Explore the atmospheric ruins of a traditional Galloway farming village abandoned over 200 years ago. It is a beautiful setting in the lee of the Rhinns of Kells. The trail is just 1km long and is made of uneven grassy surface with significant muddy sections. Includes short fairly steep slopes and one narrow bridge. Allow half an hour to complete the trail. There is parking nearby for approx 5 vehicles. Please note the road to the parking is a rough unsurfaced forest road.
This trail winds among the ruins of the historic village, which stands in a picturesque loop of the Polmaddy Burn. Look out for the village inn, water mill, millpond and corn kilns beside the old pack road and pilgrimage route that led from Strathclyde to Whithorn. There are interpretation panels on site to tell you more about the settlement’s fascinating history, and you can download this leaflet to help you explore.
The mill has royal connections – the Scottish King, Robert the Bruce, found refuge in the village shortly before his first victory against the English at Glentrool in 1307. In gratitude, Bruce later rewarded the miller and his wife with the freehold of the mill!
N 55° 09.ABC W 004° 12.DEF
1) Information board
What are you standing at? (symbol with 7 green lines) number of letters = A
2) The Inn
Which buildings did the stables stand opposite? number of letters = B
3) Corn Kiln
What did parching make easier? number of letters = C
4) The Mill Pond and The Mill
What was controlled by the sluice? number of letters x 2 = D
What was heated in the kilns? number of letters / 2 = E
5) Clearance Cairns
What kind of cultivation was used? number of letters = F
Geocaching is welcomed on the National Forest Estate, subject to the conditions and guidance agreed with the Geocaching Association of Great Britain.