Calfield Rig & Mid Hill, Langholm

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
10 kms	02:20 (hrs:mins)	150 metres	Explorer 323: Eskdale and Castle o'er Forest

Description

From the car park, follow the route through Buccleuch Park, and climb the steps leading out of the park. Go through the hedge and turn left, then in 20 metres turn right on Gaskells Walk. Follow this fine path, as it swings round to run above the Wauchope Water through mature woodland. For part of the way, the river is in a miniature gorge below you. At the end of the path, turn right on the road and left on the minor road leading to Becks Farm. Follow this road as it climbs round several bends. The hill section of the present walk gradually comes into view ahead and to the right. At Becks, turn left on a track. Pass the access track to Calfield and continue for a further kilometre, the track getting a little rougher. At the end of the track, go through the gate and turn right to start climbing close to the dyke. There is no clear path and some of the ground is wet, but a way can be found. At the top of the dyke, go over the stile and continue on the open hill, keeping to the highest ground and climbing steadily northwest to reach the top of Calfield Rig at 319 metres (1045 feet). There are already extensive views, especially to the south. Keep on the ridge heading north. The ground dips a little and then climbs gradually to Craighope Head. Cross the stile at the fence junction and continue to another fence junction. Cross this also and make the short climb to Black Knowe at 326m/1068ft. Much of Eskdale can be seen from here, and in clear conditions the panorama reaches far beyond, to the Solway Firth and the higher hills of northern Lakeland. Return to the fence and head east along it towards the day�s final top on Mid Hill, an easy kilometre away. Mid Hill is 327m/1070ft and commands another wonderful view. It is a place to linger on a good day. When you are ready to leave, head down beside the fence towards Langholm. Cross an area of wet ground, then reach a ladder stile at a dyke. From here follow a little path in the grass over Meikleholm Hill, giving more lovely views across the Muckle Toon. The path leads to old foundations on the site of a former TV mast. From here, take the right-hand of two faint paths to curve down and pass to the right of a large water tank. Reach a track and follow it left then sharply right to run down to a gate at the top of a fenced lane. Follow this lane down past houses and at an open area go briefly left then right down a track. Turn left into Eskdaill Street, turn left here and at the road end go right to return to the town centre and the car park.

Access Info

From Dumfries follow the A75 to Annan, from Annan follow the B720 to Langholm.
For public transport from Dumfries, there are a number of services via Lockerbie and Annan for Langholm.
Dumfries to Lockerbie - 81,117,175
Lockerbie to Langholm - 103

Additional Info

Some the this walk is pathless and it is recommended you take appropriate hillwalking equipment.

There are likely to be cattle on the open hill section, with calves in the Spring period. Please do not take dogs on this walk between March and May.