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Showing posts with label Cruggleton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cruggleton. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 October 2012

Wigtownshire Ramblers Garlieston to the Isle of Whithorn October 2012

Saturday the 20th of October.
We're meeting up at the Isle of Whithorn to catch the bus back to Garlieston from where we'll do the coastal walk back to the Isle. We're a group of 17 today. The contingent from Stranraer arrived at the same time as the bus, but we made it. This is a fairly regular walk where we alternate the start and finish. Here's a link to a 2010 walk.
The author of today's walk report will be the 'Organizer', and her report will be published below.

Although the rain had stopped, it was still wet underfoot, and we were warned it would be muddy.



There were one or two people enjoying the dry morning as we made our way through the village to the coastal path




After passing Galloway House Gardens we rounded Rigg Bay.
The couple and their dog were the only people we encountered until we neared the Isle.




After passing through a damp and slippery wood we got our first glimpse of the remains of the 13th century Cruggleton Castle.
The Galloway House Estate has a number of properties for holiday hire, and Cruggleton Lodge is one of these. 

   
Lovely ladies and blue sky, .....it's a really nice day.


The stiles and gates are nicely maintained.


The view back and across Wigtown Bay


The arch has recently been repaired to stop it falling down. It must have been touch and go.


Lunchtime in the sunshine.
Here's what the Canmore Web Page has listed.


Walking in the company of the 'Weaver' and the 'Farmer', I learned the difference between Maize and Corn.
No points but you can guess if you like what the above cob is.


The first of two WW2 'pill boxes' we came across.


Thanks to the walk leader and the lady on the left above, I get in the picture.


This is a small 'Buccaneer' fishing vessel going by the name of Molly.
It's too small for it's present owner and is up for sale on the website 


The second 'pillbox' and the outlines of an ancient fort and a settlement.


Portyerrock Mill
During the walk we'd heard a few curlews and other sea birds. The heron flew up from just in front of us, but I was a bit slow with the camera.


After a short walk on tarmac, we're back on the shore at Cairnhead Bay. 
This was the site of an important facility in the construction of the Mulberry Harbour.
I came across a comprehensive american naval page which states that "six floating pierheads for OMAHA (I guess they mean the landings) were constructed by the British at Cairnhead".
We saw the Jet Skiers again near the Isle.

  
A couple of drystane walls gave me an opportunity to take lots of pictures.


Steinhead trigpoint S8232, complete with flush bracket. Apparently it's the 'Southmost non primary pillar in Scotland'


Heading down to the Isle of Whithorn.....


..........and back to the cars.
A very pleasant walk despite the mud. 

Here's the organizer's report

Wigtownshire Ramblers 20th October           Garlieston to the Isle of Whithorn
Seventeen members arrived at the Isle of Whithorn to board the bus to Garlieston in order to walk back to the Isle. Everyone was in high spirits as the forecast was for dry weather. There was the usual banter between those who had a bus pass and those not yet old enough to qualify. One lady passenger getting on at Whithorn was surprised to see the bus so full and was almost persuaded to join us.
On our arrival at Garlieston the walk leader warned us about the conditions underfoot and the vast amounts of mud ahead. Not to be deterred we set off at a good pace along the harbour and past the luxury flats development noting that there were still some available to buy.  Going through the gate leading to the coastal path we followed the shore. Galloway House soon came into view. It was looking impressive through the autumn colours of the trees lining the path. The house was built by the 6th Earl in 1740 and it is said that he chose the site because nowhere else in the shire could he have his home surrounded by such fine trees. 
Walking on we disturbed a toad that had been hiding at the side of the path and was not at all pleased to discover that his camouflage had not protected him from the keen eyesight of some in our group. Photos taken we moved on through the woods taking various routes to avoid the worst of the mud. At the top of the path we emerged into bright sunshine and panoramic views over Wigtown bay. Remains of wartime mulberry harbour constructions could be seen in the water. In front of us, the distinctive arch of Cruggleton castle, our lunch stop destination, beckoned. After fortifying ourselves with sweeties provided by our leader we set off across some very squaggy fields and soon arrived at the Castle. Cruggleton is one of the oldest castles in the county and was a place of great size and strength belonging to the Lords of Galloway. It was reported to have at least eight towers. After passing through the hands of various owners it came into the possession of the Agnews of Lochnaw but by 1684 it had fallen into ruin. 

After lunch the path lead around waterlogged fields which had recently been ploughed and to the side of a crop of maize which looked as if it had suffered badly from the recent poor summer. The walkers reflected on the hardships that the weather had undoubtedly caused to the farmers this year. We now spotted an old wartime observation tower which proved to be an irresistible photo opportunity for our camera toting members. Walking diagonally across the next field in order to avoid some cattle, one particular walker, who had managed to avoid the worst of the mud so far, managed to get well and truly splashed, much to the hilarity of the rest of us. Skirting a field of kale the path now went up onto the headland overlooking Howe Hole of Shaddock. Out to sea a fishing boat named Molly was visible, busy amongst the buoys of the lobster creels. 

