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Dumfries and Galloway

Rhins of Galloway

The peninsula at Scotland's south-west tip, circled by an 83-mile waymarked coast path from Stranraer to the Mull of Galloway and back.

Welcome

The Rhins of Galloway is the peninsula at the far south-west tip of Scotland, running south from Loch Ryan, with the windswept cliffs of the Mull of Galloway at its southern end.

The best way to know it is on foot. The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path runs for eighty-three miles in a great loop from Stranraer and back, past the sheltered waters of Loch Ryan, Corsewall, Portpatrick, Port Logan and the Mull. It is waymarked, with panels telling the story of the places along the way, and it divides into six sections, each a day's walk.

For something shorter, five circular walks give a taste of the coast: Wig Bay Sands, Dunskey Glen, Ardwell Bay, the Mull of Galloway and Sandhead.

A short drive awayFig and OliveA bright cafe on George Street in Stranraer, with brunch, hot dishes, fresh cakes and a welcome for dogs and children.12 min by roadSee itFig & Olive shopfront with turquoise trim on a quiet street corner
Before you go

Open at all times; each section of the path makes a day's walk.

Path
83 miles, circular.
Starts
Stranraer.
Sections
Six, one a day.
Where it is

The peninsula west of Stranraer; the path starts and ends in the town.

Close byThe Rhins.
  1. Stranraer MuseumStranraer MuseumWigtownshire's story in Stranraer.6 miles11 min by road
  2. Castle of St JohnCastle of St JohnA tower house in the middle of Stranraer that has been nearly everything.6 miles11 min by road
  3. The Port Pantry, PortpatrickThe Port Pantry, PortpatrickA cafe on Portpatrick harbour.7 miles13 min by road
  4. PortpatrickPortpatrickA painted harbour on the Rhins, and mile nought of the Southern Upland Way.7 miles13 min by road
  5. Waves rolling onto a curved sandy beach beneath grassy cliffsKillantringan Lighthouse and BayA lighthouse and bay on the west coast.9 miles20 min by road
Directions
Fig & Olive shopfront with turquoise trim on a quiet street cornerCafeFig and Olive6.2 miles
The Harbour House Hotel with white walls, dormer windows and outdoor tables shaded by parasolsRestaurantsHarbour House Hotel6.7 miles
Dreamcatchers hang above shelves crammed with globes, lamps, Land Rover and Porsche signsShoppingSmugglers Cove6.7 miles
A stone cottage with two chimneys and a pale blue door sits behind a lawn, a bench and planter on the gravel path in front.Dumfries and GallowayFawn's Velvet LodgeSleeps 4 · 7.2 miles
A white gatehouse with twin turreted roofs stands on a lawn, a round table set for tea beside a green ceramic barbecue and potted palm.Dumfries and GallowaySelkie's Haven LodgeSleeps 2 · 7.2 miles
A pink harled house with a hipped roof sits behind a gravel drive, trees framing the building on either side.Dumfries and GallowaySaltwater Chronicles LodgeSleeps 6 · 7.2 miles
A rendered stone cottage with a gabled porch and a wooden bench sits behind a gravel courtyard, ivy climbing one gable end.Dumfries and GallowaySymphonica LodgeSleeps 4 · 7.2 miles
The stone cottage seen from the garden, with crow-stepped gables, a wooden bench and a hot tub set on the patio to the right.Dumfries and GallowayArtemisia LodgeSleeps 4 · 7.2 miles
An aerial view shows a turreted stone house nestled among dense trees beside a curving driveway.Dumfries and GallowayHarriet's Lodestar LodgeSleeps 4 · 7.2 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the peninsula, and when each is next free.

Wren's Nest
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Portpatrick
  • 5 miles from the Rhins of Galloway
Free 20–22 OctA stone cottage with a slated roof sits shaded by overhanging trees, an orange door and picnic table set on the lawn beyond a gravel path.Rose Blair Lodge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Dumfries and Galloway
  • 5 miles from the Rhins of Galloway
Free 18–20 OctAn aerial view shows a stone courtyard building with a gabled archway, other roofs and trees surrounding it.Heritage Coachman Lodge
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Dumfries and Galloway
  • 5 miles from the Rhins of Galloway
Free 18–20 OctA grey stone house with crow-stepped gables sits behind a post and rail fence, pine trees flanking a gravel drive.Fern Forest House
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Dumfries and Galloway
  • 5 miles from the Rhins of Galloway
Free 18–20 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in Dumfries and GallowayAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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For further reading, before you go.