The Shore Walk
Caution: Parts of Waterfoot Road, the parking area at Waterfoot and the Annan Merse which is tidal saltings, can be covered with water during high tides.
[click on image to enlarge]
Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work:
-
Keep dogs under close control at all times.
-
Respect farm livestock
crops and machinery.
-
Take your litter home with you.
-
Take care
on country roads.
-
Guard against the risk of fire.
Take particular care on the shore, the Solway Firth can be deceptive, with fast tides, strong currents and deep hidden channels.
The Shore Walk Details
This is a circular walk of about 5 miles, from Annan Town Hall to Whinnyrig, then Summergate, Waterfoot and back to the Town.
The walk can be shortened if required by returning to the town at Summergate. The paths and tracks can be rough and uneven; wear strong footwear.
Annan Town
Hall to Whinnyrig
[Starting from the Town Hall the route to Whinnyrig is
about 1.75 miles]
- Proceed east up the High Street passing Annan Old Parish Church on the left.
- After another 200 yards turn right into Solway Street and follow road past the sandstone villas at Hecklegirth, over the railway bridge and passing a large timber processing plant.
- Proceed under the railway bridge which once carried the Caledonian line to Cumbria. (The steel steps beside the bridge also lead onto a footpath that follows the disused rail bed down to the end of the railway viaduct pier).
- Carry on down the road south passing two minor roads and continue to the shore.
The car parking space at Whinnyrig is limited so please park with consideration for others.
An information board at the car park gives details of the fishing methods - from the car park the railway viaduct pier can be seen.
Whinnyrig to Summergate
- The Annan Shore Walk route leads past Seafield Farm and onto pier - an information board at the end of the pier gives the story of the railway viaduct.
- From the end of the pier follow pipeline for about 400 yards.
- At signpost descend steps to the Annan Merse. Proceed though kissing gate onto the flood bank and walk along the bank to Summergate Lane.
An information board at the end of the lane gives details of Annan Merse - from here Waterfoot can be seen .... .
Summergate to Waterfoot
Here walkers have two options:
(a) More active ramblers.
Negotiate the tidal creeks and “dubs” (salt water pools) of the Annan Merse and walk directly along shore between Summergate Lane and Waterfoot.(b) A longer but easier walk goes inland.
Follow lane for about 0.5 miles until Lovers Walk joins from the left.Proceed up Lovers Walk and turn left up hill. At the top of Annan Hill turn left towards the Solway.
Follow the road downhill past the houses at Gordon Terrace, Sutherland Terrace and Argyll Terrace. The road then turns sharp left down to the dwellings at The Kenziels.
Here turn right and follow the track down to Waterfoot.
An information board on the sandstone pier gives the history of Waterfoot and a toposcope on the Burns Cairn indicates places of interest.
Return to Annan
- Follow the unfenced road, cross a cattle grid and carry straight on.
- After reaching the Waterfoot Road houses turn left onto the town quay.
- Turn right and walk along Port Street back to the High Street and the Town Hall.
