Rascarrel Bay

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
13 kms	03:00 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 313: Dumfries & Dalbeattie

Description

This is a spectacular cliff-top walk with views over the Solway coast and beyond. The circular route takes you to Rascarrel Bay and follows on to Loch Mackie. Join the track signed 'Balcary Point' and 'Rascarrel', follow this for approximately 150 yards until you reach a kissing gate and a further sign to the right of the gate. Turn left after the kissing gate and follow the track across the field enjoying the views over Auchencairn Bay. Go through the kissing gate at the far end of the field and along the pathway. Eventually you reach Balcary Point. Continue to follow the path where the cliffs become clearly visible: take care here it can be dangerous. Whenyou reach the next kissing gate you can opt to go back to Balcary via the way marked path or continue along the cliffs to the Bay. The path is clearly visible and takes you further along the stunning coastline down on to the shore; you will pass some ruins of an old barites mine. Keep following the path to the left along the cart track where you will reach Rascarrel car park. Don't cross over the burn, but walk up the glen until you reach the road. Follow the road for approximately half a mile then turn right through the gates into the forest clearing. Follow the pathway to the left and continue along to Loch Mackie. Keep bearing left and you will eventually reach the footbridge over the outlet for the Loch. Stay on this track and you will reach the car park at Balcary.

Access Info

From Dumfries, follow the A711 to Dalbeattie, stay on the A711, following the signs for Auchencairn. When you reach the village, turn left after the small bridge, follow the road, the car park is located behind the hotel.
Public transport by bus: 505