Sanguhar to Wanlockhead

A shorter day, where the route will take you from Sanguhar to Wanlockhead across moorland on paths and tracks, there are some steep climbs and it might be muddy.

The route starts at the end of the High Street in Sanquhar. Turn up Leven walk and pass under the railway, then climb up to a spot called Matthew’s Folly. From here you will walk along fields, tracks, roads and woodland, eventually following the path to the left and arriving at the ruin at Cogshead.

From here you climb across the slopes of Lowmill Knowe and then Glengaber hill. At the bottom of the hill, there is a steep descent down towards Wanlock Water and it is here that you will see the old mine works.

Cross the bridge and walk along the valley, across the water again and along the old railway track into the village of Wanlockhead.

Wanlockhead is Scotland’s highest village it is 1,531 feet above sea level (467m) and up until 1959 the village was a busy lead mining community. Now all that is left is the lead mining museum and the ruins of the old mine works. It is a popular tourist spot. Warnlockhead is also home to Scotland’s highest pub, the Wanlockhead Inn.