Today my planned walk follows core paths from Garlieston to the next village along the coast, a place called Isle of Whithorn.
After my wonderful experience on core paths yesterday, I’m not anticipating any problems. So I set out from Garlieston full of optimism, and walk around the edge of the harbour. Even with the tide out, and with mud everywhere, the bay looks lovely.
It is possible to walk to Garlieston along the B7004. The road isn’t very busy. But I decide to walk through some adjacent Forestry Commission woodland instead. Kilsture Wood.
Yesterday I discovered the coastal walk out of Wigtown was closed due to ‘lambing’, so this morning I know I must follow the road. At least it’s quiet, with a pavement, and the countryside is attractive.
Two goats watch my progress from a steep field. They want to join me, and leap up and down, butting at the fencing. Naughty! Continue reading
The light is dull this morning, but at least it’s not raining. I walk out of Newton Stewart along the A714. Wigtown is only 8 miles away, says the signpost, but I know my route will be a little longer because I intend to divert away from the A road as soon as I can.
Today I plan to walk up the River Cree from Creetown, cross over the bridge at Newton Stewart, and continue down the other side of the river to Wigtown. I have a complicated travel plan that involves two buses… but… it’s raining.
What a miserable day! I decide to walk under the shelter of my big green umbrella.
I catch the bus from Creetown to Gatehouse of Fleet (apparently, the locals just call it ‘Gatehouse’) and start off down the street from the Murray Arms Hotel, where I ended my last walk.
Today I have two routes to choose from. The most obvious route, and the one that sticks closest to the coast, is the A75. But, other coastal walkers warned me how awful this road is, with no pavement, and a stream of heavy lorries heading for the Stranraer ferry port. Continue reading
The first bus I try to board is full of people, and is the wrong one. “I’m going to Gatehouse, not Brighouse. You need the council bus,” says the driver, rather sniffily.
The next bus that arrives is empty. The journey to Brighouse Bay normally costs the princely sum of £1. I have my fare ready in my hand, but I must look very down-at-heel because the driver decides to let me travel free of charge.
Brighouse Bay is lovely this morning. I follow the path along the shore.
Kirkcudbright is pronounced Kerr-coo-bree. Who would have guessed? It’s a pretty town with pastel-coloured buildings and a pleasant park in the centre. Much nicer than Dalbeattie, and there’s a buzz to the place.
Today I’m planning to walk to Brighouse Bay – a refreshingly straightforward and pronouncable sort of name! Continue reading
I eat my lunch and enjoy the views over Kirkcudbright Bay. The rocks below me are extraordinary – jagged, twisted and fissured as if they’ve been sculpted by a crazy giant wielding a serrated knife.
My hubby is going home today. He drops me off at Fagra Mill, just south of Dundrennan, and drives away. I’m all alone on a tiny lane, and feel rather abandoned. Silly. I spend most of my time walking alone, and have no reason to feel lonely. Yes, very silly.
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Report number:1234 Date: 4/5/26 Location: On the side of the river Arun just past Arundel castle 2 people with dog Laura’s report: “We were walking on the footpath and the cows were quite a way to our right, to our left was the river. The cows started coming over, we went down towards the river […]
Report number:1233 Date: 3/5/26 Location: Aller, near Langport, Somerset Family group & dog Libby’s report: “We were chased and pinned against the rivers edge by a whole group of cows who were kicking and jumping. They edged closer and closer until we were left with no option but to jump into the river and swim […]
Report number: 1232 Date: 25/4/26 Location: Between Overton and Erbistock (Wrexham). Approx What3Words = riverside.period.curtail 2 people no dog Frances’s report: “We crossed a stile into the field and immediately noticed a herd of cows on the other side. They seemed to be minding their own business and facing the other direction so we continued […]
Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK) 