Two buses needed this morning, and my first bus is running 10 minutes late, so I see the second bus setting off as we pull in. Just missed it. Damn! That means I have two hours to kill in Stranraer, and won’t arrive in Glenluce until nearly midday.
I spend the time walking around Stranraer’s lovely Agnew Park and have coffee and cake in a café. When I finally get there, Glenluce appears to have its own logo – and the design is a little odd-looking.
By the harbour of Port William, a man leans on a railing, staring out to sea. The plaque in front of him carries a quote from the Welsh poet, W.H. Davies: “What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.”
I set off from the Isle of Whithorn in a great mood. It’s a brilliant day for walking. The morning is mild – no wind – and the landscape is flooded with warm sunshine.
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.
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Incident No: 1319Date: 14.08.26Site: 51.6221725, -2.5476959 Near Thornbury, South Gloucestershire1 cow, 1 walker, no dogDescription: “I was going to walk across the field, it was open with no warning signs. A cow was staring at me, I didn’t think much about it and just kept my distance. It took a few steps towards me so […]
ncident No: 1318Date: 13.10.26Site: Timberscombe Common, Timberscombe near Minehead, Somerset1 horse, 1 pony and rider. Group of cows. Sophie’s Report : “I was hacking my horse back along the bridleway across the centre of the common towards the village, when the cows saw me and charged at me. My horse and the pony I was […]
Report Number: 1315Date: 29/09/26Location: South Mundham at the bottom of Fisher Lane, West SussexGroup of black and white cattle, single walker with dog on lead Alice’s Report: “As I was walking on the path towards the exit of the field the cows were a fair distance from me. I have walked this route many times […]
