Best walks from Gretna Green

Lockerbie Station to Gretna Green Station

Tough: 31km. Moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Gretna Green Station to Carlisle Station

A long and varied route. Starts on a fast road verge running alongside the M6, then improves to quieter roads, field paths to the River Esk and a railway footbridge and riverside fields that can be very muddy and flood-prone. Finishes on suburban roads and a historic stretch past Carlisle Castle and Cathedral. Several badly puddled farm tracks. The route passes Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral and the Tullie and Guildhall museums, and crosses through the Solway Coast National Landscape. An England Coast Path improvement may one day offer a better, less road-bound start.

19km.

The opening section follows the verge of a fast, busy road parallel to the M6 with a narrow, overgrown edge; great care is needed. Riverside fields can flood and the farm road up to Cargo can be very deeply puddled and muddy. Watch for tidal flooding and cows near Rockcliffe.

Lunch stop: the Crown and Thistle.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Annan Station to Gretna Green Station

sweeping views. Quiet lanes out of Annan join a lovely footpath along the Merse beach, then cut inland through Eastriggs. The middle section follows the fast B721 to Rigg and after which quieter country lanes and easy pavemented roads lead into Gretna.

15km.

Between Eastriggs and Rigg the route follows the busy, fast B721 with no real alternative; careful attention to traffic is required.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route