Page 99 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

SOUTHERN SC O TLAND  97

a The Rhinns of
Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway. 3 Stranraer.
@ Stranraer, Portpatrick. g Stran­
raer. n 28 Harbour St, Stranraer
(01776) 702595.
In the extreme southwest of
Scotland, this peninsula is
almost separated from the rest
of the country by Loch Ryan
and Luce Bay. It has a num ber of
attractions, including the Logan
Botanic Garden, near Port Logan.
Loch Trool, Galloway Forest Park, site of one of Robert the Bruce’s victories Established in 1900, subtropical
species in the garden benefit
as well as great beauty. The park the north of Loch Trool are from the area’s mild climate.
extends to 670 sq km (260 sq a considerable size: Bennan Stranraer on Loch Ryan is the
miles) just north of Newton stands at 562 m (1,844 ft) and main centre and ferry port for
Stewart. The principal focal point Benyellary at 719 m (2,359 ft), Northern Ireland. The nearby
is Loch Trool. By Caldons Wood, while Merrick, at 843 m (2,766 ft), Portpatrick is a prettier town,
to the west end of the loch, the is the tallest mountain in featuring a ruined church dat­
Martyrs’ Monument marks the Southern Scotland. The area is ing from 1629 and the remains
spot where six Covenanters were great for mountain biking and of 16th­century Dunskey Castle.
killed at prayer in 1685. Bruce’s home to the famous 7stanes
Stone, above the north shore, route. It is also the UK’s first Y Logan Botanic Garden
commemorates an occasion in Dark Sky park, and there are Near Port Logan, Stranraer. Tel (01776)
1307 when Robert the Bruce information panels so you can 860231. Open mid­Mar–Oct:
routed English forces. The hills to identify stars in the night sky. 10am–5pm daily. & 7 8 -
Galloway Forest Park Walk
This walk gives a taste of wild hill­country and remote, high­level
lochs. Adequate footwear, waterproof clothing and a map are
recommended. From the car park, descend towards the house,
cross a bridge, and take a path northeast through a field. Follow the Loch Enoch
valley of the Gairland Burn for about 1.5 km (1 mile) to find Loch
Valley. A few minutes further north, the path reaches lonely Loch
Neldricken, from where you can return by the same route. This area
is a combination of glaciated hills and small hill lochs, set in hollows
scraped out by the ice thousands of years ago. If time is short, or Loch Aaron
the weather poor, there are shorter walks around Loch Trool.

Loch Neldricken
Key
Footpath
Access road
Loch Valley

Long Loch of
Glenhead
Tips for Walkers
Round Loch of
Glenhead
Starting point: Bruce’s Stone car
park, north side of Loch Trool. Loch Trool
Length: 10 km (6 miles).
Getting there: By car: off the
A714, about 14 km (9 miles)
north of Newton Stewart, along 0 kilometres 2
an access road for 8 km (5 miles).
0 miles 1
For additional map symbols see back flap

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