Wig Bay
November 12, 2024
Ardwell Bay Circular Walk
November 12, 2024
SHORT WALK
Mull of Galloway Figure of Eight Walk
A circular walk takes you along the windswept clifftops down to the pinch point at East and West Tarbet and back or you can take a longer walk along the coast to complete a figure of eight route. Whatever walk you choose it is always worthwhile first exploring the lighthouse and bird reserve at the Mull of Galloway.
Setting off from the car park walk past the Gallie Craig café to access the cliff top through a gate. Follow a worn path along the rugged coastline admiring the seabirds that nest on the rock face and the jagged pinnacle that is the Gallie Craig, the southernmost point of Scotland.
Continue along the clifftop towards the pinch point at West Tarbet. Cross the road and follow the coast path on the other side of the peninsula walking away from the lighthouse. From the cliff tops you can see numerous fingers of rock reach into Luce Bay each one creating another small bay on the shore.
A panel set against a drystane dyke tells the legend of St Medan and marks the approximate location on the shore below where the cave, chapel and healing wells associated with the saint are located. The ruins of St Medan’s Chapel and Cave are no longer accessible but if you peer over the cliff edge you may see the circular rock pools that are sea water holy or healing wells refreshed twice a day at high tide.
Follow the path along the cliff top, crossing the dyke and follow the field edge until you reach a bay at Portankill where the Kirk Burn meets the sea and turn to follow the path inland.
Continue along the old track alongside the burn until you reach Barracks Bridge on the road between Drummore and the Mull of Galloway.
Cross the road and continue along the field edge to join a mown path and farm tracks before crossing a field to the cliff top. Continue along the field edge towards West Tarbet where the long-lived juniper clings to the cliffs and there are spectacular rock formations exposed in the bays below.
Follow the path towards East Tarbet, walk along the road towards the lighthouse for a short distance and then turn left where a gate takes you on to the path returning to the Mull of Galloway car park and a well- deserved visit to the cafe.
| Start / Finish | Mull of Galloway Car Park |
|---|---|
| OS Explorer Maps | 309 Stranraer & the Rhins |
| Distance | 5.5 miles / 9 km |
| Terrain | Moderate grass and farm track with some steep sections |
| Information Shelter | TABLE |
| Supplies | Cafe at Mull of Galloway |
| Public Transport | None |
| Cycling | This route is not suitable for bikes |
