Having driven through Dumfries and Galloway so many times on my way north to the Scottish Highlands, I’m so glad that I finally made an effort to explore the area properly in May. This is a beautiful part of Scotland, and so underrated! I did a lot of hiking on this trip and if you’re visiting Dumfries and Galloway you definitely should too. So to help you plan your own trip here, these are the best walks in Dumfries and Galloway!

Kippford to Rockcliffe

For an easy coastal walk, take a leisurely stroll from Kippford to Rockcliffe. After the initial section by the sea, the route goes through the woods—which were covered in bluebells when I went! The path brings you to the sea in Rockcliffe, and definitely give yourself some time here for a wander around the village. The return route goes back the way you came.

Parking: Kippford near the village hall (free)

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

Craiglea (Loch Doon)

For a short loop with great views, the Craiglea trail from Loch Doon is an excellent walk. Start by exploring the ruins of Loch Doon Castle, and then follow the path up, through the woods and forestry plantation, before arriving at a viewpoint. Return back via the road. This is a great walk to stretch your legs and enjoy the view of Loch Doon!

Parking: Loch Doon Castle car park (free)

Distance: 2.25 miles

Time: 1 hour

Murray’s Monument

Just off the A712 road through Galloway Forest Park, you can do a short loop up to Murray’s Monument and back through the forest. The monument was erected to honor a local shepherds boy, who later became a professor at Edinburgh University. The views are gorgeous, and the trail goes through the woods and along a stream before arriving at Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall (not to be confused with the much larger Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall near Moffat!). Make sure to look at the stones as you pass the sheepfold—some are carved to look like faces.

Parking: Grey Mare’s Tail car park, off the A712 (free)

Distance: 1.75 miles

Time: 45 min-1 hour

Grey Mare’s Tail and Loch Skeen

One of the best things to see in Dumfries and Galloway is Grey Mare’s Tail, a stunning waterfall cascading down over 60 meters. It’s a very steep climb to get a better view of the waterfall, but continue on the trail to Loch Skeen, which is the highest natural loch in the Scottish Lowlands. The loch is surrounded by hills, and after the initial steep section at the beginning, the trail becomes much easier.

Parking: National Trust for Scotland car park off the A708 (£3, although machine was broken when I went)

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 2 hours

Screel Hill

For some of the best views in Dumfries and Galloway, head up Screel Hill. While it’s only 344 meters high, the views out to Auchencairn Bay (and even the Lake District in the far distance!) are stunning. The hike goes through woods and forestry plantation, and has some steep sections and rocky bits. But overall it’s a fantastic short hike.

Parking: Screel Wood forestry car park (free)

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 2 hours

Loch Trool Loop

I only got to do part of this hike, as part of the trail was actually closed when I visited! But this is one of the most beautiful parts of Galloway Forest Park, and Loch Trool is a must-see when in Dumfries and Galloway. The walk goes along the loch, passing Bruce’s Stone (which commemorates Robert the Bruce’s victory at the Battle of Trool in 1307), and eventually making a full circuit back to the parking area.

Parking: Caldon’s car park (free)

Distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 2.5-3 hours

The Merrick

The Merrick is the highest peak in southern Scotland, so if you’re in Dumfries and Galloway this is one hike you can’t miss! Leaving Bruce’s Stone, the path climbs along a river/stream and through the woods before reaching Benyellary, and then tackling the ridge to the summit. The views here are simply incredible. Despite its popularity, there weren’t big crowds on the walk—I started early but passed about 10-15 people throughout the entire hike. The return route is back the same way. If you’re willing to brave some boggy, pathless areas, there is an alternate return route back via the lochs. Read my full blog post on hiking the Merrick here!

Parking: Bruce’s Stone car park (free)

Distance: 8-8.5 miles

Time: 4-5 hours

Mull of Galloway Trail

This long-distance trail starts at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, and goes all the way to the town of Stranraer. If you’re not up for doing the entire trail, there are several shorter options you can do around the Mull of Galloway that are much shorter. WalkHighlands has a 6.5 mile hike (3.5-4.5 hours), which you can easily shorten to about 2.5 miles (1 hour). It was pouring rain when I visited, but this is a great coastal walk—hopefully the sun is out!

Parking: Mull of Galloway car park (free)

Distance: 35 miles

Time: 2 days

Southern Upland Way

This long-distance trail is the first and only long-distance, coast-to-coast route in Scotland. Starting in Portpatrick, the trail goes all the way to Cockburnspath. This is a serious undertaking and will take most people at least 2 weeks to complete! However there are some really nice options to walk a section or two, such as around Loch Trool. I followed the trail for a very short bit on the shore of St. Mary’s Loch (which is technically in the Scottish Borders). But for long-distance hikers, this would be a great option in Dumfries and Galloway!

Parking: Portpatrick, public transport recommended (train to Stranraer, bus 367 to Portpatrick)

Distance: 212 miles

Time: 12-18 days

What To Pack For Hiking In Dumfries And Galloway

As with all outdoor trips or hikes in the UK, I recommend being prepared for any kind of weather. A waterproof rain jacket and rain pants are essential, and bring plenty of layers. Make sure you have sturdy footwear (I love my Scarpa Mistral hiking boots!) and bring the appropriate map for the hike. Plenty of water, plus snacks, are important as well. For steep hills like Screel Hill and the Merrick, I definitely recommend hiking poles! You can check out my full outdoor gear guide here.

Dumfries and Galloway is great destination for outdoor adventures in Scotland. It has barely any of the crowds of the Highlands, and yet still has beautiful beaches, forests, lakes, and mountains. Make sure to explore this hidden gem of Scotland, and enjoy the hiking opportunities around the region!

Have you been to Dumfries and Galloway before? What were your favorite hikes?

You might also like my posts:

What To See And Do In Dumfries And Galloway, Scotland

Hiking The Merrick: Southern Scotland’s Highest Mountain

A 7-Day Itinerary For The North Coast 500 In Scotland

12 Tips For Planning Your Scottish Highlands Road Trip

My Outdoor Gear Guide For Hiking And Camping In The UK

Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Arthur’s Seat In Edinburgh

Hiking Ben Hope: Scotland’s Most Northern Munro

Ben Nevis: Hiking Britain’s Highest Mountain

All of my Scotland posts!

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