This walk follows a signposted and waymarked footpath and provides excellent views of the Mull of Galloway, Burrow Head and the Isle of Man. There are opportunities to explore the shore-line and view birds including cormorants and the chance of seeing a seal or two

From Portpatrick, take the A77 to Lochans, turn right in the village and right again then follow signs for A75. Shortly after joining A75 turn right for Stairhaven and park in the picnic area.

                                    Stairhaven Harbour and Fisherman`s Cottage

The footpath starts just to the left of Fisherman`s Cottage and climbs fairly steeply for a few minutes before levelling off and running along above the shore line. Good views of the Mull of Galloway. After a while, the path reaches a field and becomes indistinct. Follow the seaward edge of the field and at the far end of the field and, slightly inland, the footpath becomes obvious again  where the track crosses a small stream.

Soon the view changes to the Isle of Man and Burrow Head where Edward Woodward met a grizzly end in the cult Wickerman movie. The path continues over stiles but is always obvious until it descends to join a farm road near Auchenmalg. This is the end of the walk, however it is only a short distance to the Cock Inn at Auchenmalg which has a tea room open 10am - 3pm daily except Mondays. To reach the Cock Inn, it seems to be ok to skirt round the back of a recently built wooden house as walking the shore at that point would involve crossing a stream. You may prefer to go up the farm road to join the main rd. from which it is only a short distance to the Cock Inn

                  Auchenmalg & The Cock Inn from near the end of the path            

Stairhaven was a port for a brief period around 1826-1850 but trade gradually declined thereafter. The remains of the harbour can still be seen. Now there are just a few houses but it is a pretty spot to have a picnic or to explore the beach.

From Auchenmalg, the best plan is to retrace your steps back to the car as returning by road is quite a bit longer

approx distnace - two miles each way.

time- about 2.5 - 3 hours

Please not that due to livestock, no dogs allowed on the path.

 Rickwood House Portpatrick is an award winning hotel style guest house in Portpatrick , South West Scotland

No1 TripAdvisor B&B in Portpatrick