Rigg Bay and Cruggleton Castle, from Garlieston

Summary

This superb coastal walk heads around the back of beautiful Rigg Bay before continuing along the richly wooded coastline, with a final clifftop stretch to the ruins of Cruggleton Castle - an excellent viewpoint. The route is described here as an out-and-back walk from Garlieston, but if you can arrange transport then it's possible to continue along the coastal path to Portyerrock and Isle of Whithorn.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Coastal path, including woodland sections, field edges and cliff top. Can be muddy in places.

Getting there

Start

Car park at Garlieston.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NX476451

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km / 6.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 131m (Profile)

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Explorer 311 - Wigtown

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There's a parking area in Garlieston, a little south of the Harbour Inn; there are toilets opposite. Begin the walk by following the tarmac road south, with the caravan site on your left. The lane passes some modern flats and reaches the jetty; continue along the seafront beyond, following a track which leads to a gate, signed as a footpath for Portyerrock.

Stage 2

Continue along the narrow coastal path, shaded by some fine trees. Go through a pedestrian gate and continue on the far side; the going can be muddy in places. Over to the right you get glimpses of the immense stately pile that is Galloway House - it was used as a hospital for injured servicemen during the war but today is once again a private home.

Stage 3

Pass through another gate and continue, reaching a wooden shelter. Take the left fork here to stay nearer the sea as the route passes around Rigg Bay (also known as Cruggleton Bay). Soon a couple of picnic tables are reached, enjoying a superb location. A Mulberry Harbour was set up here during World War 2 and used to practice landings, but few remnants of this remain.

Stage 4

Continue along the path with the sea over your left; it leads through beautiful mature woodland, with stunning views out across the bay, backed by distant Cairnharrow.

Stage 5

Bear left by a ruined building to continue through the trees. Eventually the path climbs up above the shore onto Sliddery Point at the far end of the bay, giving good views back. Knarled old trees continue until the woodland ends at a spectacularly-situated estate cottage overlooking the sea.

Stage 6

Continue along the now open clifftop path, switching to the other side of the drystone dyke at a gate and stile. After a kissing gate the path continues along the edge of the fields. After another stile and gate the ruins of Cruggleton Castle are reached.

Stage 7

This dates back to the twelfth century although the ruins are not extensive today, being grass-grown though a single arch still stands. The commanding position - atop a mound - offers panoramic views along the coast in both directions.

Stage 8

The coastal path continues for another 8km or so to Portyerrock and Isle of Whithorn. Most people, however, need to return to the start, so our route turns at Cruggleton Castle. Head back the same way you came along the field edges, through the woods and round the back of the bay to return to the start at Garlieston.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Newton Stewart Hotels

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