Orchardton Tower and the Almorness Estate Kirkcudbrightshire.

Waking up to a beautiful day we decided to travel out into our lovely local countryside for a walk.

Across from the estate to Screel.

This time we decided to drive towards Palnackie via Dundrennan and Auchencairn and take the right turn on the A711 signposted to Orchardton Tower, then taking the right fork after the tower and driving to a small car park before the stone entrance posts to the Almorness Estate.

Almorness House.

Following the narrow metalled lane until you reach Almorness House on your left.

Gibbs Hole Wood.

The ancient trees.

 The house and adjoining lands we’re probably owned by the Douglas family of Castle Douglas at one time. Branch right and follow the track through the rather beautiful Gibbs Hole Wood eventually ending this pleasurable walk on the sandy shore at Horse Isles Bay. 

Horse Isles Bay.

You can go further to White Port but we wanted to visit Orchardton Tower on the way back and have lunch at the Pantry in Castle Douglas so decided to perhaps go on further next time.

The Tower.

There is a wee car park in front of the well-preserved Historic Tower.  Orchardton Tower is 11m high and 9m in diameter and is the only example of a round tower-house in Scotland but they are common in Ireland. 

The remaining roof over the spiral staircase.

It was believed to have been built in 1450’s for John Cairns, passing to the Maxwell family in 1633. Its most famous resident was Sir Robert Maxwell, who featured in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Guy Mannering (1815). 

The southwest elevation with outbuildings.

To the southwest are the remains of servant’s quarters, workshops and storerooms. 

View from the top of the Tower.

You can climb to the top of the tower via a spiral stone staircase with the help of a rope handhold for a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.

This mysterious building is well worth a visit.

The Carved Piscina, found in the inner wall of the tower, is traditionally used to wash the holy vessels during mass.

Not always a clear road back!