Before you reach Mutehill you will notice Black Moray wood on your left. Also known as Black Morrow wood, it is the site of the Black Morrow Well. Rumour has it that a gypsy chief, greatly feared by the locals and known as Black Murray, lived in this wood. Young MacLellan of Bombie, in order to recover his father's lands, filled a well beside Murray's cave in the wood with spirits. Murray drank from it then fell asleep. MacLellan seized the opportunity, jumped from his hiding place and chopped off Murray's head. He then brought it on the point of his sword to King James II and so secured the reward promised for the death of Black Murray and the defeat of the gypsies.

Once you reach Mutehill, the pavement ends. Turn left over the bridge and walk along the A711 for a short while before turning left onto the minor road. This quiet road follows the Buckland Burn along a wooded glen, which is in sharp contrast to the estuarine environment you have just left. At dusk you may get glimpses of roe deer, foxes and rabbits. Various woodland birds can be seen, as can great spotted woodpeckers, jay and tawny owls.

Continue on up the Buckland Glen. If your visit is in spring, the roadside verges are carpeted with pungent smelling wild garlic. When you arrive at Buckland Bridge, take a left turn, which takes you up a rather twisting (to begin with) quiet country lane. When you meet the road to Gelston, after about a mile, watch out for the cemetery on your right. It is here that Billy Marshall, 'The Caird of Barullion and King of Galloway Tinkers' was laid to rest at the age of 120 years.

It is all down hill from High Kirkland Cottage to the town.