The Hike Up Grey Mare's Tail

This is a challenging walk. It must only be attempted by very fit hill walkers who are appropriately equipped.

Walk alongside one of the UK’s highest waterfalls – the mighty Grey Mare’s Tail. The National Trust for Scotland’s nature reserve is an impressive glacial landscape with a 60m drop. At the top is Loch Skeen, a tranquil spot and the highest significantly sized upland loch in Southern Scotland (500m above sea level) with a dramatic backdrop of towering peaks. Along the way, it's highly likely that you’ll catch a glimpse of a few wild goats and you may even see an osprey fishing in Loch Skeen. The reserve is also home to Britain's rarest fern and freshwater fish. Look out for the peregrine falcon – the world’s fastest animal.

This is a strenuous 13.5km high level walk, with some rough terrain in places and over 910m of ascent

A minibus will take us to the starting point: the National Trust for Scotland car park. From here the route initially ascends a steep path. Once the gradient eases, we will leave the path, cross the Tail Burn and then steadily climb White Coomb, a Corbett (Scottish hills over 762m).

The post-glacial landscape is an open mosaic of heather and rough grazing that includes eight habitats of European importance and many plant species of international, national and regional significance.

The reserve is botanically diverse, containing the richest assemblage of rare upland plants in Southern Scotland. Recognised as a Special Area of Conservation, Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is popular with hill walkers, botanists and wildlife enthusiasts. There is also historical evidence of Iron Age settlers and the Covenanters who sought sanctuary here in the 17th century.

Transport is included.

Top tip this is an all-day walk so you are advised to bring a packed lunch.

Host or Publisher Moffat Walking Weekend