Local Walks

Walking routes around Torthorwald.

Most walks start from Torthorwald residents back doors but for those who are arriving in Torthorwald by car the best place to start is at the Village Hall (Sat Nav DG1 3QD) in Linns road (grid ref:- NY03430 78170) where there is a small public carpark opposite.

The “Triangle walk”

Distance – approx 4.8Km Time – approx. 40 minutes Footwear – easy walking - all on the public roads. PLEASE BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL TRAFFIC. Starting from the Village Hall head left (south-west) out of Torthorwald. Leaving the 30mph area behind the road forks in 222 metres. Bear right and follow the road past Castleyards and Trabeattie to the road T junction 1.8Km further on. Turn left and head back to join Linns road at the cross roads 1.2Km on. At the cross roads turn left along Linns road heading back to Torthorwald and the carpark (1.8Km). Enjoy the panoramic views across Dumfries to Criffel and the Solway Firth as you walk. The sunsets can be stunning! Why not return again another time to do the walk in reverse?

Hemplands Walk

Distance – approx. 5.2Km Time – approx. 45 minutes Footwear – moderate walking - stout boots or walking trainers (some off road sections can be muddy/wet). PLEASE BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL TRAFFIC ON THE PUBLIC ROAD SECTIONS. Starting from the Village Hall turn right (North-west) - heading past the old primary school - back to the main A709 (Dumfries-Lockerbie road). Passing the site of the Torthorwald Castle (a later example - the original having been built in the 12 th century) on your left you reach the A709 after 220 metres. TAKE EXTRA CARE CROSSING THIS BUSY MAIN ROAD! onto Shieldhill road. Entering what was the original main part of Torthorwald village you pass Mill Cottage on your left and Smithy cottage on your right – essential businesses in a 17 th Century community. The site of the old Mill – long since demolished – is on your left as you cross the bridge. The Mill was fed by water from the burn to grind the corn from the neighbouring farms. 120m further on you will pass the site of Dr John Paton’s childhood home (look for the plaque in the garden wall). John had a fascinating and challenging life, becoming a missionary to the New Hebrides, living with cannibals and later campaigning for the abolition of slavery. 10m further on you will see the 17 th century thatched Cruck Cottage, the last remaining accessible example of a building type that was typical in the Region. For more information about John Paton and to arrange a visit to the cottage log on to www.cruckcottage.com. The Heritage Group who look after the cottage would be delighted to see you. Stay on Shieldhill road for the next 1.4Km at which point you will see a footpath sign on your left just before you reach the white and yellow house on the hill. Take this path between the dyke and fence over towards Hemplands. Please keep dogs under close control at all times – sheep graze in the adjoining fields. As the path climbs the views open up across towards Dumfries, Criffel and on a clear day to the Lake District fells beyond the Solway Firth – breath taking. Rest a while to enjoy the view from “Dan’s seat” at the edge of the wooded area. Placed here by Torthorwald Community Council in memory of Dan McKie, a much loved and respected member of the Collin and Torthorwald Community’s Leaving Dan’s seat walk along the track through the woodland down to the public road (High road). Turn left (South east) onto the High road heading back towards Torthorwald with the Castle in the distance. Enjoy the continued panoramic views over Dumfries as you walk. Reaching the A709 after 1.7Km turn left again taking care crossing the busy road where the footpath allows. Turn right at Castle cottage, back onto Linns road heading for the car park. Another walk that you can enjoy in reverse another day?

Branetrigg walk

Distance – approx. 4.5Km Time – approx. 60 minutes Footwear – moderate walking - stout boots or walking trainers (some off road sections can be muddy/wet). PLEASE BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL TRAFFIC ON THE PUBLIC ROAD SECTIONS. Starting from the Village Hall turn right (North-west) - heading past the old primary school - back to the main A709 (Dumfries-Lockerbie road). Passing Torthorwald Castle (a later example - the original having been built in the 12 th century) on your left you reach the A709 after 220 metres. TAKE EXTRA CARE CROSSING THIS BUSY MAIN ROAD! onto Shieldhill road. Entering what was the original main part of Torthorwald village you pass Mill Cottage on your left and Smithy cottage on your right – essential businesses in a 17 th Century community. The site of the old Mill – long since demolished – is on your left as you cross the bridge. The Mill was fed by water from the burn to grind the corn from the neighbouring farms. 120m further on you will pass the site of Dr John Paton’s childhood home (look for the plaque in the garden wall). John had a fascinating and challenging life, becoming a missionary to the New Hebrides, living with cannibals and later campaigning for the abolition of slavery. 10m further on you will see the 17 th century thatched Cruck Cottage, the last remaining accessible example of a building type that was typical in the Region. For more information about John Paton and to arrange a visit to the cottage log on to www.cruckcottage.com. The Heritage Group who looks after the cottage would be delighted to see you. Stay on Shieldhill road for the next 500m, passing Longrigg farm, at which point you will see a footpath sign pointing to your right, just on the bend in the public road before the uphill straight. This indicates the old Rigg road Right of Way. Follow this path. Be careful crossing the concrete bridge over the small burn 50 m in and again as it loops back 150m further on. Caution - the second crossing is only passable when water levels are low. Note: Torthorwald Community Council are currently (January 2021) discussing options that will allow them to upgrade this section of the walk to link with the formally constructed Branetrigg farm path above. Continue up the hill until you reach the constructed Branetrigg path 200m on - **. This excellent formal all abilities path was constructed by the owner of Branetrigg farm in 2019 and can also be accessed from the main A709 - 30m above. Carparking is very limited at this point but affords less-abled walkers’ easier access to the farm walk. ** Turning left follow the Branetrigg path along between the fences. Please keep dogs under close control at all times – cattle graze in the adjoining fields. Various information notices have been located along the path indicating wildlife you may see on the way – brilliant! The views over Torthorwald to Criffel and the Galloway hills are fantastic! Travelling on over the wooden bridge the path climbs slightly before you come to a seated picnic area beside the wood where you can rest and enjoy the view. Travelling on, the path makes its way up to meet the Branetrigg farm access road. Turn right through the gate and walk along the road back towards the A709 - 900m along. Note this is the alternative entrance gate. Turn right down the track and re-join the access route that you came up along after 30m. Return to Torthorwald carpark using the original route in reverse.