From Cairnryan to the Taxing Stane and WW11 Gun Emplacements

Park in the picnic area on the far side of Cairnryan, just past the lighthouse. Cross the road at the far end of the picnic area and ascend steeply up the rd. signed "Little Laight" (etc) this was once the stagecoach route to Ballanrtrae and the first section must have been very tiring for the horses!

After passing a wooded area, the gradient levels off and there are good views towards the south rhins over Loch Ryan.

Carry on, through a gate until you reach the "Taxing Stane" and you see the remains of gun emplacements on your right. It is possible for the more agile to climb to the top of one of the emplacements utilising an adjacent fence.

                                                                   The Taxing Stane above Cairnryan

This is an excellent viewpoint from where the entire Rhins of Galloway Peninsula as far as the Mull of Galloway can be seen and it gives an excellent perspective of the peninsula. From the viewpont you can also see over the peninsula to Ireland and north-west to Kintryre.

                  Looking South West towards Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway

The Taxing Stane is thought to commemorate the burial of Alpin, king of the Scots of Dalriada, who was murdered in Glenapp in AD741. It was also a boundary marker between the old kingdoms of Galloway and Carrick and is close to the current boundary between Wigtownshire & Ayrshire.

The gun emplacements were for anti-aircraft guns and were one of four emplacements used to defend Loch Ryan during the 2nd World War.

This walk forms part of the Loch Ryan Coastal Path from Stranraer to Glen App where it merges with the Ayrshire Coastal Path and leads north as far as Skelmorlie. If transport can be arranged, it is well worth continuing beyond the Taxing Stane to Glen App church where the path rejoins the main road.

The return walk takes about 1 hour & 10 minutes (the descent is much faster!!)

 Bed &Breakfast in Portpatrick South West Scotland

Ideal touring base for Mull of Galloway