Kirkdale Water Driven Sawmill and Nature Trail

Currently probably the only working water-powered sawmill in Scotland.

The Kirkdale sawmill is driven by an overshot water-wheel and dates from the early 1800's. It was used as an estate sawmill and joiners' shop until the 1970's.

It has recently been restored with a new sloping roof over the saw bench, replacing the previous pitched roof. The mill dam, sluice gate, and lade have also been repaired.

The Sawmill is situated beside the Kirkdale Burn. The burn runs from beyond the prehistoric standing stones at Cairn Holy to the sea at Ravenshall near Dirk Hatterick's cave, which features in Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering.

Kirkdale Glen is crossed by three bridges, the oldest being the stone bridge just below the mill which was built in the Middle Ages.

Where the cars are parked by the bollards is an eighteenth century bridge designed by Robert Adam, which was later widened to take traffic on the A75.

The present trunk road crosses Kirkdale burn over a concrete culvert, through which there is a run for otters to prevent them being killed by traffic as they try to follow the burn up Kirkdale Glen from the sea.

Opening Hours

Mondays 10am – 4 pm April –Sept. At other times groups by appointment.

Contact

Kirkdale Water Driven Sawmill and Nature Trail

Kirkdale
Carsluith
Newton Stewart
Wigtownshire
DG8 7EA
Great Britain

Tel: +44 (1644) 450231
E-Mail: info@kirkdale-sawmill.org.uk
WWW: http://www.kirkdale-sawmill.org.uk