, recognised bytheir call as they skulk in the marginal vegetation, while other birds found on or around the Loch include Herons, Ducks, Warblers and the occasional Kingfisher.
Dotted throughout the gardens and woodlands are the beautiful HEATHER HOUSES, built to provide work during a time of depression. They are constructed using natural material found locally, including heather from the moorlands, timber from the woodland, moss and lichen.
Throughout the woodlands are beautiful stone BRIDGES, each one a testament to the tradesmen that built them so many years ago. These bridges also serve the local wildlife. For example, gaps in the stonework provide roost sites for bats, while birds such as Wagtails and Dippers canbuild their nests there in order to be close to the food the river provides.
Situated in the field at Starn Loch is the CHIMNEY, built to bring the smoke from the glass house fires of Low Gardens. The flume for the chimney is over 600m in length, with the chimney reaching a further 20m in height. Constructing such an impressive chimney for these reasons may seem extreme, but without it, the smoke would collect in the valley bottom on a calm day, spoiling the outlook from the Castle forthe Buccleuch family in residence.
The LEAPING ARCH, which is positioned in the Marr Burn, was commissioned by Richard, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensberry in 2009 and was designed and constructed by the internationally renowned local artist Andy Goldsworthy. The arch is built from sandstone extracted from the Estate’s own quarry (where the Castle stone itself was sourced) and represents a salmon leaping upstream to its spawning ground.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Project supported by SNH
• Respect the interest of other people• Take responsibly for your own actions• Care for the environment
A
Key
CascadeBeech LochHeather HousesBridgesChimneyLeaping Arch
1
2
3
4
5
6
Places of special interest:
1. To Beech Loch and Back
2. Enchanted Forest
3. A Turn Along the Marr Burn
4. Castle View
ViewpointMinor RoadTrackPathWaterWoodlandSitesContours
BUCCLEUCH RANGER SERVICE The service operates throughout the Estate, and is available to
assist visitors with their understanding and enjoyment of the area. There is a program of ranger-led activities throughout the year, details of which can be found at www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk.
The Buccleuch Ranger Service is also available for leading educational groups, walks and talks for specialised groups.
For further information or enquires please contact us.
Drumlanrig Castle Thornhill Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AQTel: 01848 331 555 Email: [email protected]
WWW.DRUMLANRIGCASTLE.CO.UK
Des
ign:
pmgd
Places of special interest
Walks
Cycling Mountain Biking
1. The Riverside
2. Alton Rigg
3. The Three Lochs
4. The Castle Round
A short ride on quiet public roads. Take in the fantastic views of the majestic River Nith and the tranquil open pasture with its mature trees surrounding you. After a gentle climb, cycle back towards the Castle via the
stunning vista of the Lime Avenue.
The route commences with an easy woodland ride, passing both Druids Loch and the Marr Burn. Following a gentle climb through mixed woodland, open pasture and arable fields, you will arrive in the
hamlet of Burnsands. A short and steep climb will rewardyou with spectacular views of the Nith Valley and the Lowther Hills. Then it’s downhill all the way back to the Castle.
Following a short climb past the old laundry, take time to enjoy the wonderful views before continuing your leisurely ride into the woodland with its lochs and varied wildlife.
Circling around the Castle, this route passes spectacular scenery including Druids Loch,areas of mixed and native oak woodland and Drumlanrig’s Heather Houses. As you return to
the Castle, cycle part of the route on which Kirkpatrick Macmillan rode the world’s first pedal bicycle to Glasgow.
3km
13km
5km
8.5km
6. Copy Cat 9km
7. The Old School
8. Magic Eight Ball
This trail has been nicknamed “The Old School” as it has been built using traditional methods of trail design and construction; stone pitching, hand digging and natural material. This means roots and
lots of them. The trail is tight and twisty, and uses natural features to keep you on your toes. Suitable for proficient riders on off-road mountain bikes, with good skill level and high level of fitness and stamina.
The optional Magic Eight trail upgrades the red to black. There are a number of shorter and longer options which add either a higher technical difficulty or more physicality, and usually both. The first longer
section is steep and technical; with some very, very skinny trail drops, and plenty of big scary roots. You’ll find a few shorter ‘optional features’ off the side of the red route to spice up your ride. The last black section gives you a singletrack allthe way to the Castle. With some very tight turns, steep climbs and the famous car park drop off. This trail is only suitablefor an expert rider used to technically demanding routes,with a good mountain bike.
15km
8km(20km in total when added to red)
The blue route shadows the second half of the red route, on forestry roads, and shares some easiersingle track sections. This means you can pick and choose a bit more red when you’re ready, or ride as
a mixed ability group. Be ready - the first third is mostly uphill giving plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views. Suitablefor intermediate cyclists / mountain bikers, with basic off road riding skills and reasonable fitness. Trail on forest track maybe loose, uneven and muddy at times, narrowing to a one metre wide constructed bike trail.
Key6. Copy Cat
7. The Old School
8. Magic Eight Ball
Main RoadMinor RoadTrackPathWaterWoodlandSitesContours
RIK’S BIKE SHED• Spares, repairs & hire• Showers• Bike wash
01848 330080
HESE easy cycle trails are suitable for families and novice cyclists. There are no special skills required and most bikes andhybrids can be used.
The trails are mostly on quiet roads but have some uneven surfaces throughthe forests. Gradients areflat and wide, climbs anddescents shallow, witha few exceptions.
T
Cycle GradingsGREENS: Easy
E aware of forest users at all times and of road/ track crossings. Red and Black routes are lessthan 40cm wide in places with steep technical climbson loose ground.
Care should be takenover roots and watch outfor unavoidable berms,tight switchbacks, boardwalks, drop offs andwater crossings.
B
MTB GradingsBLUE: ModerateRED: HardBLACK: Severe
WWW.DRUMLANRIGCASTLE.CO.UK
Key1. The Riverside
2. Alton Rigg
3. The Three Lochs
4. The Castle Round
RULES OF THE TRAILS
1. Don’t drop litter.
2. Our trails are hand-built, DON’T SKID away what’s there.
3. Be polite to other forest users.
4. Never scare animals, they live here.
5. Plan ahead, take tools and proper clothing.
6. Remember other vehicles use forest roads.
7. This is a working estate, take note of all safety signage.
