Walking and Hiking Routes | Drumlanrig Castle

Walking & Hiking

You’ll find walks to keep your whole family happy in the grounds at Drumlanrig Castle in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway.

In addition to the way-marked woodland walks, there are miles of estate roads with beautiful scenery like views of the River Nith. You will discover a variety of habitats and features that make Drumlanrig so unique. See if you can spot one of our red squirrels while you’re enjoying the outdoor life.

To Beech Loch and Back

Way Markers: Purple
Distance: 2km

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.

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Enchanted Forest

Way Markers: Red
Distance: 2.5km

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.

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Andy goldsworthy sculpture at Drumlanrig

A Turn Along the Marr Burn

Way Markers: Blue
Distance: 4km

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 sound of rushing water, look out for the Victorian built St Geoffrey’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.

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Arwen's Trail

Way Markers: Yellow
Distance: 3.2km

A new addition to our way-marked walks emerging in the wake of 2021 Storm Arwen. This strenuous uphill hike peaks at Mount Malloch viewpoint with views over the Estate and Castle. On the climb and descent, enjoy historic Victorian footpaths, some wonderful trees including a Giant Sequoia and the first Douglas firs in Scotland. The walk also passes Andy Goldsworthy’s ‘Leaping Arches’.

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Dogs at Drumlanrig

Bringing your Dog

Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead or under close control at all times. Remember it is important to keep them on the paths as dogs running loose can cause considerable disturbance to wildlife and farm animals. Please follow the code:

Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals.
Don’t take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.
If you need to go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or under close control and keep as far away as possible from the animals.
If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field.

For more information visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.