Mull of Galloway Trail 2: Ardwell to Stranraer

Summary

The second stage of the Mull of Galloway Trail is a walk of two halves. From Ardwell to the village of Sandhead as far as Clayshant it follows the pleasant coastline. It then turns inland along minor roads before a final cross-country stretch to reach Stranraer.

Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked coastal paths, can be a little wet or overgrown at times. Minor roads, forest tracks.

Getting there

Start

Ardwell.

Public Transport

Ardwell linked to Stranraer by bus; Stranraer has good services.

Start Grid Ref

NX109457

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 19.5km / 12 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 67m (Profile)

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Explorer 309 - Stranraer

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

This stage starts in the tiny village of Ardwell, which has a bus service (and a car park at the southern end). Head north along the pavement, turn right after the row of whitewashed cottages to reach the shore at Ardwell chalets. A sign by the sea indicates to turn left along the grassy path adjacent to the pebble beach. Cross a concrete sea defence; beyond this the path swings left and then continues between the road and sea. Cross a small footbridge and go straight across the grassy area beyond.

Stage 2

The path turns right opposite a bungalow and becomes quite overgrown in places; continue left before it reaches the shoreline. Head up to join the road before reaching Dyemill Cottage. Just before the cottage cross the road and climb some steps. Follow a path round to walk between trees, with a stone wall on the left and the road below on the right. Emerge from the trees to a field beside the road. Go through a kissing gate and cross the road, then turn back on yourself for a short distance before turning again to go down to the shoreline. A sign indicates where to veer left, then right to follow a path across a wooded slope. Cross a stile to enter a field, then continue along the right edge until a stile gives access to a shore path once again. Cross a footbridge and continue, soon between two fences. Before reaching Sandhead there is a short tidal stretch - if the tide is out continue on the beach; you may be able to carefully follow a shelf path half way up the seawall, or at high tide you'd need to divert to the road (busy with no verge - care needed).

Stage 3

Soon the grassy parking area at the south end of Sandhead is reached - there is a cafe/tearoom on the left here, and toilets. Continue along the coast, soon heading onto a path which runs along the MoD fence at back of the sandy bay. When the Sands of Luce Caravan Park is reached continue on the sand in front of the caravans and cross the footbridge over the Sandmill Burn; this may be inaccessible at very high tide in which case a detour through the caravan site may be needed. At low tide the sands here are popular with sand yachters using kites to propel the three-wheeled vehicles across the flat sand. You can either walk on the beach or on a path just a little way back in the dunes, however you need to head up onto the dune path after 0.5km as the path heads down and inland at a marker post.

Stage 4

The path meanders through bracken and the grassy dunes eventually heading north over a small ridge to continue to a footbridge with an observation tower at the MoD rifle range visible ahead. Take care as the path skirts the edge of a motorcross practice area and then heads inland on the left side of a fence passing between gorse bushes. The path passes a house at Clayshant and runs alongside a track before reaching the B7084.

Stage 5

Go straight across up the quiet minor road opposite. Follow this past Low Mye and then on round the bend to the left; turn right after the bend onto a quiet road past High Mye and then Mosscroft. When the B7077 is reached turn left but then immediately right, following another minor road to Barnultoch. Follow the road as it bends right and then left, continuing until a T-junction. Here turn left and then immediately right again, up the farm track to High Barnultoch. Go straight ahead past the farm, heading through a kissing gate onto the route of an old path between two hedges.

Stage 6

Another kissing gate leads into open pastureland. The route continues straight ahead with a fenceline and row of trees on your right - the stiles over this fence are provided to enable escape into the adjcent field if there is a bull grazing on the route! Assuming this isn't necessary, continue ahead until a kissing gate leads into a belt of woodland. Amidst the trees bear right and then left downhill to quickly leave the woods at another kissing gate. You are now in another open pasture - continue ahead with a fence on your left this time, again equipped with stiles if you need to avoid any bulls that may be present. At the far end turn right onto a tarmac lane - part of the Southern Upland Way.

Stage 7

When the lane reaches a T-junction at the woods turn left, then keep following the main track as it curves right. Ignore the Southern Upland Way which turns off to the right, staying on the main track. At a fork keep ahead through a gate (signed for Mull of Galloway Trail), then continue through the woods. At another fork keep left, ignoring the track that curves right. Keep ahead/slightly left at a final fork, then emerge on a road. Go straight across this into more woodland; soon the path passes high over the railway line.

Stage 8

After a bridge the route emerges on a residential street. Go left here, following the street to a crossroads, then go straight ahead to reach the seafront. The centre of Stranraer is now along the pavement to the left, whereas the Loch Ryan Coastal Path to Cairnryan and Glenapp heads right along the front.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Rhins of Galloway Hotels

Rhins of Galloway B&B

Galloway cottages

Galloway hostels

Glamping and Camping

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