Mull of Galloway Trail 1: The Mull to Ardwell

Summary

The first stage of the Mull of Galloway Trail leaves the lighthouse to head along the east coast of the penisula, initially on a cliff top path and later through flatter farmland, woodland and seashore before passing through the village of Drummore (cafe, shop) before continuing the coastal route to Ardwell (toilets, bus).

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked clifftop and coastal paths, livestock so dogs should be under control.

Public Transport

None to start. Drummore and Ardwell are linked by bus from Stranraer.

Start

Mull of Galloway car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.5km / 12.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX155304

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts from the car park at the Mull of Galloway before the lighthouse, but it is worth exploring the headland, lighthouse and fog horn before you set off. Once you've done this, begin the walk proper from the car park by taking the path to the east (left as you look towards the lighthouse) to go through a gate. The path runs steeply down towards the cliff edge next to the wall before going through another kissing gate and heading left (north) on a grassy narrow path. Keep to the seaward side of the fence ignoring any gates and stiles as the clifftop path undulates with good views of the coastal route ahead.

Stage 2

Descend next to the fence towards the bay at East Tarbet, going round the derelict building on the right hand side and then turning left to pass in front of it and then right to head behind the fishing bothy and across the grassy back of the bay. Aim diagonally uphill to a marker post on the horizon and continue on the clifftop path. Eventually cross a stone wall on a stile and continue until the route descends a gentle grassy slope on the right between gorse bushes to reach a gate soon leading to the shingle shore at Portankill. Here it may be easier to cross the shingle but there is a small wooden footbridge over the burn to the left. The route now climbs back up to a cliff top path, again on the right side of a fence.

Stage 3

The route hugs the coastline passing through a kissing gate and later descending to a gate after which the path runs behind the shoreline (this can be a bit overgrown with bracken in the high summer). After a short section on the pebbly shore, the waymarked path returns to the ground behind the shore and at a gate Maryport bay can be seen ahead. Pass through the caravan park and continue on a grassy track past "The Hut" at the back of the wide sandy bay.

Stage 4

The path rounds Cailiness Point and narrows to pass between gorse bushes and then there are views across the pebbly shore to Dummore in the distance. At a gate keep right onto the minor road to pass the house and soon reach the outskirts of Drummore at a picnic area. Follow Cailiness Road to reach the harbour. Keep left here to follow Shore Road along the back of the harbour. The route continues along this road but you can detour to the left if you wish to visit the centre of Drummore which has a shop, tea room, pub and toilets.

Stage 5

To continue the walk, go straight ahead along Shore Street, passing the Ship Inn. At the end of the road the route becomes a tarred path, climbing gradually with a lovely outlook over the bay. At the top of the hill the main A716 is joined; continue northwards along the grass verge. At the back of Kilstay Bay waymarker posts indicate where you can veer to the right to briefly walk along closer to the sea. A second marker indicates where to cross the road at the farm track to Grennan Farm (sign for Wood Cottage), immediately turning right through a kissing gate to follow a path between a fence and the wall, parallel to the road. This is often overgrown in summer, forcing walkers onto the road.

Stage 6

The path passes through another kissing gate, and further on ascends a flight of wooden steps to continue higher above the road. After a third kissing gate it meets a wide track entrance - go straight across this to continue on a path right alongside the road once more. It is briefly surfaced but soon becomes a little rougher where it winds through trees. Eventually, at another kissing gate, the route crosses the road to continue as a grassy path on the seaward side. It reaches a picnic area at Terally Point; from here the route goes right along the shore for a while before returning to the road verge briefly at Terally Bay. A sign indicates where to head off to the right once more, on a rather overgrown section of path that soon joins the shore.

Stage 7

The route continues on pebbly stones where a house is visible to the left, becomes a grassy path and then returns to the shore again. Continue until the entrance to the New England Bay caravan club site; the path keeps to the right hand side of this across the grass next to the sandy beach. It then continues through marram grasses until a sign indicates where it bears slightly left to meet a track; turn right along this. At the MOD sign turn left, passing through a gap in a drystone wall, then right. The path now continues, mostly close to the shore. Cross a stile to enter a pasture, then leave this through a gap in a wall next to a signpost to continue on the seaward side of the wall.

Stage 8

The whitewashed cottages at Logan Mills are soon reached. The route heads onto the shingle beach to pass the cottages and house, then crosses a footbridge over the Balkenzie Burn. The signposting is unclear here; the route cuts left beside the last traditional white house, then turns right when a track is reached to head past a couple of derelict houses. Return to the shore and the pick up a path running alongside it. Continue until the shoreside path becomes wooded; here the path goes left and then right through the trees, keeping to the bottom of a bank until another sign indicates where to head left up makeshift steps. At the top turn right to meet a track, then turn left along this.

Stage 9

Continue along the track as it swings right past some palm trees, then left. Before it reaches the main road - with the impressive house at Auchness Tower visible - turn right through a kissing gate onto a path between two fences. After passing through another gate the path becomes rough on a wooded section, with the main road visible to the left across a ditch. Eventually the path meets and crosses the road; on the far side turn right onto another section between fences. At another kissing gate the path switches to the other side of the road again, running close by the shore to reach a parking and picnic area at the southern edge of Ardwell. From the far end of this join the road and turn right to reach the houses in the village (and bus).

Next stage: Mull of Galloway Trail: Ardwell to Stranraer

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