Exploring South West Scotland - Exciting Cliff Walks, Haunted Castles, Coastal Towns, Highland Coos and More

This was my first time visiting this incredible part of Scotland without it being a flying visit just to catch the nearby ferry. I really enjoyed exploring a new area and I was blown away by the dramatic cliffs - the coast here reminds me a lot of the Irish coastline - there are so many similarities between the two. The following information on how I spent my time exploring the South West of Scotland.

Where To Stay

If you're looking for an incredible luxury glamping experience then Coorie Retreats is the perfect place. Nestled in between Portpatrick and Stranraer this place has everything for some well deserved relaxation after a long day of exploring. We stayed here for two nights and could have easily stayed more, the hosts really went the extra mile with extra little touches to make your stay special. The cabins come with a wood fired hot tub, pizza oven, outdoor BBQ system, outdoor cinema and a wood burner it is certainly somewhere to get cosy - and they are dog friendly, what more could you want. But don't just take my word for it - check them out here.

Things To Do

Watch the Sunset at Portpatrick Harbour

I was on my way to Lidl to get supplies for the cabin when I saw the sky light up orange in my rear view mirror, I quickly about turned and headed down to the harbour in Portpatrick. The sunset was glorious and the waves smashing against the rock formations were mesmerising, I could have sat there for hours watching. I could literally see Ireland across the water.

Fun fact - this is also the starting point for the Southern Upland Way - a 214 mile trail from coast to coast starting in Portpatrick and finishing in Cockburnspath in the east of Scotland. This takes around 12-15 days and am I now tempted to do this one day? Yes... Yes I am.

Galloway Forest Park 

The largest forest park in the UK, you could literally spend days exploring here and still have so much to see, but unfortunately I didn't have days so I opted for these which were all in the same section of the park that I visited. This part was about an hours drive from Stranraer.

Bruce's Stone - a memorial stone to Robert the Bruce commemorating his victory over the English. With stunning views down to Loch Trool this spot is a great place to visit. You can park right beside this in the Upper Bruce Stone car park - DG8 6SU.

The Merrick - a wee Corbett and the highest mountain in southern Scotland. A 13km out and back trail that will take you through some incredible scenery. This should take about 4-6 hours, please make sure you are properly equipped and you can find the route here.

Buchan Burn - Follow the path for the Merrick for about twenty minutes and it will lead up past the falls. Further up the route before you turn off for the ascent there are great dipping spots.

Top tip - the park is great for stargazing on a clear night as there is no light pollution here.

Dunskey Castle & Coastal Route

You can park at the harbour in Portpatrick and walk from here. It's a charming fishing village with a few bars. The coastal walk takes you up steep stairs and across a wooden bridge where you are towering over the sea cliffs - a thrilling sight to see the gulls swooping underneath you into the cliffs. On a clear day, you can even see all the way over to Ireland

Getting to the castle & back takes around an hour but you can continue the walk around the coast using this route. 

My favourite spot on this walk is Dunskey Castle, the ruins of a 16th century castle that is said to be haunted. The castle is still in pretty good condition and is sturdy enough to explore with care, you can venture into the ruined rooms in what would once have been a spectacular building. You can even go down to the cellar where the pigeons might make you jump out your skin with fright as you walk to each new room. You can see how glorious this must have been back in the day.

The castle is rumoured to be haunted by a nurse maid, piper, jester and a hairy man - quite the crew. I swear I caught a ghost in a video on my phone - haters will say it was dust.

Mull of Galloway & Gallie Craig

Around a 45 minute drive from Portpatrick/Stranraer.

A lighthouse stands tall on what is the most southern town in Scotland. The exhibition & café were both closed whilst we were there but on a normal day you would be able to take a tour of the lighthouse. This is a great spot for wildlife watching - dolphins, porpoises, whales & basking sharks have all been spotted here. 

Gallie Craig is named as the most southernly point of Scotland. The epic cliff drop views here are something to behold. When you are here a sign shows that you are almost an equal distance between Lands End & John o groats. And a 'short' 2800 mile journey to Senegal where the gannets migrate in the winter. This is definitely worth a visit for the views alone.

Dunskey Glen

Access to this walk through the estate is only open from March to Oct, although you can join this on to the cave walk below and loop through the estate. This is a lovely walk along a peaceful woodland trail over wooden footbridges and into the glen. This walk will take you around 1-2 hours.

Ouchtremachain Cave

Start your adventure at Portpatrick harbour and take the steep path up to the clifftop, following the signs for the Southern Upland Way. You'll come across a cove with a cave in the cliffside. Local legend has it that parents used to bring sick kids to the cave for healing. They’d bathe them under the waterfall and leave some money on an altar inside, hoping for a cure. The next cove, Port Cale, is a historical gem where the first telephone cables between Scotland and Ireland were laid.

Port Logan

There wasn't a huge amount to do here but it does have a beautiful beach that goes on for miles and an old lighthouse that is worth seeing.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog - if you have any suggestions, feedback or even just want to leave a nice supportive comment then please do.