Nithsdale - the natural place to live, visit and work.
Welcome to the 7th Annual Upper Nithsdale Walking Festival 2008.
We are proud to present this year’s Festival Itinerary and invite you to join us on carefully planned and supervised walks, led by our team of experienced leaders. All we ask is that you promptly book your place on your chosen walks; you enjoy yourself and the beauty of Upper Nithsdale!
Walk 1: Wanlockhead to Old Kirkbride
(7 miles/11kms)
Theme: Industrial history, Covenanting, Moorlands. This walk starts at Wanlockhead and follows an old drove road to Kitkbride above Enterkin. Very strenuous, but on a clear day, wonderful views of Nithsdale. (Very Strenuous)
Walk 2: Wanlockhead to Sanquhar
(8 miles/12kms)
(Can double up with transport for Walk 1)
Leave Wanlockhead and follow the Southern Upland Way to Sanquhar. Good upland country walk. (Moderate)
Walk 3: Mavis Bank Kirkconnel
(2 miles/3.5kms)
Self led walk. Follow the River Nith and learn somehting of the past about this former mining village. (Easy)
Walk 4: Sanquhar Historic Walk.
(2 miles/3kms)
Self led walk through the Historic Royal Burgh. Includes places of interest and Sanquhar Castle. Seperate brochure available at events walking base. (Suitable for all the family).
Walk 5: Sanquhar to Sanquhar via Milk Can Gate and Head of Whing Burn
(10 miles/16kms)
Theme: Upland scenery. Leave Sanquhar for South Mains and climb steeply to Milk Can Gate. Continue to the Trig Point on Welltrees Tapin (1551 Feet) before following SUW back to Sanquhar. (Moderate to Strenuous) Recommended 
Walk 6: Sanquhar to Sanquhar via Mennock, Auchentaggart, Bogg and SUW.
(9 miles/15kms)
A quiet road and track walk which gives good Moorland views and the opportunity to see some interesting historical sites. (Moderate)
Walk 7: Sanquhar Riverside Walk
(4 miles/6kms)
Self led. Walk by Crawick Water, River Nith and follow the river to Kings Scaur. Return to the town via the Castle Loaning. A good walk to see birdlife on the river, and even the elusive kingfisher can be seen. (Easy) Highly Recommended
Walk 8: Euchan Glen
(6 miles/10kms)
An easy walk in beautiful surroundings. Drink from the "Iron" Well and see the falls. Cna be tailored to sit participants. Self led if desired.
Walk 9: Sanquhar to Sanquhar via Cleries, Cogsfoot and Cogshead/SUW
(12 miles/19kms)
This walk is over quiet tarred roads, tracks and footpath. Leave Sanquhar via SUW and proceed via Crawick to Cogsfoot. Take forestry track to Cogshead, then SUW back to Sanquhar. Moorland and coniferous woods. (Moderate)
Walk 10: Wanlockhead Village Heritage Walk
(2 miles/3.5kms)
Theme: Industrial Heritage. An exploration of some of the more accessible industrial archaelogy around Wanlockhead. Check if Museum of Leadmining is open. Suitable for all the family. Self Led.
Walk 11: Kiddies & Toddlers Ramble
(1 mile/1.6km)
Start from Fire Station, walk to The Waird (Duck Pond) to feed the ducks! Then up to Queensberry Square play park for games and a picnic! Your mums and dads are welcome! (Easy). Highly Recommended.
Self Led: Sanquhar Historic Walk.
(2 miles/5km circular)
A gentle walk through the Historic Town of Sanquhar, including Sanquhar Castle, returning via the Braeheads to the Tollbooth. There is a separate brochure available from the Tollbooth Museum and Events Office. This walk is suitable for and will be of interest to the whole family. (Easy)
There are a number of other events and activities taking place in Upper Nithsdale during the festival weekend! Stay with us all weekend and enjoy the Gold Panning Championships in Wanlockhead, music entertainment, a pub quiz and of course our great hospitality!
Self led walks are available to you at any time. For accommodation and transport information, and assistance with booking your accommodation, please contact us or visit our website. We are here to help you find accommodation that suits you AND book it for you!
The Fire Station will be HQ for the Walking Festival and our staff will be available all weekend to assist you.
Please note that unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Festival walks. This is in line with the policy adopted by all walking festivals in the region. While out walking, please observe the Countryside Code and respect the life and work of our countryside.
This year is the 24rd anniversary of the Southern Upland Way. For further information, log on to www.southernuplandway.gov.uk
7th annual Walking Festival - May 2008
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