A Galloway coastal classic, this walk heads along the dramatic clifftops and the shoreline between Balcary Point and Rascarrel. It is deservedly popular.
Sections of fairly rough coastal path, woodland and field paths and tracks. Can be muddy in places.
None to start.
Car park at Balcary Bay.
The car park at Balcary Bay is at the end of the public road, just past / behind the grand Balcary Bay hotel. This area was once popular with smugglers, and according to some stories the hotel was originally built as a front for these activities, with several caves beneath it. The walk begins by heading past the white buildings; as the track bends left go straight ahead - signed for Balcary Point. A kissing gate then gives access to a large field; bear left through this, following a thin path. There are superb views on the left looking across Balcary Bay and its much larger parent, Auchencairn Bay. Eventually another kissing gate leads into the woods.
A bench provides a viewpoint on the left as the path continues through the trees, passing some beautifully located houses almost hidden in the trees. Eventually the path crosses an access track and the trees are soon left behind to reveal superb views, across to Rockcliffe, out to Hestan Island and to the offshore windfarm in the Solway Firth. The path rounds Balcary Point and begins climbing as the coastal cliffs gain in height.
This section has some magnificent coastal scenery as the narrow path climbs above the unprotected cliff edge on the flanks of Balcary Hill. Go through a kissing gate - the walk can be shortened greatly by a right turn here - and continue along the clifftops to reach the highest point, where a bench gives a superb outlook over the sea.
The path then descends to reach a second bench at Airds Point, which looks back along the cliffs just traversed. Continue along the coastline until a grassy track is met; follow this as it slopes down to reach the shore itself. The route now continues along the shoreline, eventually reaching a group of summer beach houses and cabins.
Pass to the left of these; the route now becomes a track that winds through the scattered native trees. Eventually it reaches a rough track that turns inland - bear right and do not cross the bridge. Ignore another footbridge as you follow the track inland to eventually leads to a minor road. Turn right here and follow the road for 700m until a signpost indicates a right turn on a broad path / track into the plantations.
Look out for a path which turns off on the right, marked by a finger post sign. Eventually the path curves left and reaches the dam across the outflow of Loch Mackie. Head through a kissing gate and ignore a sign pointing right, instead keeping straight ahead.
A rough track leads through several gates before reaching Airds Cottage. Continue straight down the lane from here to return to Balcary Bay car park.
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