Cruggleton Castle and Galloway House Gardens

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
6 kms	02:00 (hrs:mins)	50 metres	Explorer 311: Wigtown, Whithorn & The Machars

Description

Shorter sign posted walks are available in Galloway House Gardens, with various features of interest, including the walled gardens, a specimen handkerchief tree, the pond and an impressive collection of large rhododendrons. Some of these paths are suitable for wheelchair users and there are various permutations, allowing you to meander through the gardens at your leisure. For Cruggleton Castle follow the signs for the seashore, this will take you past the walled gardens and on to the picnic site at Rigg Bay. The structure out in the bay is part of the prefabricated 'Mulberry Harbour', which was tested here prior to being used by the Allied Armies at the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War Two. Turn right and follow the signs for Cruggleton Castle. The path meanders and climbs through a delightful strip of mixed hardwoods with a carpet of dog's mercury, garlic, bluebells and campions punctuated by patches of primroses. After rounding Sliddery Point the route takes on a magical feel passing through twisted and gnarled oaks, beech and ash before reaching a run-down lodge beside a high boundary wall. Pass through the old iron gates and on to the cliff path. The solitary arch of Cruggleton Castle is your target. At the ladder stile climb into the field and follow the boundary wall. Climb two more stiles and follow the fingerpost around the last field boundary to reach the castle enclosure. Return along the same route.

Access Info

From Dumfries follow the A75 to Newton Sewart, from Newton Stewart follow the A714/A746 onto the B7004 Garlieston. At the cross roads with the B7004 you will see a sign for Galloway House Gardens. Follow the drive until you reach the small fenced car park on the left. The shelter in the car park houses an information board and honesty box alongside the start of the various walks.