Glen of the Hole

Valley in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Glen of the Hole

Southbound on the Rhins of Galloway Rockhopping on the way into the mouth of Clanyard bay — Southbound on the Rhins of Galloway Credit: Tony Page

Glen of the Hole, located in Wigtownshire, Scotland, is a picturesque valley that stretches for approximately 5 miles. Nestled between rolling hills and lush greenery, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The glen is named after the small village of Hole, which sits at the heart of the valley.

The landscape of Glen of the Hole is characterized by its rugged beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The valley is carved by the meandering Water of Luce, a river that flows through the glen, adding to its charm. The surrounding hills provide a stunning backdrop, with their heather-covered slopes and rocky outcrops.

The glen is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot various species of birds, including buzzards and peregrine falcons, soaring through the sky. The river is teeming with fish, making it a popular spot for anglers. The valley is also known for its wildflowers, with vibrant displays of bluebells and primroses during the spring months.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Glen of the Hole offers numerous walking and hiking trails. The terrain varies from gentle paths suitable for leisurely strolls to more challenging routes for experienced hikers. One popular route is the Glen of the Hole Circular Walk, which takes visitors on a scenic tour of the glen, passing through woodland and alongside the river.

Overall, Glen of the Hole is a hidden gem in Wigtownshire, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside. Whether it's a leisurely walk or an adventurous hike, this tranquil valley has something to offer for everyone.

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Glen of the Hole Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.691854/-4.9397803 or Grid Reference NX1036. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Southbound on the Rhins of Galloway

Rockhopping on the way into the mouth of Clanyard bay

Tony Page

Towards Barncorkrie Moor

The gorse on the hillside glows brightly against the new spring grass in the sheep pasture.

Barry Boxer

Barncorkrie Farm

With Barncorkrie Moor behind and the minor road to Inshanks Fell in front.

Barry Boxer

Fields towards Cairn Fell

With Barncorkrie Moor to left.

Barry Boxer

Fields by Knockencule

With outbuildings of Knockencule Farm to right.

Barry Boxer

Breddock Bay

Breddock Bay taken on a sea kayak trip from East Tarbet to port Logan

Douglas Wilcox

Craig of Dolt

Craig of Dolt is composed of vertical and folded strata of greywacke, a sedimentary rock. The photo was taken in the vicinity of a delightfully named Gobawhilkin, while on a sea kayaking trip from East Tarbet to Port Logan.

Douglas Wilcox

Cairn, Barncorkrie Moor

A rather neat cairn on the summit of the moor overlooking Barncorkrie. Another, nearby, is named the Cairn of Dolt, but I didn't go there.

Jonathan Wilkins

Carlin House Bay

A small bay eroded along the strike of the rather deformed rocks of the turbiditic greywackes of the Clanyard Bay Formation (Gala Group, Silurian). Much interest attaches to the deformation style and stratigraphy of this area, but I did not climb down from the grassy col between the larger and smaller bays.

Jonathan Wilkins

Barncorkrie sheds and house

Looking up the farm road past the sheds.

Jonathan Wilkins

Farm track

Looking up the farm track towards the col of Balloch, with Cairn fell in the right background.

Jonathan Wilkins

Sheep fanks

Looking down onto the sheep fanks at Balloch, with Cairn Fell in the background.

Jonathan Wilkins

Granite outcrop

Heading west on Barncorkrie Moor the geology changes to granite and quite quickly the heather begins to dominate the moorland pasture.

Jonathan Wilkins

Deformed rocks

An outcrop of highly deformed greywacke which is intruded by felsite dykes. These rugged rocks drop steeply to the sea from a pronounced feature known as Carlin House.

Jonathan Wilkins

Raised beach

The west coast of the Rhins only has isolated lengths of raised beach, and this is a quite spectacular section. Another fine length is at Ardwell bay, NX0745 : Raised beach. The great antiquity of the formation is indicated by the prolific growth of lichen on the cobbles, which shows that it is never moved by wave action. It is distressing to see that this very special formation is being dug for hardcore and destroyed.

Jonathan Wilkins

Moffat shales

Between the major blocks of tilted strata it is common to find outcrops of the Moffat Shales, of Silurian age as are the adjoining Gala and Cairnharrow Group greywackes. It appears that these weak rocks formed detachment surfaces along which there was severe deformation and transport of kilometre-scale blocks of strata. Clanyard Bay was formed by erosion of shattered rock adjacent to one of these major faults, and the striped appearance of this shale outcrop is due to intense deformation and injection of quartz veins into fractures which run parallel to the main fault.

Jonathan Wilkins

Calliedown Bay

Looking southwards into this unapproachable bay, with Clanyard Bay behind. Streams are eroding gullies into the soft, glacial deposits above the bedrock.

Jonathan Wilkins