Glenkiln Estate and Reservoir Shawhead Kirkcudbrightshire.

There is a wee parking area at the head of the Reservoir, which is an ideal place to start exploring the Glenkiln Estate.  The main attraction of this area was the collection of sculptures by Augusta Rodin, Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore.

 

A Grand 21st Birthday Present 

The collection was the creation of Sir William (Tony) Keswick, who was given the 3000-acre   estate as a twenty first birthday present in 1924 - it certainly tops a pewter drinking mug!

Tony Keswick was born in Japan in 1903 and was the third generation of the Keswick dynasty to be associated with Jardine Matheson who have vast business interests in Asia. Keswick was shot twice after a dispute on the Shanghai Racecourse but was not badly injured.

Assembling the collection began in the 1950’s and was made accessible to the general public, that was until fairly recently. After one of Henry Moore’s statures (The King and Queen) was stolen and others vandalised all the remaining statues were removed except two by Moore, the Glenkiln Cross and the Two Piece Reclining Figure.

 

The Glenkiln Reservoir.

The fact that we could not see all the sculptures did not spoil our walk and should not put you off visiting this pretty glen with its rolling pastures, moorland and its reservoir. Created in 1934 by damming the Old Water of Cluden, the reservoir covers an area of 80 acres and helps serve the Dumfries area with drinking water.

 

Standing Figure no Moore.

Cornlee Bridge.

Take a short walk north from the car park along the Margiolly Burn to the Cornlee Bridge where you can still see where Moore’s Standing Figure once stood.

 

Glenkiln Cross.

From here you head back passed the car park after which you take the second gate on the right hand side and then head up the Marieig Hill to see the powerful Glenkiln Cross.

 

The Cross above the reservoir. 

From this vantage point you get a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside and can appreciate the magnificence of the Glenkiln Reservoir.

Retrace your steps back to the road and follow it south until you come to a well made up track on the right. This will take you across some lush countryside and passed some plantations of pine trees. 

Two Piece Reclining Figure.

When you come to the Glen Bridge you turn left down a narrow road, and head down the hill. It’s on this road you will discover the second of Moore’s remaining sculptures, a rather strange abstract piece called the Two Piece Reclining Figure.

 

Topiary at the Junction.

 Continue downhill to the T-junction, with its grand pierce of topiary, and then turn left and head up the road with the reservoir on your right until you return to the car park. A greatly enjoyed 5 mile circular walk on a lovely bright winters day.