Dumfries & Galloway: Summary of places of interest
A-C

 

 

AE   78 : NX 9889  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 62)

    Forestry village created 1947 in the ‘garden-suburb’ style. It has the shortest village name in Britain and the only place name without a consonant in it.

    Black Loch SSSI: Protected area of wetlands.

    Forest of Ae:  Water of Ae CP & picnic site. Waymarked forest walks, cycle and mountain bike routes.

    Forest Plough Museum.

    Glenae Tower c.C16 : Remains of a tower on a steep hillside that would have given commanding view of the upper Ae valley, but now covered in forestry.

    Mountain Bike Trails: 7stanes mountain biking centre with family and experienced rider trails.

    South of Scotland Countryside Trail: 15mi/24km trail from Ae to Earshaig. Also see Earshaig.

    NE. Harestanes and Hound Rigg: See Earshaig.

    Also see Amisfield, Courance, Duncow, Heathhall & Locharbriggs, Kirkton, Loch Etterick, Parkgate, Shieldhill, Tinwald.

 

AMISFIELD   78 : NY 0082  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 62)

    Amisfield House (1631 & 1837): Large house of C18 appearance. Gabled Gate Lodge. Walled garden.

    Amisfield Tower (C16): Picturesque tower. A pedimented villa added in 1830 to the S range. E of the tower is the site of a Roman camp. NE are traces of a Roman road.

    Barr’s Hill: Iron Age hill fort with fine views.

    Glenae House (1789-90): Creeper-clad small mansion house. On the lawn are four C19 statues of gryphons from the Palace of Westminster. C18 Dovecot.

    Railway (1863-1966): Traces of Caledonian Railway Dumfries-Lochmaben-Lockerbie trackbed in the area. Passenger service ceased and Amisfield Station closed 1952.

Also see Ae, Collin, Cargenbridge, Dalswinton, Dumfries, Duncow, Heathhall & Locharbriggs, Kirkton, Lincluden, Lochmaben, Newbridge, Parkgate, Shieldhill, Tinwald, Torthorwald.

 

ANNAN   85 : NY 1966  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 186)

    Busy red-sandstone town on the Solway Firth. A river-mouth port constituted a burgh from late C12, and a Royal Burgh in 1532.

    Third largest town in Dumfries & Galloway with a population of 8,930 (2001 census).

    Annan Bridge (1824-6): Three-span road bridge built by Robert Stevenson. Stairway on NW abutment to riverside gives a good view.

    Annan Castle (or Mote of Annan): C12 motte-and-bailey castle, shows signs of original river erosion.

    Annan Cemetery: Contains 48 war graves including foreign and non-world war graves in CWGC care.

    Annan Hill: Site of a Roman camp.

    Annan Station (1848): The main building is in Italianate style, now a pub-restaurant.

    Annan Viaduct: Carries the Carlisle-Dumfries railway over the River Annan. Just to the N is a new cycle/footbridge.

    Bridge House: Mid C18 townhouse, used as Annan Academy 1802-1820.

    Central Hotel (1898): Grandiose Jacobean style on a triangular site with pair of entrance towers - based on Caerlaverock Castle?

    Erskine Church (1834-5): Classical church in polished red ashlar.

    Greencroft Wynd: Tall former doocot with pyramid roof. Nearby Kingdom Hall was built as a Congregational church in 1847.

    Historic Resources Centre, Bank Street: Local museum.

    Mote of Annan: Archaeological site of a motte-and-bailey.

    Museum: See Historic Resources Centre above.

    Newbie Junction: See Newbie.

    Old Annan Academy (1894-6): Jacobean detail with a tall tower in centre of building.  Here Thomas Carlyle was educated and taught.

    Old Parish Church (1789-90): A fine Georgian-steepled building. Interior includes a canopied magistrates’ pew.

    Port: Port Street below the viaduct has some surviving warehouses of this once bustling port.

    Queensberry Arms Hotel: Late C18 with a Victorian embellished portico. In CP at rear is a tall lectern doocot (1690).

