Barr Trails

Fairy Knowe Trail 5.5 km / 3.5 miles

Down the track from the car park the walk follows the Water of Gregg past Changue House to a point where the track forks sharp right and ascends to the forest. Continuing through the trees for 500yds the route bears left along a woodland trail. From this elevated route overlooking the Gregg Valley occasional views are glimpsed through the trees over the Changue Forest to the hills beyond. Once clear of the trees and on to the open hill an impressive vista opens up to the east.

Haggis Hill, Rowantree Hill and Pinbreck Hill form an impressive backdrop and beyond the Nick of the Balloch, an exciting hill pass on the road from Crosshill and Barr, which meets the Straiton road at the Rowantree Toll. Descending to a wooden footbridge the burn is crossed at an attractive waterfall and the way continues down along a narrow ridge to the valley below. Care should be taken when negotiating this ridge, as the path is steep and often slippery.

Traversing the burn you reach a delightful spot called the Fairy Knowe where it is worth pausing for a minute and looking back up the gully to where the burn rushes down a spectacular cleft in the hills. At this point you have the option, either to walk back down the Gregg Valley to the start or if you feel energetic you can turn right and continue along the Devil’s Trail to make a longer yet rewarding excursion.

View on Barr Trails leaflet on Gillian’s Walks and Ordnance Survey.

Dinmurchie Trail 5.1 km / 3.25 miles

The village of Barr is known by local people as “The Barr”, which is thought to mean the confluence of the waters. If you are lucky, you may see some of the wildlife found in this area; including deer, foxes, hares, kestrels and buzzards. 

View on Barr Trails leaflet, Ordnance Survey and Walkhighlands.

Devil's Footprint Trail 6.8 km / 4.25 miles

Legend has it that near High Changue, there is the site of a famous battle between the Laird of Changue and the Devil. The story goes that Changue was getting short of money and he decided to make a bargain with the Devil. He would sell his soul in return for great wealth. The Laird’s fortunes changed and he prospered for many years. When the time came to deliver his soul the Laird reneged on his bargain and refused to go. The Devil proceeded to lay hold of him, but Changue placing his Bible on the turf and drawing a circle with his sword around him, sturdily and, as it turned out, successfully defied his opponent. The story must be true because to this day on the hill above High Changue you can still see the Devil’s footprints, the circle drawn by the sword and the mark of the Bible clearly visible on the grass.

View on Barr Trails leaflet, Gillian’s Walks,  Ordnance Survey and Walkhighlands.

Changue Forest Trail 13.1 km / 8.25 miles

The word “Changue” of Gaelic origin means: the large rounded hill-shoulder of the nigh impenetrable inner row of storm-swept mountains. This is certainly a lengthy meaning, but one which accurately describes this area, especially during winter.

View on Barr Trails leaflet and Ordnance Survey