:: Monday 14 May

THE SOUTHERN UPLAND WAY
CASTLE KENNEDY TO PORTPATRICK

A fuller description of the SUW can be found in the official guide, which is available in most good bookshops in Dumfries and Galloway.

This section is either the first or last on the SUW and although strictly not in the Galloway Hills it is worthy of inclusion in the Walking Festival.

As with other sections of the SUW the route follows a mixture of roads and paths and walking boots are essential. The start at Castle Kennedy is close to the seat of the Earl of Stair at Loch Inch and a visit to the gardens is highly recommended but not today.

The route follows the railway to Loch Magillie and goes southwesterly towards Culhorn Mains and Whiteleys heading towards Greenfield. This section takes you through typical Rhins of Galloway farmland and as height is gained Stranraer and Loch Ryan beyond provide a contrasting backdrop.

This may well be a good spot to stop for lunch. Knockquhassen Reservoir is the next feature and around this area we will reach our highest point where extensive views of the Clyde Estuary lie to the north, and to the west we will get the first glimpse of the Irish coast.

We follow the road past Knock and Maize continuing towards Kilantringan Lighthouse overlooking the North Channel and if the visibility is good the panoramic views are quite stunning. It is worth returning to this area to see the sunsets.

The final leg of this walk is along the cliff top and is a very pleasant end to the day provided that the wind is not blowing, as this is the most exposed part. Past the golf course, down the steps and you reach the western end of the Southern Upland Way in the most attractive village of Portpatrick where some time can be spent browsing or taking light refreshment.

Transport will take the group back to Newton Stewart.