📌 Moffat Hills, Dumfries & Galloway
★★★
Concealed in a tight fold of a minor burn on the edge of the Moffat Hills, Hartfell Spa is a chalybeate spring discovered in 1748 and once thought to have healing properties. There’s nothing luxurious about a “spa day” here – reaching the site involves a steep path and we wouldn’t recommend drinking the water either. However, the glen followed for the approach is a beautiful spot and the covered grotto around the spring is a curious place; look out for the old carvings on the interior ceiling.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at Annan Water Community Hall, minor road 3 mi north of Moffat
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 075103
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.378153,-3.461135
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
▶ 6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 220 m | ⌛ 2-2.5 hr
Features: 💧 Hartfell Spa
⬤ Moderate | Path throughout; increasingly rough & steep with some boggy patches.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit: start – path above north side of Auchencat Burn – Hartfell Spa – return by outward route
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Captive red deer, sheep on the other side of Auchencat Burn, butterflies, moths, dragonflies & grasshoppers. Willow warblers, a redpoll.
Weather: Mostly sunny with a light breeze, temperature in low 20s with a humid feel.
June 2025