    St Columba’s Church (1794): Former Congregational then RC from 1839, extended 1904. Stations of the Cross (1984) and painted panels (1997).

    Solway Viaduct: Remains of 1.1mi/1.7km railway viaduct to Bowness (Cumbria) operated 1870 to 1921, the viaduct was demolished 1935 and later.

    Shawhill Station (1869-1955): On former Kirtlebridge railway which closed to passengers 1931, freight 1955. Trackbed now carries wastewater pipe from Chapelcross.

    Town Hall (1875-8): With a baronial spire. The inscribed Brus Stone inside may possibly be associated with Robert the Bruce.

    Waterfoot: Roman camp site. Remains of Barnkirk Point Lighthouse (mid C19). Offshore is the Upper Solway Flats and Marshes (SSI): See Gretna.

    Other buildings of note: Old British Linen Bank, Buccleuch Arms (coaching inn), Buck Inn, Corner House Hotel, Library, Victoria Hall.

    NE. Morningside: Remains of the “Three Piked Stane” standing stones, possibly remains of a stone circle; possibly site of St Margaret’s Cross. NE is site of a burial mound.

    N. Mount Annan: See Brydekirk.

    N. Warmanbie (c.1820): A Lairds House, now a hotel. In grounds are Gothic style cottages.

    N. Warmanbie Bridge (1897): Victoria Diamond Jubilee suspension footbridge over the Annan between Warmanbie & Blacketlees.

Also see Brydekirk, Chapelcross, Cummertrees, Eaglesfield, Eastriggs, Ecclefechan, Hoddom, Kinmount, Kirkpatrick Fleming, Kirtlebridge, Newbie, Powfoot, Ruthwell.

 

APPLEGARTHTOWN   78 : NY 1084  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 64)

    Attractive tiny village on a C8-C11 monastic site with a church, motte and small nature reserve. SW by River Annan is possible site of a Roman camp.

    Applegarth & Sibbaldbie Parish Church (1762-3 & 1884-5): Rose windows in gables.

    Churchyard: Jardine Burial Enclosure (c.C17) and some fine sandstone-slab tombstones.  Four war graves under CWGC care.

    Dryfesholm Farm (C19): Long 18-bay barn with a slated roof, supported on tall cast-iron columns.

    Gallaberry Hill: Archaeological site of a fort.

    West Lodge, Dryfesholm (c.1860): Double coach-house with central clock tower.

Also see Courance, Hightae, Johnstonebridge, Kettleholm, Lochmaben, Lockerbie, Millhousebridge, Sibbaldbie, Templand.

 

ARBIGLAND   84 : NX 9857  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 157)

    C18 Georgian mansion house by William Craik. Woodland gardens lead down to a Solway Firth beach by the mouth of the River Nith. Neglected wall garden.

    Birthplace of Dr Craik, Washington’s personal medical assistant.

    House by the Shore (1936): Dower house in Cotswold manor style. Fine views across the Solway Firth toward Annan and St Bees Head.

    John Paul Jones Birthplace: Cottage and museum of the “The Father of the American Navy” (1747-92). Picnic Site.

    McCulloch’s Castle: Archaeological site of a fort.

    Powillimount: A sand and rock beach. Thirlstane is an eroded sandstone cliff, bored through by the sea.

    Also see Carsethorn, Caulkerbush, Kirkbean, New Abbey, Southerness.

 

ARDWELL   82 : NX 1045  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 159)

    Unspoiled coastal estate village for Ardwell House with mid-C19 cottages, Ardwell lies on Chapel Rossan Bay.

    Ardwell Church (1900-2): Steepled church in Early English style. Interior is arranged in the medieval manner with notable inscriptions and stained glass window.

    Ardwell Gardens: Pond walk and woodland gardens with two owl statues and sea views. Ardwell Mote is a secular motte.

    Ardwell House (c.1720 & 1956): Recovered laird’s house with steps to central arched doorway.

