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The Hills

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Waymarked trails

The Hills route card (PDF)

Flycatcher Walk

Explore this lovely ash and oak woodland, home to the long-eared owl and the pied flycatcher. Follow the line of the former railway near the striking Goldielea Viaduct.

This attractive woodland is a popular place for dog-walkers and those looking for a gentle leg-stretch. There are bluebells in spring, the chance to spot visiting flycatchers in summer and the trees put on a colourful show in autumn.

Listen for the sweet warble of the black and white pied flycatchers, and watch for short-eared owls hunting over areas of open ground. Part of the route follows an old railway line that once linked Dumfries and Stranraer, and now provides a refuge for wildlife, including ferns and lizards. Look across the valley to see the Goldielea Viaduct, which was also a feature of the old line.

1 miles / 1.6 km

Allow ¾ hour

Moderate

Moderate

Loose gravel track with some uneven sections. One steep slope.

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