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The Mull of Galloway Trail

The Mull of Galloway Trail stretches for 40km from the dramatic lighthouse at the southernmost point of Scotland to the town of Stranraer. For much of that distance it follows the eastern coastline of the Rhins of Galloway, an unspoiled and remote peninsula. The walk takes in the RSPB reserve at the Mull, some fine sandy beaches and quiet villages, before the final cross-country stretch to Stranraer. Although often close to roads, the route takes to shoreline paths whenever it can and offers some very attractive walking for most of the way.

The route is extended by the Loch Ryan Coastal Path - a key link that connects the northern end of the route with the Ayrshire Coastal Path - so it could be just the start of an epic long walk.

Stage descriptions Length Time Done
Mull of Galloway to Ardwell 20.5km 5-6 hours
Ardwell to Stranraer 19.5km 5-6 hours
Loch Ryan Coastal Path 19km 5-6 hours

THE CHALLENGE

From the Mull to Clayshant (part way through the second stage) the route shadows the coastline, though is often near the road. It is mostly well sign-posted but some stretches are infrequently walked and can become a little overgrown. Beyond Clayshant the route follows minor roads and country paths.

From Stranraer to Cairnryan the Loch Ryan Coastal Path is of similar character to the Mull of Galloway Trail - shadowing the coast - but after Cairnryan the path climbs up for a very boggy and challenging final stretch across soggy moorland.

ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES

The Mull of Galloway is Scotland's most southerly point, and an RSPB reserve. Facilities here are limited to a car park and a seasonal cafe.

Drummore is the main village in the southern part of the Rhins. It has a shop, pub and bed and breakfast accommodation.

The tiny village of Ardwell has no facilities except for its car park and bus stop.

Sandhead has a hotel, cafe/tea room and public toilets.

Stranraer is a substantial town with all facilities.

Cairnryan has hotels and bed and breakfast.

Glenapp at the end of the Loch Ryan Coastal Path (start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path) has no facilities but is passed by buses.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is no public transport to the very start of the route at the Mull of Galloway. Drummore, Ardwell, Sandhead, Stranraer, Cairnryan and Glenapp are all linked by buses.

Stranraer has good bus links to other parts of Scotland, and a railway station.

Timetables can be found on Traveline Scotland.

Users' walk reports for the Mull of Galloway Trail

There are 64 Walkhighlanders who have completed the Mull of Galloway Trail. To record if you have completed the route, you must register and be logged in. Our users have contributed 3 public walk reports for the route. These are ordered below with the most popular ones first.

Title AuthorDate walked Likes
MoG: easy to navigate, less easy to see the path at times  Elspeth P 15/08/2022  3
Terrific vistas, challenging terrain  Yerolda 28/04/2018  3
The Mull to Stranraer  Grace Jones 06/03/2022  2

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Walking can be dangerous and all walkers must take personal responsibility for their own safety. You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map. Walkhighlands strives to provide accurate information but cannot accept responsibility for changes, errors or omissions.