Portpatrick

Portpatrick

Route:  Knockinaam Lodge to Portpatrick

Area:  Dumfries and Galloway

Date of walk:  10th April 2017

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 7.2 miles

Weather:  Sunny and windy

We were staying at the excellent Knockinaam Lodge Hotel and from the bay where the hotel is situated we made a stiff climb up to the top of the cliff. The views in both directions were stupendous and we were lucky to be blessed with sun and blue skies

After following the undulating path for about 2 miles we arrived at the ruins of Dunskey Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Irish Sea. The castle was built in the mid 16th century but was already derelict by the 1700. Strictly speaking there is no access to the interior, but we noticed several  folk strolling around so we followed suit and spent some time amongst the atmospheric old ruins

It was a short stroll into Portpatrick from the castle. We wandered around this idyllic little harbour village for a while and then retraced our steps back to the start of a superb coastal walk

If this walk is followed by a non-resident of Knockinaam Lodge it should be started at Portpatrick, as parking at the hotel is for residents only. The hotel would be an excellent place for tea and refreshments at the half way point of the walk

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