Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries & Galloway
★★★
This prominent obelisk decorates a hillock above the Queen’s Way through Galloway Forest Park in memory of Alexander Murray: a well-known, late 18th century linguist with humble beginnings as a shepherd boy close by in the glen. Climbing to the foot of the monument reveals excellent views over this attractive corner of the Southern Uplands, taking in the nearby Wild Goat Park and the Palnure Burn. The route then ascends a little further to take in a couple of foamy waterfalls (Foot Loup and Buck Loup – we didn’t visit the higher Grey Mare’s Tail but this could easily be added) and some rather unsettling rock sculptures…
Chronological photo guide
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NX 491720
GPS coordinates: 55.019960,-4.362177
No public transport within 1 mi
Car park
Key info
3 km / 2 mi | ▲ 140 m |
1.5 hr
Features: ✞ Murray’s Monument;
Grey Mare’s Tail waterfalls
⬤ Moderate | Good tracks and paths with some steep parts; rough, very steep detour to viewpoint for upper fall.
Clockwise circuit with several minor detours: start – Murray’s Monument – join track at
On our last visit
Wildlife: Butterflies and moths, bees and big black slugs.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with occasional brightness and a little rain, temperature in mid teens.
July 2018
