Walk Leader
Keith Walker
Capacity
8
This walk will cover two sites of religious significance in Dumfries and Galloway viz. Cairn Holy and Dundrennan Abbey.
The day will begin at Cairn Holy, a pair of neolithic Chambered Cairns situated on the slopes of Cairnharrow in the Galloway Hills overlooking the Solway Firth. There are two distinct identified tombs and more details can be found by clicking HERE
Lunch will be at a local café in either Gatehouse of Fleet or Kirkcudbright, though participants are welcome to bring their own packed lunch should they wish.
The afternoon will be spent at Dundrennan Abbey. This is a ruined medieval Cistercian abbey, set in tree-fringed fields. Mary Queen of Scots spent her last hours in Scotland here in May 1568, after the disastrous Battle of Langside. Further information about the history of the Abbey can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Please note that there is an admission charge for entering Dundrennan Abbey (£7.50 if booked in advance online, £8.50 on the day). However, there may well be a slight reduction in admission prices as access to some areas is restricted whilst masonry inspections are carried out. These are only likely to affect a small area of the site. Admission is free for members of Historic Scotland.
Walk Location
Cairn Holy and Dundrennan Abbey
Walk Directions
Access to Cairn Holy is via a marked road approximately 1km west of the Auchenlarie holiday park on the A75. Once on this local road follow the signposts for Cairn Holy until you get to a small car park. (What3Words Location: ///behalf.strict.begins)
Dundrennan Abbey is just south of the village of Dundrennan on the A711. It is 10km on the A711 east from Kirkcudbright. We will meet at Dundrennan Abbey car park at 1pm. (What3words - ///relegate.polishing.skills).
Both sites are managed by Historic Environment Scotland and are within clearly delineated boundaries.
At both sites participants will be free to wander.
Accessibility
The car park at Cairn Holy is approximately 100m from the main part of the site. We will need to cross a field which may be muddy, so appropriate footwear should be worn. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Dundrennan Abbey is just south of the village of Dundrennan on the A711. It is 6 miles on the A711 from Kirkcudbright. We will meet at Dundrennan Abbey car park at 1pm. (What3words - ///relegate.polishing.skills).
Dundrennan Abbey has well laid out footpaths running through most of the site and is accessible for wheelchair users. Full accessibilty details can be found by clicking HERE.
Please note that public transport is extremely limited in this area. Anyone wishing to attend this walk who does not have access to a car should contact the walk organiser. He will then liaise with other participants to arrange shared car transport.
Feedback Meeting Type
Decide At Walk
Feedback Talk Date and Time