Explore Burrow Head, the southern most point on the Machars, on this coastal circuit. The clifftop here was used to film the final scenes from The Wickerman and provides dramatic scenery today.
Waymarked coastal path, steep unprotected clifftops, minor road.
Bus to Isle of Whithorn.
Isle of Whithorn.
Isle of Whithorn is a pretty village with a sheltered natural harbour. There is parking at the far end of the harbour, or in the centre of the village. From here walk along the road towards Whithorn. After passing a postbox look for a signed path to the left, head along this to pass a stone building and then through a kissing gate into a field. Keep straight ahead to cross the field to a gate in the stone wall and look out for a marker post ahead which leads to a bridge and steps to another gate. Bear slightly uphill to pick up the coastal path, marked by yellow arrows.
The route sticks to the coast, heading through a number of metal gates, all waymarked. The scenery gets more dramatic as the rocky coastline is revealed and the walk starts to climb up onto the higher cliffs. This is a good place to spot gannets who often feed in the waters here from their nearby nesting colony at Little Scares and Big Scares Rocks. Cormorants can also often be seen on the rocks below, while the water itself is good for seeing passing marine mammals.
The path keeps to the seaward side of the fenced fields, sometimes close to the high cliffs so care is needed especially in windy conditions. The impressive columns of the cliffs can be seen as well as a couple of blow holes passed on the way to Burrow Head.
The highest point on this section of coast, Burrow Head is also the most southerly, a cairn inland marks the high point. This was setting for the climatic final scenes of the cult film, The Wickerman. Here, the hapless Seargent Howie, played by Edward Woodward, was burnt alive in the massive wooden wickerman structure, while the pagan villagers danced and sang. The remains of the Wickerman's legs were visible for many years but have now been removed.
Keep following the coastal path and soon the caravan park comes into view ahead. The path keeps to the cliff edge where some impressive rocks can be seen far below, until it descends to the edge of the caravan park at a sign. The coastal path continues to St Ninian's Cave which would make a good linear walk if transport can be arranged.
This route however heads back to Isle of Whithorn inland. After passing the first row of caravans, pick up the main surfaced track through the caravan park and bear right along it to pass the bar and swimming pool. Keep following the main track which bends left at the mini golf course to pass the reception building. The track then bends right to reach the minor road. Follow this through open countryside, passing the cottages at Cutloy to eventually return to Isle of Whithorn.
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