Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United Kingdom
Scotland
South Scotland

Auldgirth And District

The best walks and hikes around Auldgirth And District

4.6

(49)

611

hikers

43

hikes

Hiking around Auldgirth And District explores a landscape of rolling hills, tranquil riversides, and managed forests. The region is situated in Nithsdale, characterized by pastoral landscapes and the course of the River Nith. Trails range from gentle riverside paths to more moderate climbs in the surrounding hills and woodlands, such as in the Forest of Ae. The area offers diverse terrain for various hiking experiences.

Best hiking trails around Auldgirth And District

  • A popular hiking route is Larch View Route, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) moderate trail that takes about 2 hours 23 minutes to complete. This route offers views within the Forest of Ae.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Ae Bridge and Carved Bench – Ae Forest Riverside Trail loop from Ae, an easy 3.3 miles (5.2 km) path. This trail follows the riverside through the Water of Ae Forest.
  • Local hikers also love the Ae Bike Shop & Café – Ae Bridge and Carved Bench loop from Ae, an 8.7 miles (13.9 km) moderate trail leading through the Water of Ae Forest, often completed in about 3 hours 45 minutes.
  • Hiking around Auldgirth And District is defined by riverside paths along the River Nith, extensive forest trails, and ascents into rolling hills. The network of more than 40 routes provides options for various fitness and experience levels.
  • The routes in Auldgirth And District are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 40 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Auldgirth And District's varied terrain.

Last updated: April 27, 2026

4.3

(7)

82

hikers

#1.

Larch View Route

8.72km

02:23

140m

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

4.0

(1)

10

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4.0

(1)

5

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 39 more hikes around Auldgirth And District.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Auldgirth And District

Cycling around Auldgirth And District

Gravel biking around Auldgirth And District

Road Cycling Routes around Auldgirth And District

MTB Trails around Auldgirth And District

Running Trails around Auldgirth And District

Tips from the Community

Laura Martin
November 10, 2025, Ae Forest Riverside Trail

lovelyt forest a bit of water on the fire roads atm

0

0

Off piste trails are excellent. probably ridden more than the red route

0

0

lovely flat path at the riverside

0

0

Please be aware of opening times. Don't expect it to be open over weekend:)

0

0

Stroll through beautiful towering forest along the Water of Ae. There's plenty of woodland wildlife to spot and many superb picnic spots.

1

0

Some great gravel rides to be had around here.

0

0

A short walk or ride from the car park is a bridge over the river Ae. A popular place to stop and take photos. Wooden carved bench close to bridge. Easy access to this point and well worth a look

1

1

Lovely view down the River Ae. There's a huge decorative bench next to the bridge to take a rest.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the Auldgirth area?

Yes, the region offers several gentle walks perfect for families. A great option is the Ae Bridge and Carved Bench loop. It's a relatively short and flat trail through the Water of Ae Forest, making it accessible for walkers of all ages.

Can I take my dog on the trails around Auldgirth?

Many trails in the Auldgirth district are suitable for walking with dogs. Forests like Ae and Galloway are popular with dog owners. However, much of the area is pastoral farmland, so it's crucial to keep your dog on a lead and under control, especially where livestock may be present.

Where can I find a good circular walk?

The area specializes in circular routes, so you can easily end up back where you started. For a pleasant riverside experience, consider the Hiking loop from Ellisland Farm. It's a mostly flat walk along the banks of the River Nith.

Are there any hikes with waterfalls or dramatic scenery?

For a memorable walk, head to Crichope Linn Gorge near Thornhill. It's considered a hidden gem and features a lovely waterfall. The trail can be uneven and requires sturdy footwear, but it rewards you with a sense of exploration and beautiful scenery.

What are the hiking options in the Forest of Ae?

The Forest of Ae is a major hub for outdoor activities with well-maintained trails. You can find everything from short, easy paths to more demanding hikes. For a good workout with lovely river views, try the Forest of Ae river loop, which is a moderately challenging circuit.

Where can I find a hike with panoramic views?

For expansive views over the Nithsdale countryside, the Queensberry loop from Thornhill is an excellent choice. It's a more strenuous hike involving a significant climb, but the rewarding vistas from the top make the effort worthwhile.

How many hiking trails are there around Auldgirth and District?

There are over 40 hiking routes to discover in the Auldgirth district. The trails range from easy riverside strolls to moderate forest paths and more difficult hill climbs, offering plenty of choice for all fitness levels.

