Inshanks Fell may be only 164 metres above sea level but it is the highest point on the South Rhins of Galloway and the view is senstional.

There is no path to the summit, the ground is rough and a barbed wire fence needs to be negotiated so a bit of caution is required but well worth the effort.

Park in the tiny village of Kirkmaiden which is near Drummore. There is usually space to park near Kirkmaiden Old Kirk (which was a location in 2000 Acres of Sky)

Take the turning just south of the Old Kirk beside a red phone box and walk along the narrow minor road to the west. The road is mostly downhill and views are good as you approach Castle Clanyard. Remains of the castle on your right.

Take a left turning at Castle Clanyard farm and walk along a concrete road, past farm buildings bearing left. A burn runs alongside this good track on your left. The track runs uphill away from the farm and after a while, passes a new build house with an interesting round turret, the track turns to grass as has great views.

On reaching the road, turn left and soon you will see a gate on your right. Climb the gate and follow a faint track for a short while then proceed left towards the summit of Inshanks Fell. There is no path but once you reach higher ground, you will see the trig point in the distance. Pick the easiest way through the uneven and, in some places, overgrown ground towrads the summit. There is a barbed wire fence which is too rickety to climb bit an agile walker can crawl below the wire. The fence was broken in places so another option is to find a place where you can step over it.

Once at the summit you will be amazed at the views in all directions taking in the Galloway Hills, Cumbrian Fells, Mountains of Mourne, Isle of Man and much more.

Best option is to retrace your steps back to the road, climb the gate agan and go right towards Kirkmaiden, turning left shortly before the village.

The walk including the fell should take no more than two hours and the ascent of the hill is only about 40-50 metres. It still a great walk even without the hill ascent and would reduce the time to just over an hour.