    Ardwell Mains: Early C19 courtyard steading. The clock-cupola (1884) was originally at Southwick House.
    Auchness: Heavily castellated 3-storey tower (C16) linked to C19 house. Wing flanked by bay windows. Remains of a doocot.

    Chapel Rossan (C19): Fine Gothick house with a semi-octagonal jamb facing the road.

    Chapel Rossan Bay: Stony beach with grass area, CP and facilities.

    Killaser Castle: Remains of castle stand south of the church.

    SW. Grennan Bay SSSI: Protected geological area.

    SW. Grennan Point: Archaeological site of a fort.

Also see Cairngarroch, Clachanmore, Drummore, Kirkmadrine, Logan, Port Logan, Sandhead, Stoneykirk, Terally, West Freugh.

 

AUCHENCAIRN   84 : NX 7951  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 154)

    Attractive community founded as an agricultural village with small port at Balcary. During the C19 became a watering place.

    Auchencairn Cemetery contains a war grave, also grave of John Aitkenhead, founder of Kilquhanity School, and his wife.

    Auchencairn Fort: Archaeological site of a univallate hillfort, from which there are fine views of Auchencairn Bay.

    Burnside Guest House: ‘English’ style building over three former shops.

    Collin House: Early C19 laird’s house.

    Commercial Hotel (former): Late C18 three-bay gabled house.

    Hass Burn: Site of ironstone mine NW of Auchenleck Farm.

    Millennium Garden (by WM): Community landscaped site with footpath to Torr Farm via a thatched bird hide (2006).

    Seaside Wood (S of): Archaeological sites of two forts.

    WNW. Dungarry: On the slopes of Bentudor are the remains of Dungarry Iron Age fort.

    WNW. Hass: Archaeological site of a fort.

    SW. Hazelfield: A711 lay-by has a viewpoint indicator board.

    SSW. Nether Hazelfield (SW of): Archaeological site of a fort.

    S. Rascarrel: Castle Muir (or Rueberry Castle) is an archaeological site of a fort.

    SSE. Rascarrel Bay: The coast E to Balcary Point and W to Abbey Burn Foot is an SSSI protected area. Also see Balcary and Dundrennan.

    W. Suie Hill: Remains of an Iron Age fort, with good views.

    Also see Balcary, Dundrennan, Gelston, Hestan Island, Orchardton, Palnackie.

 

AUCHENMALG   82 : NX 2351  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 145)

    Hamlet on sand/pebble beach with a holiday park and the Cock Inn. Coastal cliff path via Mull of Sinniness to Stairhaven. The Luce Bay shore road runs 18km SE to Monreith.

    Auchenmalg Standing Stone.

    Craignarget (NE of): Archaeological site of a cairn.

    Culquhasen: Archaeological site of a cairn.

    High Gillespie (SE of): Archaeological site of a long cairn.

    Mull of Sinniness: Extant surface features of a ROC underground monitoring post (1959-68), close by are remains of an Orlit and a brick WW2 aircraft post.

    Sinniness House or The Barracks (1820): Former barracks, built to house revenue men.

    NE. Knock Fell: Archaeological site of a fort.

    NNW. Milton Smithy: Start of a c.3mi/4.8km dead end E road passing Whitefield Loch and a number of archaeological sites.

    N. Whitefield Loch: Archaeological site of crannogs etc. Remains of Craigenveoch Castle.  Vicinity being developed as an all abilities area.

    Also see Chapel Finian, Culshabbin, Glenluce, Stairhaven.

 

AUCHINLECK BRIDGE   77 : NX 4470  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 101)

    Remote location on the Penkill Burn NE of Newton Stewart, encircled by the GFP.

    Auchinleck (1863): Whin and sandstone baronial farmhouse. Circular stair-tower with cannon gargoyles and arrow slits.

    Lady’s Linn: Waterfall on the Penkill Burn. E are remains of Castle of Old Risk.

    SW. Glenmalloch Lodge LT: Early C19 lodge, formerly Cumloden charity school. Fully restored 2007 by Landmark Trust.

