Your Scottish adventure begins as you arrive in the charming town of Moffat, nestled in the heart of the Southern Uplands. Transport will be arranged to collect you from Lockerbie station, which is easily accessible by train from both London and Edinburgh. If you’re driving, you’re welcome to meet us directly at the accommodation.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in before the evening welcome drinks. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers and go over the plans for the week’s hiking. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.
For the duration of the trip, Moffat will be your base. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Scotland’s most scenic hiking destinations.
↔️ 13 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~700 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The Loch Skeen Loop is one of the highlights of southern Scotland’s Moffat Hills, beginning at the Grey Mare’s Tail car park just a short 15-minute drive from Moffat. There is a stunning, mountain lake on this walk so if you’d like to tick swimming in a Scottish loch off your bucket list, don’t forget your swimming things.
The trail climbs steeply alongside the Grey Mare’s Tail, a spectacular 60-metre cascade, before easing onto open moorland where Loch Skeen sits cradled in a high corrie. From here the path rises further onto broad grassy ridges, with the summit of White Coomb (821 m) as the day’s high point. The ascent is steady rather than technical, but the open terrain and exposure to weather make it feel like a true mountain walk. On clear days, the summit panorama stretches across the rolling Southern Uplands, with distant views toward the Lake District and beyond. The descent loops back toward Loch Skeen, offering a gentler return and a chance to enjoy the reflective waters of the loch before heading back down past the waterfall.
📏 12 km ⏱️ 4–5 h ⬆️ ~350 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
This coastal path follows one of the finest stretches of the Solway Coast, linking the broad beach at Sandyhills with the sheltered bay of Rockcliffe. The route is part of the longer Jubilee Path and showcases the varied landscapes of southern Scotland’s shoreline.
From Sandyhills the trail climbs gently onto clifftops, where sweeping views open across the Solway Firth to the Lake District peaks. The path undulates through woodland, heather moor, and rocky headlands, with quiet coves and sandy inlets providing natural stopping points along the way.
The final section drops into Rockcliffe, a charming village with a small beach and tidal flats. Here there is time to relax by the shore or explore further along the coastal paths before arranging return transport.
📏 14 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~750 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
We set out from Blackshope with a steep climb beside the burn before the ground eases and views open up across the glen. Passing the dark cliffs of Black Craig, we reach the broad plateau of Swatte Fell and roll on to Hart Fell, the high point with sweeping views over the Southern Uplands. From here the route eases across Hartfell Rig, then leads to Under Saddle Yoke and the sharp, grassy ridge of Saddle Yoke itself, a narrow and airy finale before descending back to the glen and returning to Blackshope, a fine circuit through some of southern Scotland’s best hill country.
After several days of hiking through the rugged beauty of the Southern Uplands, today is your chance to slow down, explore Moffat at your own pace, or set off on another gentle walk through the surrounding countryside.
Moffat is a charming historic town with a welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind. Take a leisurely stroll through its quaint streets, browse the independent shops, or visit the Moffat Museum to learn more about the town’s fascinating past. If you’re in the mood for some extra relaxation, the town’s famous mineral waters have long been known for their therapeutic qualities.
For those still craving adventure, there are plenty of shorter hikes to enjoy. Gentle trails along the River Annan or through the rolling hills offer beautiful views without the intensity of previous days. Alternatively, the surrounding countryside is perfect for a scenic cycle or a quiet afternoon taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Scottish Lowlands.
Whether you choose to rest, explore, or stretch your legs on another trail, today is all about making the most of your time in Moffat before the final days of the trip.
📏 16 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~750 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
Today’s challenge takes you through the Pentland Hills Regional Park where you’ll hopefully find lots of highland cows roaming. This exhilarating hike through offers incredible views, diverse landscapes, and a real sense of remoteness.
This classic Pentlands circuit combines two of the range’s best-known summits with a return through the quiet glens and reservoirs below. The route begins with a steep climb onto Turnhouse Hill, where wide views quickly open across the Forth valley and to the Highlands beyond. A high ridge traverse continues over Carnethy Hill, the most iconic peak in the range, with expansive panoramas along the rolling Pentland skyline. From the summit, the path descends toward the sheltered valleys of Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoirs, offering a complete contrast to the open ridges above.
The return follows tracks along the water’s edge and back through moorland, closing a varied and rewarding circuit. Short but steep ascents and exposed sections on the tops give this route a real mountain feel within easy reach of Edinburgh.
📏 14 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~750 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
This circuit explores the rugged granite hills on the eastern edge of Galloway Forest Park, combining the summit of Cairnsmore of Fleet (711 m) with a detour to Murray’s Monument and the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall.
The trail begins near Palnure and climbs steadily onto the open moorland slopes of Cairnsmore of Fleet, where the views quickly expand across Wigtown Bay, the Solway Firth, and deep into the Galloway Hills. From the summit plateau the panorama stretches from the Lake District to the Isle of Man on clear days.
After descending, a side path leads to Murray’s Monument, perched above the forest with a commanding outlook over the Fleet valley. Nearby, a short detour reveals the dramatic cascade of the Grey Mare’s Tail, hidden in a wooded gorge. The return follows forest paths back to the starting point, completing a varied and rewarding day in the park.
After an unforgettable week exploring Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey home or onwards to your next adventure. Transport will be arranged to take you back to the airport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.
If you’re extending your stay in Scotland, there’s so much more to discover. From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the dramatic Isle of Skye or the remote beauty of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland has endless opportunities for adventure. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
As you leave the rugged peaks and rolling hills behind, you’ll take with you lasting memories of incredible hikes, stunning landscapes, and the unique magic of Scotland’s wild places. Until next time!
Please note: The itinerary may be changed due to weather or trail closures. Your safety is always our upmost priority. Your local guide will always keep you updated on what’s coming the next day and if there are any changes.
Please note: Airfares and meals are not included in the trip price unless mentioned above. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred flights and enjoy local dining experiences at your own pace.
You’ll be staying at Moffat Independent Hostel in the heart of the village of Moffat. It’s a family run guesthouse, nestled in the hills. You will be staying in a room sharing with one other with private bathroom. Private rooms are available on request for a supplemetal cost. There are kitchen facilities and also Wi-Fi, a garden and BBQ facilites on site.
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. When booking a trip starting within 30 days, deposit payments are not accepted.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 30 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Please inquire about supplemental costs for a private room for each individual trip.
Arriving
Mon 22 Sep 2025Leaving
Mon 29 Sep 2025Trip status
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.
The organisation was seamless, and the guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, supportive, and great company on the trails. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Huge thanks to Trailmates for making it so memorable!