Minnigaff's Walking Paradise
Andy Goldsworthy Striding Arches: Bringing people,
art and the landscape together
The walking routes and the four iconic 12 ft, Striding Arches,
set in the wild and unspoilt Scottish landscape of the Southern
Uplands, Dumfries and Galloway, are a walker’s paradise and were
conceived and instigated by international environmental artist Andy
Goldsworthy as a place for everyone to visit, to explore and to
enjoy.
Formally opened in autumn 2008, the Cairnhead Community Forest
Trust and the Forestry Commission welcome walkers to this world
class site. Everyone now has permanent, free, open access to the
arches and the forest and its creatures all year round and will
finally be able to explore the dramatic landscape and see
Goldsworthy’s work in the context of the environment which he walks
and works in.
Walkers can choose from a series of shorter hikes to any of the
arches striding the hilltops, or follow the challenging day long
circuit from arch to arch. If undertaking the Southern Upland way
stretch from Sanquhar to St John’s Town of Dalry, they will also
meet one of the arches on the route. Map reading skills, and a
compass are recommended for the more arduous walks.
Within an easy drive from the Minnigaff hostel, the walks and the arches
themselves offer a way into a secret part of Scotland’s wilderness,
away from busy roads and 21st Century life, yet within only 7 miles
of the picturesque town of Moniaive with its excellent cafe, pub
and restaurant.
The highest arch sits on top of Colt Hill at 598m, offering
spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a sightline of
the other arches. This 6 mile walk from the car park takes the
visitor along a paved forestry road for most of the way. It
is an easy and enjoyable way of seeing the landscape and the
wildlife. This route meets up with the famous Southern Upland way
just before the peak.
The Byre with its arch striding right through it and its grassy
meadow, offers a perfect picnic place and time to contemplate the
human history of the area – the people who made a living from
farming the land whose names are inscribed in the stone seating
going back 500 years.
Lookout for red squirrels, roe and red deer, birds of prey,
woodland birds, Atlantic salmon or simply enjoy the sounds of the
many burns rushing into the Dalwhat water.
Nearest Hostel: Minnigaff
More info: www.stridingarches.com
