Southern Uplands

2019 The Forests of the Southern Uplands

Clinging to the slopes of heather-clad hills and 5 flanking the sides of tumbling streams, the forests 4 2 of the Southern Uplands straddle the natural barrier between England and Scotland. Remains of hill forts and cairns are a reminder of turbulent times in the area, but today, these now peaceful lands offer a wide range of walks in some special places. Explore further...

Our waymarked trails follow Keep your eyes open... Beyond our waymarked trails, if you 3 graded paths so you can find fancy heading out on your own, one that’s just right for you. Forests are great places for wildlife. The there are miles of forest tracks and All the trails in this leaflet trees create lots of different habitats, from 6 un-signed paths to discover. have clear signs so you can the airy canopy to the sheltered heather on 1 follow the route even if the forest floor or the insect hotels of rotting you’ve never visited the stumps. Just take the time to sit quietly in any Remember that you are in a forest before. forest and you’ll see and hear something of working forest. Our management the wealth of activity among the trees, from work helps these great forests If you’re into mountain biking, there’s loads flowers and insects to birds and mammals. become even more diverse and to do in this area. Ae, Dalbeattie, Mabie and attractive for wildlife and visitors, Newcastleton are part of the 7stanes: The Forest of Ae and the forests around forestryandland.gov.scot/7stanes Eskdalemuir are recognised nationally for as well as supplying timber for use red squirrel conservation, whilst the upper in our everyday lives. Please look edges of these forests are prime habitat for out for operations signs and follow the black grouse. any diversions.

As you walk, it may come as a surprise to know that you are actually on the bottom of an ocean! The rocks that form the hills beneath your feet were once mud on the bottom of an ocean between England and Scotland. As the countries collided, the mud was squashed, hardened and pushed up forming the Southern Uplands.

1 Castle O’er 2 Wauchope For more information

Tel: 0300 067 6900 Email: [email protected] Hill Fort Trail Jonny’s Trail

Climb up to the impressive hill fort on Castle Walk in the footsteps of Jonny the forester, along O’er Hill for fantastic views across Eskdale. the Catlee Burn and up through oak, ash, birch The Forests of the Long steep slopes on 1 mile / and larch. rough, narrow and grassy 1.6 km Largely wide firm gravel 1 mile / surface. Some sections Allow track, with section of 1.7 km Southern may be muddy. Includes ¾ hour uneven earth and stone. Allow

two stiles. There are no Long slope with steep ¾ hour 2 waymarkers on the fort itself to protect sections. Several bridges. Uplands the monument. Explore, Enjoy 1 and Discover Dumfries

Hill Fort, Castle O’er © Solway Heritage 2 and Galloway 1 Mabie The Cauldron Trail Mabie, just south of Dumfries, is popular for its views to the Solway Firth, and the variety of wildlife Climb up through the spruce to enjoy the solitude in its mixed woodland and lochs. 1 of Wauchope, before winding back down through the trees. A good leg stretch. 2 Newcastleton The perfect forest for a peaceful picnic with a Mostly wide, firm gravel 1¾ miles / lovely view or a wilderness ramble. A wildlife haven tracks with long moderate 2.9 km with so much to see. slopes. Includes section Allow of narrow, uneven earth 1 hour Use #FoundMyForest on your and rocky paths with pictures and videos, and we’ll share short fairly steep slopes. them on social media. Designed by Design & Visitor Planning, Forestry and Land Scotland-7K/21C/Jul 2019/Edition 1. 2019/Edition and Land Scotland-7K/21C/Jul Forestry Planning, Visitor & Design by Designed stated. unless otherwise and Land Scotland © Forestry Photography

Find out more: forestryandland.gov.scot

For information on public transport services contact: Traveline Scotland, 0871 2002233 or www.travelinescotland.com 2019 2019 © Crown Copyright 2019 3 Bessie’s Hill 4 Craigieburn Forest Key to Maps Take care on the hills Forestry and Land Scotland Information Please remember that the Land Iron Age Trail Craigieburn Trail Parking weather on the hills and Woodland Parking (charge) mountains can change very quickly. Climb through the magnificent Norway spruce A wonderfully varied walk up to a great Parking (easy access) Other Woodland Even in summer, conditions on the tops of trees to emerge in an Iron Age landscape. Great viewpoint over Moffat Dale and the dramatic Easy access facilities Motorway mountains are often much colder and windier views over the River Esk. hills of the Southern Uplands. than at the low levels, despite clear skies. Main road Grass and earth paths, 1¼ mile / Mostly wide but loose 2¾ miles / Secondary road Prehistoric monument with some rough and 2 km gravel tracks. Some 4.5 km Viewpoint Allow Allow Minor road potentially muddy narrow and uneven earth Picnic area sections. Some steep 1 hour sections, including areas 1½ hours Forest road Wildlife viewing slopes and one short flight that may be muddy or Road/track Cafe/refreshments of steps. There are no waymarkers wet. Long slopes with some steep sections. The Moffat Hills from Footpath on the monuments to protect them. Craigieburn Forest Railway/station Bike shop Forest trails (waymarked) Waymarked junction Location of forest trails 1 (detailed on trail maps) Please note: Any symbols that appear black indicate Looking towards Bessie’s Hill South of Scotland they are not Forestry and 4 Countryside Trails Land Scotland facilities. 3

5 Craik Forest 6 Forest of Ae

Ae Forest is the perfect place to visit, whether you want to relax with a picnic Burnside Trail Spruce Trail beside the river, watch woodland wildlife, A short stroll along the peaceful Borthwick Water, A wee daunder along the burn and through stroll through the trees or burn off some through graceful larch. Perfect for a picnic. mature, moss-clad Norway spruce trees, serious energy on the superb 7stanes mountain bike trails. Wide and firm track ¼ mile / a favourite habitat of the red squirrel. throughout, with 0.4 km Uneven gravel and earth ½ mile / occasional loose gravel. Allow paths. Some exposed 0.8 km Gentle rises and one ¼ hour tree roots and potentially Allow Ae Naze Trail section of boardwalk. muddy sections. Two ½ hour A peaceful short stroll along the Water of Ae. short steep slopes and a With a perfect opportunity for a picnic. pair of bridges. Wide and firm track ¾ miles / Aithouse Burn Trail throughout with gentle 1.2 km Water of Ae Riverside Trail rises and occasional Allow Walk through some of Craik’s oldest trees and A delightful wander along the restful Water of Ae. loose gravel. ½ hour along the lovely Aithouse Burn. Great views over As the path weaves beneath soaring Norway spruce the forest. 2019 trees, watch for wildlife in the trees and burn. Uneven grass and earth 1¾ miles / 5 Firm gravel surface 3¼ miles / paths with some muddy 2.8 km throughout. Some loose 5.2 km Allow stones and a couple of short Allow Over ow sections. Some steep Car Park slopes. Includes a bridge 1 hour fairly steep ramps. Two 1½ hours and section of boardwalk. cattle grids and one wide bridge. Look out for vehicles on the first section.

Green Hill Trail

A long route along the Water of Ae before climbing the hill. Great views from the top, across to Queensberry Hill and Harestanes Wind Farm. Long slopes with steep 5½ miles / sections on rough, narrow 8.8 km earthy path with exposed Allow tree roots and muddy 3½ hours patches. One section of Ae Car Park steps. Watch for vehicles on the first section. 2019