The Mull of Galloway Trail North to South: Part One
You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.
The 24-mile Mull of Galloway Trail, created in 2012 by the Rotary Club of Stranraer, links to the Loch Ryan and Ayrshire Coastal Paths. Walk 6717 covers half the Trail's length, as far as Chapel Rossan Bay, Ardwell. Starting from Harbour Street, Stranraer, it initially runs east along the foot of Loch Ryan before turning generally south through extensive woods. Then comes a three-mile interlude along lanes and minor roads and a section through a quarry, followed by a walk east through dunes to the coast at Luce Bay (Britain's biggest). Now it's a beach walk to reach Sandhead at the nine-mile mark. After Sandhead the route proceeds south along the coast of Luce Bay to Ardwell and Chapel Rossan Bay. Walk 6717 is a moderate one, mainly flat with a few gentle gradients. Walkers wishing to end the walk at Ardwell or Sandhead can catch the bus back to Stranraer.
Walk 6718 describes the route from here a further twelve miles down to The Mull and owing to the more difficult terrain, is classified as 'strenuous'. The Trail as a whole is definitely not a walk for children, or for dogs. In fact, it is quite a challenge for the fit, the determined and the resilient. Its attractions include superb sea views, secluded bays and the chance to spot wildlife such as otters, seals and seabirds, plus a whale or basking-shark at The Mull, all interspersed with bluebell woods and views over farmland and moor.
We anticipate that walkers will opt to tackle the complete Trail over two or three days, which is what we would recommend for their 'health and safety'. There is hotel accommodation en route at Sandhead and Drummore, listed under Additional Information, plus a few bed-and-breakfast establishments.
The 407 bus runs between Stranraer, Sandhead, Ardwell and Drummore, Mondays to Saturdays; see Additional Information.
Scotland - South Scotland - Dumfries and Galloway - Coast
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Moor, Mostly Flat, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland