Wigtownshire Ramblers-Currarie Glenapp

It's Saturday the 15th of November 2008,and we're back in one of our most popular areas.Todays walk starts just south of Ballantrae,and were heading south taking in some of Ayrshires south western coastline.It's a linear walk,so a few vehicles have been left opposite Glenapp Church to return drivers.

Todays group of 21 includes 2 newcomers.We've met up at the cemetery,and our walk leader comes up with the old classic 'Welcome to the dead centre of town'. It looks like a good day weatherwise.

We're on a tarmac road for the first part of the walk.Behind us we can see Ballantrae and Knockdolian,which we recently climbed.

We're passing Kinniegar,Downan and Langdale farms,and as i take pictures i'm lagging behind a little.Once through the farms though i'm back in touch,they've had to slow down for a wooden kissing gate...

...with this poetic anti litter notice on it.

Now we're on the coastal path proper.

Having skirted Downan Hill,we're just above Wilson's Glen...


...time for a rest.Can i get the group interested in a picture?

Continuing on we reach the deep narrow beauty of Currarie Glen.The track down here is hewn out of the rock.

Now down at the shore,we'll have lunch.

There's some well hidden undersea cables here..The Moyle Interconnector

The Moyle Interconnector links the electricity grids of Northern Ireland and Scotland through submarine cables running between converter stations at Ballycronan More in Islandmagee, County Antrim and Auchencrosh in Ayrshire. The link has a capacity of 500MW.

I was hoping to do a 360 degree panorama here,but i was balancing on a rock above the burn,trying to keep my horizontal views on an even keel.After taking ten or so pictures,i was three quarters twisted round.I settled on 270 degrees.

Panorama of Currarie Port on CleVR.com

With big waves crashing over the rocks,this is a gem of a place.I could have stayed a lot longer.In the words of Arnie 'I'll be back'

A lone seal waves us goodbye.

Now we turn back inland,passing this derelict cottage.The roof hasn't completely collapsed yet.Perhaps it hasn't been empty for too long.

A pastoral view looking over to Carlock Hill.

There was a case earlier this year,where a farmer was sued when a motorcyclist collided with one of his cows.A rambler had failed to close a gate and the cow had got out onto the road.I think the case is still ongoing.That certainly won't happen with our group.


We've now got a view over to the North Rhins,and the mouth of Loch Ryan.A Stena Line ferry comes in,while a P & O goes out.

Now we're in between Penderry and Blarbuie hills,and it's all downhill from here.There's a bit of excitement when a Hen Harrier is spotted.


The long sloping track along the side of Sandloch brings the busy A77 into view.Another bird of prey seen here,it looked like a buzzard.

This will be the last gate.


This ex army truck was followed by a number of up market four track vehicles.One rambler commented there appeared to be a lot of tweed being worn by the occupants.This was a shooting party,as we could here later.The truck obviously carried the beaters.

The walk is almost finished as we stop at the bridge over the 'Water of App'.

A new sign's been erected detailing South Ayrshire coastal walk.

Taking in amongst other's,Turnberry,Ayr and Troon the walk goes to Skelmorlie by Wemyss Bay,where a boat can be taken over to Rothesay on Bute.

It's only a hundred miles to Skelmorlie.This sounds a better proposition than the Southern Upland Way.(for me that is)


Now waiting for our cars to get back,we hear the shooting start.A not too bright pheasant starts flying towards the area where the gunshot is coming from.

...a few ramblers cross the A77 to look at 'The Glen Church'.
Beautiful weather,lovely company and the discovery of Currarie Port made me forget my aches and pains for a while.This was a lovely walk