Wanlockhead Wander (4 miles)
Wanlockhead is Scotland's highest village at an altitude of 1531 feet. It lies just within the boundary of Dumfriesshire and is home to the Lead Mining Museum which is an essential visit. The exhibition tells the fascinating story of the industry and there is the option of a guided mine tour. There are other surprises. The village has the oldest subscription library in Europe and this is available to view. The sport of curling has its origins in the area in terms of organised clubs. Across the boundary in Lanarkshire, the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway operates at weekends during the summer months.
After exploring the village, how about a hike up to a nearby summit on the Southern Upland Way? The 214-mile trail passes through the middle of the village and is signposted from Toll Brae, next to the museum. We gain height and leave Wanlockhead behind as the waymarked trail assumes a grassy profile. Our destination is an obvious one, Lowther Hill is topped by a huge golf-ball structure which serves as a radar station.
The path joins the access road for the radar ball and you could simply follow this all the way. However, you can chop out some of the switchbacks by following the markers although this naturally makes the ascent steeper. The summit is actually the highest point on the entire Southern Upland Way. The neighbouring hill of Green Lowther is an optional extra - simply head for the transmission masts. Otherwise retrace your steps to Wanlockhead where a pint awaits at the Wanlockhead Inn.
