This short coastal circular heads along the shore by Wig Sands, giving excellent birdwatching opportunities as well as views across Loch Ryan and up the coast to Ailsa Craig.
Track, grass and pebble shore and grassy path. Finally tarred road / pavement.
Bus to Kirkcolm.
Wig Sands car park.
Park at Wig Bay car park, around 1km south of Kirkcolm on the A718. Begin along the track that runs parallel to the coastline just to the left of Wig Sands. As you look out across Loch Ryan towards Cairnryan you are very likely to catch sight of one of the massive ferries that run from the shoreline opposite or Stranraer across to Northern Ireland.
An old wartime building marks the turning point where the coast heads north once more. Out on the right here is a spit - The Scar - an important nesting place for terns in early summer, whilst the whole coastline is a haunt of oystercatchers and the song of skylark can fill the air. The ferries sometimes cause a high tidal wash so care is needed on this section.
The walk continues along the sandy shoreline, with the view ahead now looking north out of Loch Ryan towards the great mass of Ailsa Craig further up the Ayrshire coastline. After passing a small pond a sign is reached; turn left here onto a grassy track that heads inland. After crossing a footbridge it becomes a tarred lane, soon lined with fine old deciduous trees. After passing the primary school it meets the main road. Cross this and turn left along the pavement on the far side. Continue back to the car park at the start.
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