Walking in Dumfries and Galloway

Walking the Southern Upland Way in Dumfries and Galloway

The Southern Upland Way passes close to the hotel and there is a pick-up and set down scheme for those walkers wishing to stay with us. There is also a local initiative underway to create a path network throughout the Glenkens.

The Southern Upland Way is Britain’s first official coast to coast long distance footpath. It runs 212 miles (340 kms) from Portpatrick on the south-west coast of Scotland to Cockburnspath on the eastern seaboard.

It offers superb and varied walking country, still undiscovered by many enthusiasts. The Way provides a real challenge for the experienced walker, yet some of the shorter stretches are suitable for families and the less ambitious.

The Southern Uplands have been heavily sculpted and rounded by the effects of glaciation to leave a series of gently rolling hills with occasional rocky outcrops. There are no summits above 3000ft (914m), but over 80 rise above 2000ft (610m), offering some fine hill walking.

The text was obtained from the Official Southern Upland Way miniweb on Dumfries and Galloway Council Website

Explore the area while staying at The Ken Bridge.

The Ken Bridge, a 10 bedroom Georgian hotel, has a spectacular river bank location close by Loch Ken, in an area renowned for its tranquility and picturesque views. This 18th Century Coaching Inn was originally built to provide food, ale and shelter for travelers and coaches on the Old Edinburgh Road between Ireland and Edinburgh.

The hotel is a superb centre for fishing, golfing, hill walking, cycling on the surrounding quiet country roads, mountain biking on the world famous 7 Stanes routes, bird watching, photography, clay pigeon shooting, field and water-sports or for simply relaxing and taking in the wonderful scenery.

We are on the edge of the UNESCO Dark Skies Park created in 2009, which at the time was the only one in Britain and only the 5th worldwide. The river beside the hotel is a seasonal host to Osprey, Kingfisher and Oyster Catcher, there is also a healthy population of Otter and the hotel gardens receive regular visits from Red Squirrels. Early risers may see deer in the meadows across the river, as well as fox and badger.

The woodland to the west of the hotel is used as a roost by up to as many as 35 Red Kite which frequently soar and wheel spectacularly over the hotel.

The Ken Bridge Hotel is ideally situated enabling you to explore the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway has so much to offer from Castles and Historic attractions to numerous outdoor activities. Here are just a few to help you choose when planning your holiday.