Fine coastal scenery is the main draw of this clifftop walk with the return along minor country lanes. A short detour allows a stop at the Cock Inn at Auchemalg Bay at the half way point.
Waymarked rough coastal path, livestock, some narrow sections through gorse. Return along minor road.
None to start.
Stairhaven.
There is parking at the picnic area and toilets on the front in Stairhaven, a small collection of houses, 3km south of Glenluce. Head south along the road to the sharp left hand bend at the end of Stairhaven Bay. Just beyond Fisherman's Cottage head right through a gate onto the coastal path, signed for Auchenmalg. Soon bear left to head uphill following the marker posts.
Where the path appears to head along a ridge ahead, bear left into a dip and then follow the path which climbs out the other side to reach the clifftop where there are good views back over Stairhaven Bay. After a kissing gate, the path keeps to the seaward side of the fenced fields. Gannets can often be seen over the water and on a clear day, their nesting site at Little Scares and Big Scares Rocks can be seen. You may also see the highest point of the Isle of Man, Snaefell.
Keep following the coastal path. There is alot of gorse, and the best path line is usually the highest. There are kissing gates to pass through the walls. Soon the open fields in front of Castle Sinniness Farm are reached. Skirt around the seaward side of the field and on the far side is the site of Garliachen fort. Now mainly a pile of stones on the far side of some rocks, it is thought to be of Bronze or Iron Age origin. Keep heading round the edge of the field to cross the overgrown burn and climb up the far side.
There are good views of the coast ahead, keep an eye out for passing marine mammals and cormorants which like to fish off the rocks here. The path, once again on the seaward side of fields, eventually rounds the Mull of Sinniness. There are views down to Auchenmalg Bay, with the caravan park prominent.
The path heads downhill to emerge at a surfaced lane. Turn right to follow this along the back of the bay. If you want to detour to the Cock Inn, head down onto the shore and cross to it on the far side of the bay. Otherwise follow the lane inland, passing to the right of a modern bungalow.
At the minor road turn left and head uphill. Ignore the turning to Castle Sinniness Farm and follow the road through the rollling farmland. At a T junction turn left to return to Stairhaven.
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