    Also see Challoch, Newton Stewart, Talnotry, Wood of Cree.

 

AUCHMANTLE   82 : NX 1562  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 121)

    Situated on the Castle Kennedy – New Luce road. Many cairns in the area suggest a large Bronze Age population.

    Galloway Moors SSSI: Much of the area to the N & NW comprises part of the Glen App & Galloway Moors protection area for upland grasses & heaths.

    Milton of Larg (N of): Archaeological site of a cairn.

    Standing Stones of Glenterrow: Archaeological site of notable ‘four-poster’ stones. NE is an outlying stone.

    N. Auchmantle farmstead site.

    NW. Cairnscarrow: Auld Wife’s Grave is a chambered cairn.

    N. Inchbread Hill: Archaeological sites in the area include burnt mounds, a farmstead and hut circle. Also see New Luce (Little Larg).

    NE. Mains of Larg (NNW of): Archaeological sites of two cairns.

    Also see Castle Kennedy, Glenwhilly, New Luce, Penwhirn, Stranraer.

 

AULDGIRTH   78 : NX 9186  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 61)

    Auldgirth Bridge (c.1780): Three-span bridge across the Nith that Thomas Carlyle’s father helped to build. Replaced by new bridge 1979, still available for pedestrian use.

    Auldgirth Inn (c.1804): Built in the ‘Gothick’ style.

    Auldgirth Station: Closed 1952.

    Barburgh Mill (C19): Complete example of a once common woollen mill, early C19, closed 1950. Site of a Roman fortlet by quarry.

    Blackwood House (C18-C20): Neo-Jacobean house. Stables court has a square doocot (interior is circular). Garden and lodge.

    Low Auldgirth: Site of Auldgirth Tower, demolished 1927.

    Mullach: Archaeological site of a vitrified fort; also site of a beacon (c.C15).

    NW. Whitespots: Archaeological sites of an enclosure.

Also see Barjang, Cample, Closeburn, Dalswinton, Duncow, Dunscore, Ellisland, Glenmidge, Irongray, Keir Mill, Kirkton, Lincluden, Newbridge, Thornhill, Wallaceton.

 

BALCARY   84 : NX 8249  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 167)

    Scenic coastal walks on this smugglers coast (SSSI) include Balcary Bay (in Auchencairn Bay), Balcary Point and the Solway Firth.

    Airds Point: Adam’s Chair is a rock platform believed to have been a smugglers’ lookout point. Archaeological remains in area.

    Auchencairn Bay SSSI.

    Auchencairn Estate: Striking tall castellated lodge (late C19) with a walled garden.

    Auchencairn House (c.1860): Rebuilt and extended for Ivie Mackie, Lord Mayor of Manchester. In Jacobean style with a tower.

    Balcary Fishery (C19): A surviving centre of stake-net fishing for salmon in D&G. Nets stretch out to Hestan Island.

    Balcary House Hotel (c.1800 & C20 extensions): A former haunt of smugglers, situated on Balcary Bay and opposite Hestan Island.

    Balcary Point W to Abbey Burn Foot is an SSSI protected area. Also see Dundrennan.

   Balcary Tower (C19): Picturesquely sited on a promontory, with C20 tower on 2-storey wing. Idiosyncratic detailing.

    Boathouse: Former lifeboat station (1884-1931); nearby is a small fine cliff top garden. Both viewed from the Balcary Point footpath.

    Also see Auchencairn, Hestan Island, Orchardton, Palnackie, Robin Rigg.

 

BALMACLELLAN   77/84 : NX 6579  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 79)

    Attractive C19 Galloway village on steep hillside. Village had links with the Cistercians at Dundrennan for sheep farming.

    Barscobe Castle (1648): L-plan laird’s house in style of earlier tower houses; restored 1971-87.  NW of Barscobe is the Holy Linn: See Dalry.

    Clog and Shoe Workshop. Pottery.

