Image shared for Hoddom Castle and River Annan Woodland Circuit
Canal / Riverside Circular

Hoddom Castle and River Annan Woodland Circuit

Dumfries and Galloway

Distance
1.9 mi
Est. time
1h 15m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the signed Hoddom and Kinmount woodland car park and picnic site off the B725, just west of its junction with the B723 near Hoddom Bridge. The pin is at the woodland-path edge of this public parking area. It is separate from the caravan pitches and the castle visitor parking farther inside the estate. Read the walking board and follow any current estate notices.

Take the woodland path towards Hoddom Castle, reaching the castle drive. Follow the marked riverside woodland link west towards the castle, then continue on the visitor approach past the outside of the old tower. The castle dates from the sixteenth century and stands among mature trees and later estate buildings. Keep to the walking route around these buildings and the edge of the caravan park.

Follow the woodland track northwest of the castle, then the path through the trees and field towards the River Annan. At the Mainholm footbridge approach, turn downstream on the west-bank path. Mainholm Bridge is closed after an engineering assessment found it unsafe. Do not cross it or follow the longer farm circuit on the far bank. This walk stays on the castle side of the river throughout.

Continue beside the Annan with the golf-course ground on your right. The path rounds the river bend and re-enters woodland. Keep towards Hoddom Bridge and the original castle drive, then retrace the short woodland approach to the car park. There is no need to walk over the narrow road bridge.

Allow about an hour and a quarter, including time by the castle and river. The route uses established paths and tracks, with gates or stiles and uneven, muddy sections. Wear shoes with grip and avoid the low river path during flooding. Give golfers space and stay on the marked route; the council leaflet prohibits dogs on the golf course, so this circuit is unsuitable with a dog. Castle refreshments are seasonal, so carry water and check opening arrangements before depending on facilities. The complete council circuit, current bridge-closure notice and mapped paths were checked on 3 October 2026.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
1.9 mi (3.0 km)
Est. time
1h 15m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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