From our garden gate, turn right along Heugh Rd. past the Portpatrick Hotel and join the Southern Upland Way which runs between the golf course and the cliff.

On your left, just before the former coastguard station, look out for the spectacular North Witch Rock which gets its name from it`s pointed shape and is a nesting place for seabirds.

Looking inland at this point you will see our new windfarm and, at certain times of the year, you may catch a glimpse of the many chimneys and roof of Dunskey House.

Continue alongside Dunskey Golf course and take a moment to pause and gaze at the view before descending to Sandeel Bay. A seal or two can often be seen on or near the rocks around the bay. This bay was extremely popular for bathing in the late 19th century. There is also a waterfall and a cave beside the path. 

                                     Waterfall at Sandeel Bay, Portpatrick

 At the far end of Sandeel Bay the track leads to Laird`s Bay where a red and white striped pole marks the position of the first  underwater telephone cable from Scotland to Northern Ireland laid in 1852. From here it is possible to detour inland to Dunskey Glen and Dunskey Gardens and this is covered in another walk.

After Laird`s Bay the path climbs steeply to regain the cliff top but although it may look a bit daunting, there is a stout hand-rail on any tricky parts.

The path then continues and is fairly level across the headland. Soon you will get your first glimpse of Killantringan Lighthouse which was built around 1899. The name Killantringan is derived from Ringan or Ninian`s Cell. This must be one of the few spots in Southern Scotland where both the Mull of Galloway and the Mull of Kintyre can be seen at the same time!

Just before the lighthouse, when the tide is out, the remains of the Craigantlet can be seen. This was a small cargo boat which ran aground on the rocks in 1982 on it`s way from Liverpool  to Belfast. Unfortunately, the ship was carrying containers of industrial material -- not whisky galore!!!

If time, energy and tide permit it is well worth scrambling over the rocks to Killantringan Beach where you can enjoy a great expanse of sand, explore the beach and wonder why it is so quiet!! Sometimes it feels as if you are on your own private beach.

You could retrace your steps to Portpatrick and enjoy the views once again. However, if you prefer a circular walk you can return on the roadside by following the road inland for about 1.25 miles, turn rt. at the junction and follow the rd.back to the A77 where you turn rt just before Portpatrick.  .

Time for return walk 2-3 hours.