This cache is one of a series around Loch Ken which provides
either a pleasant circular drive or cycle around the loch. You
might like to consider the
Loch Ken Circular (multi-cache) if you are
doing the series of six. This cache is one of the multi-cache
stages.
WARNING - I wouldn't recommend exploring the main part of
the building. The debris lying around inside doesn't look
particularly safe.
Kenmure Castle lies a mile to the south of the village of New
Galloway, Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh and to the north of Loch
Ken. The oldest part of Kenmure Castle dates from the 16th Century
and was the seat of the West March Gordons of Lochinvar. John
Balliol may have been born in Kenmure and used the place as a
headquarters. After a visit there by Mary, Queen of Scots, the
castle was burned. It later suffered the same fate at the hands of
Cromwell. The Sixth Viscount Kenmure was beheaded in the Tower of
London as a result of his Jacobite allegiances. The castle was
visited by Robert Burns who wrote the Jacobite song “Kenmure’s up
and awa’, Willie”.
Park just off the A762 at N55°03.810' W004°08.490' and follow
what was originally the drive to the castle. As you walk note what
would undoubtedly be the terraced garden to the right of the path.
Underfoot remains traces of what would have been a tarmac road.
This is a very short but pleasant walk to the cache site.
NOTE: To visit the castle, continue down the avenue of trees -
it sits on a mound with the road/path going around behind it.
You are looking for a small tupperware type box with room for
swaps and TBs.
For extra browny points, and a bit of fun, encrypt in your log
entry - what looks out of place on the castle?
FTF - Pooter