A short circular walk along the cliffs to the south of Portpatrick to the ruins of Dunskey Castle and returning on a disused railway line. Good coastal scenery.
Bog Factor
Clear paths, steep steps near start, can be muddy in places.
Portpatrick.
Bus to Portpatrick.
NW999538
Drive down to the front in Portpatrick and turn left; there's parking at the southern end of the seafront. From the entrance to the car park a signed path climbs up a long flight of steps to the cliff top.
There are great views back over Portpatrick, whilst the view ahead is looking south along the rugged coastline of the Rhins of Galloway. Seabirds love this coastline and on a clear day Ireland can easily be seen.
A few steps lead down to a bridge high above a deep inlet with the sea crashing below. The path now follows a narrow strip of land between the cliffs and the cutting for the disused railway line which used to run to Stranraer - the steepest sections are fenced.
Soon the ruins of Dunskey Castle come into view. The 16th century tower house is built right on the cliff top with a rock-cut ditch protecting the landward side. The building is now a roofless shell but the high walls which are 1.5 metres thick in places give an impression of how the large building must have looked. There was a medieval fort on the site which was destroyed in 1489 and the present structure was built by the Adairs of Kinhilt, who also owned the Castle of St John in Stranraer, in about 1510. The castle was extended in the 17th century.
Once past the castle follow the narrow path next to the old fenceposts which heads inland next to a deep inlet. Look out for a turning onto a path that heads sharp left, before you reach the footpath signs. The walk can be extended by following the path to the right which leads to Morroch Bay which adds another 3km there and back; otherwise, take that unmarked path on the left.
Otherwise keep straight on when another path leads to the castle on the right and then keep a sharp eye out for a faint path and some worn steps on the right which lead down to the old railway line. Once down the few steps turn left along the old railway line and soon the old railway is in a cutting. As the first buildings are reached follow a surfaced track downhill and bear left down the road which returns to the seafront.
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