The path now emerged onto the road at Portyerrock Mill where a choice of route was offered. Four members decided that they had walked far enough in the mud for one day and headed back to the Isle along the road whilst the rest of the group went down onto the beach to continue the walk along the coast. After negotiating shingle, tussocks and watery pools we paddled through a burn taking advantage of the running water to clean off our boots, only to be told that there was yet more mud ahead. A lone heron flew off, calling out its annoyance at being disturbed. We then turned inland through a wood and crossing more fields climbed stiles over two stone dykes. The route then took us up towards the headland overlooking the Isle. Suddenly, around the headland four jet skis appeared, their riders obviously having a wonderful time dodging in and out of the coves. As we continued one of our members pointed out a trig point to the side of the path. The mournful cries of several curlews accompanied the last stages of our walk as the welcome sight of the Isle came into view.

It was with some relief that we tidied ourselves as best as we could before heading, by car, into Whithorn and the Visitor Centre café. There we were efficiently served with delicious scones and cakes.

The next walk will take place on SUNDAY 28th October. Meet at the Breastworks car park in Stranraer at 9.30 am or the Riverside car park in Newton Stewart at 9.30 am for car sharing. The walk will begin at 10am at new Luce Village Hall. Formore information telephone the walk leader on 01671 40122. New walkers will be warmly welcomed.

Sunday, 29 August 2010

The Wigtownshire Ramblers-Isle of Whithorn to Garlieston August 2010

It's Saturday the 28th 0f August and we're meeting at Garlieston to catch the bus to the Isle of Whithorn for todays walk.
The bus driver looked in shock as he turned the corner to the bus stop and saw such a large group with rucksacks awaiting to board his bus.A nice light moment for the start of todays walk.
Having been asked again to do the press release for this walk,I'll use it throughout this blog.

Early showers greeted the twenty two ramblers who alighted from the bus at the Isle of Whithorn for the start of the walk.

They began by making their way to the shore via the inlet known as "Stinking Port" .
Now heading north along the rocky coastline they passed the large outcrop known as "The Clept" with it's natural haven, once used as a harbour for fishing boats.
I explored the caves and shore around the Clept earlier this summer,but I seem to have lost the pictures I took on that occasion.Another senior moment?!

Next they reached the trig point at Stein Head,possibly the second most southerly on Scotlands mainland,the most southerly being on Inshanks Fell in the South Rhins.

I was down this way earlier in the week when there were a few fishing boats about...there's none out today.

Now the view over Wigtown Bay opened up with the Galloway Hills prominent.

A field of cows with a large lazy bull was safely negotiated bringing the walkers to their first drystane dyke stile.

After a further two dykes and many wave lashed rocky inlets they reached the plantation at Cairnhead.

Just above an outcrop called Doctor's Rock many of the walkers divested themselves of the waterproofs which had been in regular use since the walk start.It looks like it's clearing up.

Here they saw a few remains of what was the military camp built as a part of the ww2 project,the "Mulberry Harbour". Reaching Cairnhead Bay the remains of a concrete "Beetle" was prominent in the low tide.

Reaching Portyerrock Bay a break was taken for refreshments. Light-hearted banter was passed between some folk who'd been collecting whelks and mussels.

Next they made their way through the first of the many modern "Kissing Gates" on the walk,and onto the Isle of Whithorn to Garlieston road.
Reaching Portyerrock they again made their way to the coastline passing the converted Portyerrock Mill.


At Millers Port,seagulls and swans filled the bay.

From Millers Port they continued on the coastal path, passing fields of harvested barley and maize swaying freely in the wind.Sloe berries and brambles were abundant in their fruition.
In another field,a friendly Clydesdale had a belted galloway bullock and a cow for company.


Thanks for the above pictures Scoop.Not so many close-ups though,and get my right side.! Who am I kiddin..I take better pictures than I'm taken.

Reaching White Bay the layout of two Iron Age promontory forts were evident, being surrounded by artificial banks and ditches.

This is us coming up to Port Allen.An abundance of seagulls was another feature of todays walk.

Two more remnants of WW2 in the shape of ruined lookout posts were investigated.

Another point of interest was a large cave under Palmallet Point.

Scaffolding covered the remains of Cruggleton Castle.The access to the site was closed off due to ongoing repairs.A lunch break was taken on a nearby grassy bank overlooking the sea.The showers had dried up and the sun made an appearance.

This is looking back to Sliddery Point.I think I've mentioned it before,but the recently renovated Cruggleton Lodge is some spot for holidaymakers.

Next they left the coast and headed inland to Cruggleton Church.

There's a farm and spread north of Creetown called Glenquicken.The farmer's now diversified into wind turbines.That's one of his above.More info at Glenquicken-eng.Com

The church is of Norman origin, having been established in the early twelfth century by Fergus,the first Lord of Galloway.

With the walk leader having borrowed the key,the group were allowed the priviledge of looking inside this historic building.A regular walker was delighted when the group burst into song wishing him a happy birthday.


The group now numbered twenty three having been joined by a fellow rambler for the remainder of the walk.

They now rejoined the Isle of Whithorn to Garlieston road heading north.Reaching the restored 18th century High Lodge Cottage they again took to the fields.A Victorian wrought iron gate brought them to the ruined Snowdrop Cottage,and the grounds of Galloway House.

Next they made their way through the mixed woodland back to the shoreline at Rigg Bay,and the short delightful walk back into Garlieston.
A good walk was concluded by some of the group paying a visit to the Garlieston Flower, Vegetable and Craft Show.


A lovely day in excellent company.
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