Gretlon one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Gretlon here.

I have walked this a couple of time in the hope of finding a safer section between Gretna, A6071 road, and Woodfield house where the footpath starts/ terminates for Longtown.
While there are indications of access using paths which are part of the Netherby route link, I have been unable to locate any information pertaining to the route(s) or permission to access the woods to the south of Beck Burn wind farm.
Starting from Graham Arms, Longtown, head west following path over the bridge for approximately 800 yards until the A7 meet the A6971. Crossing the road, then following the footpath until it ends at Woodfield house. Approximately 1.5 miles from Longtown. The path is, at times, narrow and close to the road, photo 1. After Woodfield, there is almost a mile of road section with soft, narrow verge. Route is subject to highspeed vehicles and HGV's. At around 2.3 miles from Longtown is the junction leading to Springfield road. Again no footpath, high speed traffic, includes HGV at speed and soft narrow verge , obstructed in places with trees and bushes.
Continue onwards until the peat works and which point there is a choice of routes. Cross the road and take the road to Guards Mill as set out or carry on towards Springfield.
The Guards Mill route is a B route to parallel the A6971, ending at the farm. Access to the and return to the A6971 is via gated path at the south side of the farm through a field to gated steps.
This places you back on the verge. The route the heads south the verge and over M6 and B7076 until hotel at Sark bridge where you can pickup the footpath.
An alternatively route is to follow the Springfield road until it crosses the border. However there is no reasonable verge until Plumpe Farm. Continue on, crossing the River Sark and into Scotland, past the kissing seat for approximately 100 yards before the railway bridge, on the south bound side of the road is a signpost for a Scottish core footpath, GRET/322/2, https://dumgal.gov.uk/article/15304/Core-paths-in-Dumfries-and-Galloway. This path follows the river Sark to Gretna.
NOTE: This route can have cows and calves and is not recommended during this time for dog walkers as cows can be aggressive when with calves.
Following the route beside the Sark leads to step fence crossing under the M6.
Turning north follow the path towards the Gretna retail park, where it turns west, to come out at the A6971.

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