    Grennan Mill (C19): Last used 1950. Cast-iron water-wheel still usable. Milling recorded on this site since 1506.

    Holm Lodge (C19): Gives a good impression of the Elizabethan style Holm House that was demolished in the 1970s. Snoozing lion gateposts.

    Norman Motte (C12 or C13): Well-preserved motte behind the church.

    Parish Church (1753, 1833 & 1866): T-plan church. Stained glass W window (1928).

    Parish Churchyard: Statue (restored 2000) of the mason-engraver Robert Paterson, ‘Old Mortality’ & his pony. Notable stones include a Covenanter’s stone and a  war grave.

    WM: Situated on E road junction above the village. Balmaclellan Information board and viewpoint.

    NNE. The Holy Linn: A Covenanters meeting and baptism place.

    E. Troquhain: Altered house of the early C19. Notable sundial (1855).

Also see Bread and Beer, Clatteringshaws, Corriedoo, Dalry, Glenlee, Ironmacannie, Lochinvar, New Galloway, Raiders Road.

 

BALMAGHIE   83/84 : NX 7266  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 105)

    Balmaghie House: See Glenlochar.

    Balmaghie Parish Church (1794): T-plan Kirk with octagonal tower midway along the long elevation. Paired with Crossmichael across Loch Ken.

    Churchyard: The author, S.R. Crockett is buried here. Monument to the Rev McKie. Covenanters’ stones.  War grave (CWGC).

    Kirk Road: Ancient track from Balmaghie to Laurieston.

    Livingston: Mid C18 laird’s house. An attractive smaller type of classical mansion.

    River Dee (Parton-Crossmichael) SSSI: See Loch Ken.

    W. Dornell (or Dornells) Estate: See Laurieston.

    NW. Ken-Dee Marshes: SSSI & RSPB Nature Reserve. 1.5mi/2.4km walk to the hide from the CP at Mains of Duchrae farm entrance. Information point. Also see New Galloway.

    NW. Red Kite information and viewing point at RSPB Nature Reserve.

Also see Bridge of Dee, Castle Douglas, Clarebrand, Crossmichael, Galloway Kite Trail, Glenlochar, Laurieston, Loch Ken, Mossdale, Old Bridge of Urr, Rhonehouse & Kelton.

 

BALMINNOCH   82 : NX 2765  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 122-123)

    Black Loch, Loch Heron (with a crannog) and Loch Ronald lie S of the remote Classoch Bridge-New Luce/Glenluce moorland road.

    ‘Three lochs’: Holiday park is situated in an attractive wooded area at Balminnoch.

    NW: Artfield Fell Wind Farm: Online with 15 turbines.

    WSW. Gas: Torwood House Hotel is a former hunting lodge.

    Also see Glenluce, High Eldrig, Kirkcowan, Knowe, New Luce.

 

BANKEND   84 : NY 0268  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 110)

   Small C19 village. Humpbacked bridge (1812-3) with small obelisks.

    Caerlaverock Parish Church (1781): Graveyard contains grave of Robert Paterson (‘Old Mortality’), 8 war graves and a hearse-house.

    Hutton Hall Academy: Now in other use, the school was founded in 1712. Rebuilt 1892, it is a prominent Jacobean building.

    Isle Tower (c.C16): Remains of castle (also known as Lochar Tower), surrounded on 3 sides by Lochar Water but on unstable ground. Probably rebuilt 1622.

    Mid Locharwoods: Formerly a Scottish Labour Colony, a charity that provided farm work for able unemployed.

    ENE. Longbridge Muir SSSI: Remote protected area of wetlands.

    NW. Trohaughon: Excavations in area revealed possible line of Bankend Road being Roman road.

    Also see Caerlaverock, Clarencefield, Dumfries, Glencaple, Ruthwell.

 

BARGRENNAN   76/77 : NX 3476 & 3576  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 74)

    Church (1838-9): Small church with gabled belfry. Built as chapel of ease of Minnigaff. Interior 1909.

