The drive from Portpatrick to Whithorn is another of our favourites as it follows the lovely coast of Luce Bay with ample opportunities to stop and explore the shore between Auchenmalg and Port William. 

From Portpatrick, follow the road to Lochans then follow the signs for Dumfries until the A75 is reached. Shortly after joining the A75, turn right to go along a narrow road following the coast to Stairhaven. Stairhaven is often missed from a tour of the area as the main route to Whithorn is further along the A75.

Stairhaven was at one time a port in its own right but is now a purely resedential village.

There is an intersting 2 mile cliff and coast path from Stairhaven to Auchenmalg (which is described in our walks section)  but we drive inalnd for a short distance before turning rt. along the main road which rejoins the coast at Auchenmalg

The road now follows the coast with opportinities to stop and walk the shore or admire the views of the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man.

Soon the village of Port William is reached where you might like to stop to look at the sculpture of "The Man" eternally looking out to sea.

 

 The Man .. Port William .. Galloway

The inscription beside the sculpture reads "What is this life, if full of care, We have no time to stop and stare" W.H. Davies. The sculpure is by Andrew Brown

Follow the rd. through Monreith, passing St Medan`s Golf Club. At the entrance to the golf course there is an intersting statue of an otter in memory of Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water. Gavin Maxwell was raised in Elrig near Monreith and his family still have connections with the area.

  Gavin Maxwell Memorial .. Monreith .. Galloway

 We now drive onwards towards Whithorn, where the Whithorn Story provides an exhibition on the Cradle of Chritianity - see below for more details on The Whithorn Story.

 The Ravenstone Deli in Whithorn is a good place to stop off for a cappachino or latte, especially when the sun is shining and you can sit at one of the pavement tables.Their home made quiche is excellent and comes with a lovely side salad and chutney (also home  made)

                            

On, now to the Isle of Whithorn, a lovely coastal village with a working harbour and an excellent pub for lunch - The Steam Packet. We escecially recommend the Sunday Lunch-time buffet at the Steam Packet in the Isle of Whithorn.

 Isle of Whithorn - Harbour & the Steam Packet Inn

 

 

 No visit to Whithorn would be complete without a visit to St Ninian`s Cave

It is believed that this is the spot where St. Ninian arrived in Scotland to introduce the Scots to Christianity and it is a popular spot of pilgrimage.

The cave also has a darker side as the beach was a location in the Wicker Man where Lord Summerisle presented a barrel of ale to the god of the sea. The entrance to the cave is where Rowan Morrison is first seen although the cave interior in the film was actually shot elsewhere.

The cave is accesed from Glasserton where a a 2km walk down wooded Physgil Glen leads to the beach

  

 

 

 The Whithorn Story

The Whithorn Story is open daily from 1 April to 31 October 10.30 am to 5pm

Admission (2010)

 

quality B&B in Portpatrick, South West Scotland