Stairhaven Coastal Walk
- Annan, Waterfoot and Summergate Lane
- Arkleton
- Balcary to Rascarrel
- Barnkirk Point
- Castle Douglas Town Trail
- Coastal Walk to Port Castle Bay
- Criffel
- Dalbeattie to Colvend Trail
- Hoddom Castle and farm walks
- Jubilee Path
- Kelhead Water
- Repentance Tower
- River Annan
- Rockcliffe to Sandyhills
- Rounall Wood
- Saint Kentigern's Churchyard
- Screel Hill
- Stairhaven Coastal Walk
- Tarras Water and Whita Hill
- The Hills
- Threave Estate
- Waterloo Monument
Get a breath of fresh sea air on this coastal walk from Stairhaven Bay in the west of the Machars, and look out for ancient ruins and fascinating bird and marine life along the way.
From Dumfries follow the A75 to Newton Stewart and pick up the signs for the Machars, alternatively continue along the A75 and turn in at the signs for Stairhaven.
Public transport services:
Dumfries to Newton Stewart/ Stranraer - X75/ 500
Newton Stewart to the Machars - 415
Start from the carpark at Stairhaven Bay, head away from the bridge and towards the sharp left hand bend, where you will find a fingerpost indicating the start of the Coastal Path. Climb the stile and follow the path and white way marker posts up the steep hillside to the top of the cliffs (look well ahead to spot the marker posts). This scenic route follows a strip of uneven grassland between a stock fence with slip gates and the west facing cliffs. Enjoy the views across Luce Bay to The Mull of Galloway, the most southerly point of Scotland, then, if you turn to the south you may see Little Scares and Big Scares Rocks, which are one of very few gannet nesting sites in the world. If conditions are good you will see The Isle of Man and its highest point, Snaefell. At the head of Luce Bay, just in from the coast, you can see the white golf ball shaped radar domes of West Freugh Airfield. This section of coast is rich in marine and bird life, so look out for grey seals and cormorants searching the bay for fish. The energetic flight and song of skylarks can often be enjoyed along these cliffs. Looking inland you will see Castle Sinniness Farm and as you head south, over the two ladder stiles and step stiles, you will reach an open field below Laigh Sinniness Farm. This is the site of Garliachen Fort, a promontory fort of Bronze or Iron Age origin. The path skirts around its edge. Cross the burn below the farm and climb the next rise. Auchenmalg Bay will appear as you round the Mull of Sinniness. The path soon descends through gorse to connect with an access track to 'The Barracks'. At this mid-way point you can choose to head along Auchenmalg Bay to the Cock Inn for some refreshment.
To return to Stairhaven, follow the track towards the village of Auchenmalg and turn left on meeting the minor road. Ignore the turn to Castle Sinniness Farm and continue to the T-junction, where a left turn will lead you back to Stairhaven.
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