    Garlies Lodge (1910): Unusual corrugated-iron bungalow, with wood-framed veranda all round.

    Middle Bridge of Cree: Archaeological site of a cairn. SUW Information Shelter.

    ROC Monitoring Post (1964-91): Extant surface features of an underground post.

    Whitecairn: Marrbury Smokehouse.

    NNW. White Cairn (Bargrennan): Archaeological site of a cairn.         

    Also see Challoch, Corrafeckloch, Glen Trool, Glentrool Village, Kirriereoch, Knowe, Wood of Cree.

 

BARJARG   78 : NX 8790  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 41)

    Barjarg Estate: C19 Gothick Lodge and gateway at SE entrance. Gates possibly from former Dumfries Prison. Second lodge at SW.

    Barjarg Tower (from C16): An extensive mansion house progressively enlarged up to 1914. A Baronial interior includes a ballroom.

    Boatcroft: Site of former Boatcroft Ferry across the River Nith.

    Limeworks: There were important mines and works at Barjarg and Porterstown, remains of kilns in the area.

    SSE. Barndennoch: Archaeological site of three ring ditches.

    Also see Auldgirth, Burnhead, Dalswinton, Dunscore, Ellisland, Glenmidge, Keir Mill, Penpont, Thornhill, Wallaceton.

 

BEATTOCK   78 : NT 0702  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 28-29)

    Small C19-C20 village situated on the Evan Water in Upper Annandale with several archaeological sites and a number of notable Roman remains and sites.

    Bankend: Site of a Roman camp on right bank of Evan Water. Course of Roman road.

    Barnhill: S of road of are two sites of Roman camps, and a possible site of a Roman fortlet. Course of Roman road.

    Beattock House: Red sandstone villa of c.1870 with extravagantly carved bargeboards.

    Beattock Station: Closed in 1972, reopening is proposed for projected local rail service on the WMCL. Also see Rail Sheds and Railways below.

    Craigielands (1817): Striking Grecian house by William Burn. N and S Lodges in classical style. Stables, walled garden, country park.

    Crooked Road: Aptly named road accents Beattock Hill from the railway bridge (with little used but necessary traffic lights).

    Evan Water: Flows E to enter the River Annan and Moffat Water at Threewater Foot.

    Garpol Glen: Picturesque glen with waterfalls, borders Auchen Castle estate. Also see Garpol Water below.

    Horse-mill: By the railway bridge on Crooked Road; a circular building with a conical roof.

    Kirkpatrick-Juxta Parish Church (1798-1800): Mainly Georgian, remodelled 1875-7.

    Kirkpatrick-Juxta Parish Churchyard: Notable headstones and monument. Three war graves, under care of CWGC.

    Lochhouse Tower (C16): Oblong tower, once a Johnston stronghold. Partially restored c.1900, fully restored and re-roofed 1978-1980.

    Old Brig Inn (1822): Probably designed in Thomas Telford’s office. Extensive stabling from it’s coaching days. Inn now a rest home.

    Outdoor Centre: Former school from c.1875.

    Rail Sheds: From here in steam days bankers (locomotives) would push northbound main line trains up to Beattock Summit.

    Railways: Moffat branch closed 1964, traces of trackbed to E. The WCML was opened by Caledonian Railways 1847-8, the line being electrified in 1974.

    SUW Information Shelter.

    NW. Auchen or Auchencass Castle (C13 & later): Remains of roughly square fortress that had four round corner towers of the English influence.

    NNW. Auchen Castle Hotel (1869): Large overgrown picturesque country house with ornate interior.

    W. Beattock Hill: See Earshaig.

    NNW. Blacklaw: See Moffat.

    E. Breconside (C17): Rubble-built house; projecting from the centre of the W front is a semi-octagonal stair tower. Remains of C16 tower are incorporated into the farmhouse.

    E. Breconside Hill: Archaeological sites in the area of burnt mounds and an enclosure.

    N. Coats Hill: See Moffat.

    ESE. The Dod: Archaeological site of a fort.

