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At the tip of Knocktim (NX 497 634) the track bends right, west. It runs down rough peaty pasture, becoming a stony farm track and joining Graddoch Burn, with forest plantations opposite. The track runs down to a gate, where it fades into a field. Head down the right edge next to the stream to another gate. Through this, the track continues down to the left of the stream, across it at a bridge with 5 ton weight limit, and continues downhill, now to the right of the stream, to a track T-junction near a house.

Turn right, and in about 150 metres turn down left in the laurel-wood path you arrived on. Follow the track below Cairnsmore farm back to the car park.

WALK 4

Minnigaff Hills

Start/Finish Auchenleck Bridge, 6km northeast of Newton Stewart (NX 447 705) Distance 21km (13 miles) Ascent 1300m (4300ft) Approx time 8hrs Terrain Forest roads, grassy hill ridges; pathless slopes of grass and short heather; rough forest ride near walk start, and fairly rough descent from Curleywee Max altitude Lamachan Hill, 717m Maps Landranger 77 (Dalmellington); Explorer 319 (Galloway S); Harveys Galloway Hills (omits tracks at start and end) Parking Roadside pull-in at forest road end beside Auchenleck bridge

The Minnigaff Hills may be small, but they’re as shaggy and wild as the mountain goats that roam over them. The approach from the south makes sure the northward view of the Merrick and its surrounding lochs socks you in the eye as you reach the ridgeline. And it gives a natural horseshoe to compare and contrast all four Minnigaff summits.