'Mighty was Caerlaverock Castle,
Siege it feared not, scorned surrender!'

This easy walk centres on the impressive, triangular, pink sandstone castle of Caerlaverock, in its deep moat amidst outer earthworks and set on the coast of the Solway Firth. The castle was built during the 1270s and saw sieges and battles over the centuries: Robert the Bruce, King Edward I and Parliamentary forces all laid siege to Caerlaverock, which was partially dismantled after 1640. Remains of the impressive Nithsdale Apartments, 'as fine a Renaissance palace front as any in Scotland', built within the castle by Robert Maxwell, Earl of Nithsdale, may still be seen. There is an audio–visual presentation on the history of Caerlaverock next to the car park.

The site of an even earlier castle lies nearby, the subject of an archaeological excavation. The walk crosses the edge of the Caerlaverock Merse (marsh) affording extensive views over the reedbeds and mudflats of the Solway, with its abundant wildfowl and wading birds. Natterjack toads also find refuge here.

Care should be exercised when crossing the marsh section in winter or at times of flood: do go suitably shod and if in doubt seek advice at the ticket-office (in shop by Waymark 6).

For local weather forecasts and other relevant information and services click here for Galloway Mountain Rescue's excellent website.

Scotland - Dumfries & Galloway - Solway Coast

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.