    NW. Garpol Water: Archaeological sites of a motte-and-bailey castle, a moated homestead, burnt mounds, cairns and hut circles.

    SW. Knock Hill: Archaeological sites of a fort.

    SE. Milton or Milton of Tassieholm: A major Roman site of a fort, fortlet and two camps on course of Roman road.

    Also see Courance, Earshaig, Ericstane, Greenhillstairs, Johnstonebridge, Lochwood, Moffat, Newton Wamphray, St Ann’s.

 

BEESWING   84 : NX 8969  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 108)

    Village named after a horse that enabled a C19 butler to buy an inn here, which he renamed Beeswing. The church retains the original village name of Lochend.

    Killywhan: Trace of ‘Port Line’ railway trackbed in the area (1859-1965). Killywhan Station (closed 1959) is now an extended house retaining the long platform.

    Loch Arthur: Remains of a medieval crannog.

    Locharthur Community (part of the Camphill Village Community): Includes awarded house (2001) for people with special needs.

    Lochend Church: Built as Free Church 1867-8. Stained glass E window (1950).

    Lotus House (early C19): Mansion with main door approached by a perron. Now part of the Locharthur Community.

    NE. Lochanhead: Traces of ‘Port Line’ railway trackbed in the area (1859-1965) and outline of Lochanhead Station (closed 1939).

    Also see Cargenbridge, Dalbeattie, Dumfries, Kirkgunzeon, Lochfoot, Mabie Forest, Milton (Crocketford), New Abbey.

 

BENTPATH and WESTERKIRK   79 : NY 3190  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 48)

    Lonely scattered Eskdale village with narrow bridge (1734-7) surrounded by the Lowland Hills. Parish known as Westerkirk.

    Boonies: Archaeological site of a settlement and enclosure.

    Boyken Burn: Archaeological excavation site of a settlement.

    Mid Knock: SW are archaeological sites of an enclosure and an unenclosed settlement.

    Mid Knock Hill: Extant surface features of a ROC underground monitoring post (1959-68).

    Thomas Telford Cairn (2007): A cairn and plaque and a trail across the area commemorates the 250th anniversary of his birth. Also see Glendinning.

    Thomas Telford Monument (1928): Built in Creetown granite. A pair of seats flank a slab with bronze relief portrait. Also see Glendinning.

    Westerhall House (C17 & later): Laird’s house remodelled and extended, it incorporates a tower. House repaired/rebuilt after fires in 1873 and 1955.

    Westerkirk Parish Church (1880-1): Built in early C19 style with pinnacled tower and buttresses. Native wildlife stained glass windows. Organ (2005).

    Westerkirk Parish Churchyard: Dominated by the classical Johnstone Mausoleum built 1790 by Robert Adam. War grave (CWGC).

    Westerkirk Parish Library (1860-3): Founded by the Glendinning antimony miners. Many leather bound books line the shelves.

    Westerkirk School (late C19).

    White House: Built as Westerkirk Parish Manse in 1783 but much extended later.

    NW. Bankburnfoot: Archaeological sites of an enclosure and settlements.  NW is Bank Head Hill: See Castle O’er.

    SSW. Calkin: Archaeological sites in the area include cultivation terraces, farmsteads, linear earthworks and settlements.

    NW. Crooks: Archaeological site of a settlement.

    NNW. Effgill: Archaeological sites in the area of two settlements and a field system.

    NW. Enzieholm: Bogie Walls is an archaeological site of a fort. Nearby is Craig wind farm, online with 4 turbines.

    NW. Georgefield: Archaeological site of a settlement.

    NNE. Glenkeil Hill: Archaeological sites of a settlement and field system.

    S. Hole Sike: Archaeological site of a farmstead.

    WNW. Lyneholm: Archaeological site of a homestead.

    NW. Shielburnfoot: Archaeological sites of settlements.

    WNW. White Birren: Archaeological site of a settlement.

    Also see Burnfoot, Castle O’er, Eskdalemuir, Ewes, Glendinning, Langholm, Staplegordon.