What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?

The trails around Auldgirth and District are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the variety of the landscape, from the tranquil River Nith paths to the well-managed trails in the forests and the quiet beauty of the rolling hills.

Is there free parking available for the main hiking areas?

Yes, many of the popular starting points for hikes have parking available. For example, Ae Forest has several designated car parks for visitors using the trails. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends as spots can fill up.

What kind of terrain should I expect on the trails?

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, well-trodden paths along the River Nith, maintained forest tracks in places like the Forest of Ae, and more rugged, undulating trails in hilly areas like Crichope Linn. It's best to check the details of your chosen route and wear appropriate footwear.

Are there any gentle walks that don't involve big hills?

Absolutely. The area is great for those who prefer flatter walks. The Hiking loop from Thornhill offers a pleasant walk with minimal elevation change, allowing you to enjoy the pastoral scenery without a strenuous climb.

Most popular routes around Auldgirth And District

Cycling around Auldgirth And District

Most popular attractions around Auldgirth And District

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

Dumfries and GallowayMidlothianSouthern Uplands MountainsScottish BordersPenicuik And DistrictSouth AyrshireEast LothianCree ValleyMoffat And DistrictBuittle ParishSouth LanarkshireLangholm, Ewes, And WesterkirkDundrennanEast AyrshireColvend And SouthwickGatehouse Of FleetNew AbbeyDalbeattieAuchencairnOchtrelure And BelmontLochansNorth BerwickGullane AreaStoneykirkLochruttonBeeswingTwynholmKeltonDunbarPortpatrickDunpenderGiffordKirkgunzeonEast LammermuirHumbie, East And West Saltoun, BoltonFenwickWest BarnsThe Royal Burgh Of New Galloway And Kells ParishWamphrayRoyal Burgh Of Kirkcudbright And DistrictCanonbie And DistrictSouthernessRuthwell And ClarencefieldBorgueGarliestonCarsphairnMuirkirkLeswaltEskdalemuirDalmellingtonKirkbeanMoorfootThe Royal Burgh Of Whithorn And DistrictIsle Of WhithornKirkmichaelKirkcowanPatnaHowgateTroqueer LandwardHaddington And DistrictKeirGarvald And MorhamPort WilliamKirkmabreckUrrCarronbridgeAePenpontBalmaghieRoyal Burgh Of Wigtown And DistrictDalryOchiltreeTynronNorthwestNew Farm LochCrossmichael And DistrictKirtle And EaglesfieldTemplandCaerlaverockBrydekirk And DistrictRoyal Burgh Of Sanquhar And DistrictKirkconnel And KelloholmJohnstoneDarvel And DistrictNorth MilkRiccartonStranraerGateheadPiersland / BentinckGlencairnLugar And LoganHurlford And CrookedholmNetherthird And DistrictCumnockSouthcraigs - DeanWanlockheadTinwald ParishCairnryanMacmerry And GladsmuirCloseburnCatrineCorsock And Kirkpatrick DurhamBalmaclellanSorbieTranent And ElphinstoneMauchlineCastle DouglasNew LuceOld LuceSornPartonAuchinleckNew CumnockTongland And RingfordStewarton And DistrictCastle KennedyRoyal Four TownsMiddlebie And WaterbeckOrmistonSummerville And StakefordGeorgetownDurisdeerDunlop And LugtonDalrympleRoyal Burgh Of AnnanThornhillRoyal Burgh Of Lochmaben And DistrictDalton And CarrutherstownPencaitlandEastriggs, Dornock And CrecaLongniddryLockerbie And DistrictPrestonpansRyedaleKingholm QuayCorberry And LaurieknoweHoddom And EcclefechanTerreglesCrosshouseLincludenKirkmaidenKirkpatrick Fleming And DistrictKirkpatrick JuxtaNewmilns And GreenholmSpringfield And Gretna GreenHolywood And NewbridgeGretna And RiggDrongan, Rankinston And StairDunscoreCockenzie And Port SetonCummertrees And Cummertrees WestMouswaldKnockentiberBonnytonLoreburnLochside And WoodlandsShortleesGrange / HowardKilmaursIrongraySt MichaelsBellfieldGalstonNewtongrangeKirkcolmMoscow And WatersideGorebridge And DistrictKirkmahoeTorthorwaldHeathhallLocharbriggs

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Kirkmahoe

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy