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WALKING
Ardwell Pond
Park your
vehicle at the picnic area at Chapel Rossan Bay, in Ardwell,
which is on the A716 from Stranraer to Drummore. From here
you have wonderful views over Luce Bay, towards the Machars
of Galloway and, in the distance, of the Galloway Hills. The
start of this walk is across the road from the picnic area,
just slightly to the right.
The Pond
Walk is part of Ardwell Estate, and Ardwell Gardens. Walkers
are welcome in all seasons, but the garden is closed from
the end of September until Easter and the owners would appreciate
visitors keeping to the signed path, and not entering the
gardens during this time.
 A
small gap in the dyke beside the A716 leads you alongside
a fast flowing burn - a sign to your left confirms your pathway
- please read this sign. You are immediately given the choice
of direction - this is a circular walk and can therefore be
done either way. To go in a northerly direction, cross the
bridge - on your right, and follow the grassy, peaty path
through the wood. This wooded path changes with the seasons
- the pine needles making walking easy, dappled sunlight filtering
through the deciduous larches in the autumn, and in crisp,
frosty and occasionally snowy weather it is magical.
The largest
of the ponds is on your left, even in the windiest weather
the ripples are gentle and on a still day its surroundings
reflect into its calm water. The pathway winds its way gently
upwards, and gives wonderful views down onto the big pond
and over to Ardwell House and Gardens. Two more bridges have
been put in place to enhance the walk which now gives good
views to your right, of Ardwell Village and across Luce Bay.
 The
pathway winds to the west, leaving Ardwell Village, and for
a short while it runs alongside a minor road - there are two
small gates to go through here, and then the track soon joins
the long driveway leading to Ardwell House. Keep to your left,
following the drive towards the walled garden. (There is a
donations box next to the entrance to the walled garden.)
Just before reaching this, bear to the left and you will soon
see the 'Pond Walk' sign, again confirming your direction.
You can, for a short way, divert to your left, and go over
the red-railed bridge to the other side of this small pond
- take care here as green pond weed disguises the edge of
the pond. Linger a while and notice the reflections of the
trees in the water, then return to the pathway.
 Follow
the burn, then cross it, over the bridge, and continue alongside
it until you reach the west side of the big pond. A pair of
swans ensure that intruders are soon driven off! The surroundings
are beautiful - take your time walking alongside the pond
(this area can be wet and muddy after continuous rain), or
sit for a while on one of the benches provided here. In spring
this area is a mass of bluebells and soon afterwards purple
rhododendrons line this pathway.
The sound
of fast moving water tells you that your walk is almost over
as the pond becomes a burn again and Luce Bay can be seen
close by. The pathway brings you back to Chapel Rossan. This
splendid walk can take from half and hour to a morning or
afternoon - you will want to come back in all the seasons,
especially during the summer months when you can enjoy visiting
the gardens. You will have the chance also of purchasing some
of the plants which are for sale, in the walled garden.
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