 

BLACKGANNOCH   71/78 : NS 7517  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 2)

    Remote site, where a remnant of the Covenanters (known as Cameronians) retained their faith. Covenanter’s Memorial Wall.

    A 4.4mi/7km footpath (an old drove road) leads E across the moorlands to Spango Bridge. See Corsebank.

    North Lowther Uplands (or Muirkirk & North Lowther Uplands) SPA & SSSI: Protected area of uplands and heath with special protection for upland birds. Also see Corsebank.

    Roman Road: Alleged Roman road Loudoun Hill (E Ayrshire)-Sanquhar changes direction to from SE to SW at Fingland following the contour of the hill and present track/road.

    Sanquhar–Muirkirk old drove road - now track and footpath, leads NW off the tarmac road at Fingland.

    NNW: Threeshire Hill, northernmost point in D&G and boundary with East Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.

    Also see  Kirkconnel, Lowther Hills, Sanquhar.

 

BLADNOCH and BALDOON   83 : NX 4254  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 188)

    Small self-contained village close to Wigtown on the Bladnoch Water with remains of an old quay and a standing stone.

    Baldoon Airfield: WW2 airfield and air observer school; known as RAF Wigtown. During 1941-45, 67 lives were lost in 27 air crashes. Remains of WW2 buildings.

    Baldoon Castle (C16): One fragmentary S wall remains.

    Baldoon Hill: Archaeological site of a fort. To W side of hill & E of A714 is site of RAF Wigtown accommodation camp; a few huts remain of the original 165 buildings/shelters.

    Baldoon Mains (c.1840): Large steading, the N side wall of which is probably C17, surviving from Baldoon Castle. Pair of fine C17 gatepipers mark the back drive.

    Bladnoch Bridge (1866): Stevenson 2-span bridge.

    Bladnoch Creamery (1899 & 1907): A utilitarian red brick building, now disused.

    Bladnoch Distillery (1817 & later): Once Scotland’s most southerly malt whisky distillery with a pagoda-roofed kiln. Visitor Centre. Motif is a helleborine, a rare local orchid.

    Cotland Plantation SSSI: Protected area of woodland.

    Wigtownshire Railway (1876-1964): Traces of trackbed in the area with remains of the Bladnoch Railway Bridge.

    Also see Carty Port, Causeway End, Culmalzie, Garlieston, Kirkinner, Longcastle, Sorbie, Spittal, Whauphill, Wigtown.

 

BOMBIE   83/84 : NX 7150  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 153)

    Bombie Castle: Site of castle, formerly the residence of the MacLellans of Bombie (C13-C16), situated on the top of a precipitous bank beside Gribdae Burn.

    Bombie Farm: The first successful milking machine with pulsators was invented here.

    Castle Creavie: Archaeological sites of a dun, C&R and a settlement.

    Clownstane Bridge: A moated and settlement site to NE possibly had economic connections with the Cistercian monks at Dundrennan.

    High Banks: One of the best displays of rock art in Galloway with several groups of C&R, best seen with a low sun.
    Also see Boreland of Borgue, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright, Nun Mill, Tongland, Townhead, Twynholm, Whinnieliggate.

 

BORELAND   79 : NY 1791  (Philip’s D&G Street Atlas 46)

    Situated on the Dyrfe Water with a number of archaeological remains in the surrounding area.

    Gillesbie: NE of Gillesbie House are remains of C16 tower-house set onto a river cliff. Surrounded on three sides by a possibly earlier earthwork that is truncated by the road.

    Hutton & Corrie Parish Church (1710): Altered church up to c.1871.

    Hutton Motte: Archaeological site of a motte.

    Parish Churchyard: Fine C17-C18 stones. Three war graves, under care of CWGC.

    ROC Monitoring Post (1964-68): Extant surface features of underground post.

    NW. Alais Knowe: Archaeological site of a fort and farmstead.

    W. Broom Hill: Archaeological site of a fort.</