Muirshiel: the Calder valley and the barytes mine
A moorland track up the River Calder to the remains of a mine that closed in 1969.
- Distance
- 5.2 km
- Ascent
- 80 m
- Time
- 1.5–2 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 277 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Muirshiel: the Calder valley and the barytes mine is an easy 5.2 km out-and-back walk with 80 m of ascent, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It starts at Muirshiel Country Park (grid reference NS 314 631).
From the visitor centre at Muirshiel, a track follows the River Calder into the moors to the old barytes mine, where the white mineral used in paint and drilling mud was dug until 1969. The spoil heaps and ruined buildings sit in a wide, empty valley with hen harriers overhead. Return the same way.
Route
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1
The mine
Follow the track up the Calder to the mine and return.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Muirshiel: the Calder valley and the barytes mine take?
- Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours for the 5.2 km route, which has 80 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Muirshiel Country Park (grid reference NS 314 631). Car park at the visitor centre, at the end of the Calder Glen road.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- No practical public transport.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. A rough moorland track.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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