Southern Upland Way 1: Portpatrick to Castle Kennedy

Summary

The first stage of the Southern Upland Way starts along a dramatic stretch of coastline, with cliffs, a lighthouse and a view across a magnificent beach. It then heads inland across mostly farming country, keeping south of Stranraer to pass through woodland before reaching the village of Castle Kennedy.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Clifftop paths, then minor roads, farm tracks and moor and woodland paths. Though complex the route is well signposted.

Getting there

Start

Portpatrick harbour.

Public Transport

Buses to Portpatrick and Castle Kennedy from Stranraer. Stranraer has a rail station.

Start Grid Ref

NW998540

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Services

Portpatrick has hotels and B&B's and small food shop. Castle Kennedy has no accommodation (B&B nearby and regular bus to Stranraer which has all services), petrol station with small shop. Cafe at Castle Kennedy Gardens early in next stage.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21.5km / 13.25 miles
Time: 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 340m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

A sculpture marks the start of the Southern Upland Way on the headland round the far side of the harbour in Portpatrick. From here, follow the waymarkers to head back round the harbour, passing the lifeboat station and toilets, and then up the steps beyond the paypark, passing benches with good views back over Portpatrick. Keep on the seaward side of a disused building. Soon the path cimbs some steps to reach a surfaced track; turn left along this, adjacent to the golf course.

Stage 2

After passing a striking modern house atop the cliffs the route becmes a cliff top path with good views along the coast - Ireland can also be seen on a clear day. This section has a good selection of colourful flowers such as spring squill, yellow rattle and pink thrift in spring and summer. The path gradually descends towards the sandy inlet of Port Mora. Keep following the waymarkers as the path heads round the back of the bay and then keeps following the coastline to reach the next bay of Port Kale. Here there is a small white building, sometimes open as a ranger centre. Cross the the bridge and continue along the pebbly shore before heading behind a large rock to climb rocky steps with a chain hand rail. A short section of path leads to a longer flight of rocky steps to reach the cliff top.

Stage 3

The route now crosses open grazing land where dogs should be kept on leads. Killantringan Lighthouse can be seen in the distance. Keep following the grassy path, going through a gate at a stone wall and take care on the next section which can be prone to small landslips. Soon the rocky coastline is left behind at another kissing gate to follow the path inland and up onto a hillock overlooking Portamaggie and the lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1900, although the dangerous crosscurrents have still caused some shipwrecks including that of the Craigantlet, a container ship which ran aground in 1982 - the remains can be seen in the bay below. Follow the path to the lighthouse road and turn right.

Stage 4

There is a good viewpoint along the coast before the first cattlegrid. Follow the road inland until it meets a larger road - the B738 - at a T-junction. Turn left here, then take the next right turn 400m further on. Continue along the minor road for 1.4km until a signpost indicates a turn right onto a track. When the main gravel track turns right near a house, keep ahead onto a rougher track, soon passing through a gate and climbing uphill.

Stage 5

After another gate the track ends and open pastures are reached. Keep ahead to a marker post at the highest point, then turn right to descend, aiming for a pedestrian gate through a fence. The route now follows a grassy path through moorland, with some wind turbines over to the right, and soon a small loch visible over to the left. After a couple more gates the route reaches a track - turn right along this.

Stage 6

Further on the track becomes a surfaced minor road - continue along it to a junction - follow it to the right here (ignoring a left turning). At the next t-junction turn left, then turn right after 250m (straight on here leads into Stranraer which has all services). There are good views over Stranraer. After just under 1km the road turns left, then right - ignore the right turn and instead take the path straight ahead. This descends and meets another road - turn right along this. Ignore a road off right and continue until a junction with the busy A716.

Stage 7

Cross the road with care and turn briefly left along the pavement on the far side. Take the next track off on the right. This leads to a t-junction with a minor road - turn right here, then left. This very quiet country road leads past a farm and then ends when it reaches a t-junction with a track at the woods. Turn left along the track, then take a muddy track off to the right after 300m or so.

Stage 8

The track emerges from the trees for a more open stretch, then another area of woodland almost blocks the view of a loch off to the left. When it emerges at a road turn right, then left at a t-junction after 500m. Shortly after turn right onto a track into the woods. This soon emerges at housing on the edge of Castle Kennedy. Go almost straight ahead through the housing estate to meet the extremely busy A75 road next to a petrol station, which has a small shop. This is the only facility in Castle Kennedy apart from the bus link to Stranraer. The next stage of the Southern Upland Way continues directly opposite.

Next stage: Castle Kennedy to Bargrennan

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