Description
Walk past the visitor centre then follow the waymarkers back to the start.The path initially passes 'inbye' land, those fields closest to the farm buildings, used to bring sheep in from the hills for lambing or shearing. Follow the track and enjoy fine views down the valley. The rounded hillocks on the valley floor are known as drumlins and were formed from debris dumped by glaciers during the last ice age.
On leaving the track continue over the boardwalk, crossing boggy grassland. In amongst the rushes here you may see the insect eating plant, sundew, which is specially adapted to the wet conditions.

Throughout your walk you can hardly fail to notice the Clints of Dromore, a spectacular, rugged granite outcrop, surrounded by moorland. Moorland birds such as meadow pipits and wheatears seek cover in the blaeberry, cotton grass and heather covering the moor, while peregrines and merlins hunt overhead.

The route back takes in some of the former railway track. Part of the Castle Douglas to Portpatrick line, this was completed in 1862 then dismantled in 1965. Nowadays it is used by walkers and cyclists, here to enjoy the wonderful scenery. In spring and summer, it is lined with wild flowers and parties of long-tailed tits flit from tree to tree in winter. The impressive viaduct over the Water of Fleet, once used to bring game shooting parties into the area, is no longer in use.

The path returns to the car park alongside the Big Water of Fleet, where the visitor centre is set in the old byre. The visitor centre has a wealth of information about the reserve and details of recent wildlife sightings.