We will take a minibus to Annan Water community hall just 6km from Moffat, where we start this walk. This is an upland route following Auchencat Burn to the iron rich spring of Hartfell Spa. Merlin, the wizard of Arthurian legend – in fact a real-life nomadic druid – lived right here in Southern Scotland in the sixth century. Hartfell Spa is a significant location on the Merlin Trail. Learn more here or visit Moffat Museum.
Discover the healing waters of Hartfell Spa
This walk is a steady 3.5 miles gently uphill and has an off-the-beaten-track feel. We will meander along an easy footpath across fields and open hillside of thick grass, heather and mosses, passing a deer farm on the way. There is a smaller track before reaching the spa with steep slopes to the right where you need to be cautious especially if the ground is wet.
Hidden in this glorious landscape is Hartfell Spa, which was discovered in 1748. But beware: the path is quite narrow on the lead up to the spa.
The spa water contains iron and calcium deposits and was bottled and sold to tourists worldwide in the 1800s in the belief that it could cure many ills including ‘debility and anaemia’. Do try the water from within the well and outside. It's perfectly safe.
On the way back we take a slight detour on a softer descent passing the deer farm again (some are very friendly and curious) past a field of young and quite beautiful trees. A minibus will return us to Moffat.
Top tip: Take a torch to see the carved ceiling stone of Hartfell Spa.
