Stairhaven Coastal Circuit, Stairhaven

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.

Terrain

Waymarked rough coastal path, passes through fields with livestock, minor roads.

Public Transport

None to start. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Stairhaven. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 175m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NX208537

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

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 over a stile onto a signed path. A sign warns against taking dogs because of livestock on the route. Head uphill following the white marker posts.

Stage 2

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. A stile in a wall leads to the main coast path which 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.

Stage 3

Keep following the coastal path, with stiles over any walls and soon the open fields in front of Castle Sinniness Farm are reached (there is sometimes an electric fence to be negotiated). 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 burn at a sign and climb up the far side.

Stage 4

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. The views down to Auchenmalg Bay are a wee bit marred by the caravan park.

Stage 5

The path heads down through thick gorse 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 next to the burn.

Stage 6

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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