Attractions and activities in the South Rhins of Galloway

Gardens

Logan Botanic Garden is arguably Scotland’s most exotic garden. The exceptionally mild climate allows an array of tender, exotic plants to thrive outdoors all year round and a number of unusual trees and plants can be found in the attractive walled garden. The Discovery Centre presents a range of information about the gardens, while the shop sells local crafts, gifts and cards, as well as a selection of Logan’s most popular plants and seeds. The Potting Shed Bistro serves delicious lunches, snacks and home baking, using the finest local ingredients.

Logan House Garden opened to the public in 2002. With its rolling lawns and woodlands, planted with ancient and unusual trees and shrubs, this garden is perfect for a tranquil walk and is particularly colourful in spring and early summer when wonderful rhododendrons are in bloom. Many of the azaleas in the garden are in infancy, but the fragrance of the older R.luteum is unmistakeable. The garden is also home to 21 champion trees.

More information about the gardens of the Rhins of Galloway can be accessed by visiting Scotland’s Garden Route.

Visit our gallery for more stunning photographs of the gardens in the Rhins of Galloway.

Gardens

Beaches

The Rhins of Galloway boasts 50 miles of coastline, with many sandy bays, rocky shores and breathtaking coastal features to explore. The east of the peninsula is home to long stretches of pristine sand, while cliffs and sandy bays dominate the west. Many pretty ports hug this delightful coastline, including Port Logan and Drummore.

Drummore is the largest and most southerly of the Rhins villages and Scotland’s most southerly village. On the shore of Luce Bay, the village has a sand and pebble beach with views across the bay and the Scaur rocks. Sandhead beach is a five mile stretch of sand, ideal for relaxing, water sports and wildlife watching. Ample car parking is available, as well as picnic tables and a play area for children. The village store sells everything from buckets and spades to soft drinks and sandwiches.

Sunsets can be spectacular from Port Logan Bay, which has a beautiful sandy beach stretching round to the Logan Fish Pond. The fish pond dates back to 1800 as a sea- fish larder for the local Laird and was partially created from an ice-age blowhole. The fish pond is now open as a unique visitor attraction where you can feed the fish and find out about the history of the pond. There is also gift shop selling local souvenirs, fishing tackle and bait and cold drinks. Parking is free at the fish pond and dogs are welcome!

The old harbour and bell tower form the main focal points of the village of Port Logan. Fishing from the old pier is popular and plenty of car parking is available, as well as picnic tables and a children’s play area. The sheltered cove is great for water sports. The bay was also famously used as the setting for the BBC drama series ‘2000 Acres of Sky’ and more recently ‘Keepers’ with Gerard Butler.

Sunrise is a great time of day to visit New England Bay, home to a good stretch of sand and popular with families. The beach is sheltered and attracts water sports enthusiasts. Picnic tables and toilet facilities are available.

Chapel Rossan Bay boasts a picnic area next to the beach and excellent views across Luce Bay towards the Machars, with the Galloway Hills in the distance.

Lovely Ardwell Bay hides a sheltered and sandy cove with plenty of picnic sites, as well as a slipway for launching small boats. The beach is popular with families, with lots of interesting rock pools. The rings of an Iron Age fort can also be seen at Doone Broch.

Visit our gallery for more photographs of the beaches and coastline around the Rhins of Galloway.

Galloway Beaches
Galloway Beaches

Historic sites

Kirkmadrine Stones are arguably the oldest and most important Christian memorial stones in Scotland. Now in the care of Historic Scotland, the stones are displayed at Kirkmadrine Chapel and confirm the existence of an early Christian church on the site. Today, you can see eight Christian stones dating from the 5th to the 12th centuries in a protected recess at the west end of the church. Kirkmadrine forms part of the Merlin Trail which launched early 2018. The trail combines history, archaeology, etymology, topography, botany and folk memory following in the footsteps of Merlin.

Kirkmaiden Church overlooks Luce Bay and the Galloway Hills beyond. This church was built in 1638 and the churchyard is home to a number of interesting gravestones, one in the shape of a lighthouse. Kirkmaiden is still used as a church today and celebrated 375 years of worship in June 2013. Photographs can be viewed in our gallery.

Kirkmaiden Information Centre, Mill Street, Drummore opens each year at Easter and then from the end of May until the end of September. Here you can find local information, historical information, leaflets,internet access, pay phone and genealogy.

Walking

The Mull of Galloway Trail opened in August 2012 and runs from the Mull of Galloway to Stranraer. Most of the walk is coastal, affording stunning views over the nearby countryside.

We have been made aware that the path is currently very overgrown in places, so we recommend you wear suitable clothing and footwear.

 

Click to view and print our popular south Rhins of Galloway walks.

Mull of Galloway Circular walk

Walk the Mull of Galloway West

Walk Kirkmaiden

Walk East Tarbet to Portankil

If you have a favourite walk around the Mull of Galloway and South Rhins and would like to write a walking route for us please email us with your suggestions.

The South Rhins is the ideal destination for walking. Take time to explore the beautiful countryside and the spectacular views from the rugged coastal paths. Please note that all walk times are approximate and appropriate footwear should be worn. Always advise someone of your intended route and provide an estimate of when you will return. Care should be taken around the coastal routes and we ask that you adhere to the countryside code at all times. Please be especially aware of gates and mindful of farm property and livestock.

Walking

Wildlife

The Rhins of Galloway is home to an abundance of wildlife and you can enjoy regular wildlife walks and bird spotting with the RSPB ranger at the Mull of Galloway. Annual wildlife festivals take place throughout the region.

Fishing

There are many sea fishing charters available in the area, including Go West and Onyer Marks, specialising in tope, common skate, smoothhound and light tackle pollack fishing. Charters also often run species hunts. From Portpatrick harbour you can charter the two vessels from Loch Ryan Leisure “New Venture” is a fast rib or “Lucky Dip 2” is a fishing charter.

Deer

Eating and drinking

In Drummore the Queens Hotel on Mill Street has a history dating back over 200 years and has a traditional bar, fine selection of Whiskies and an extensive menu prepared using local produce. The Clashwhannon Caravan Park and Pub with amazing views across Luce bay has a friendly bar and serves food in the comfortable dining room. Tha Mariners coffee shop in Drummore serves drinks, snacks and tasty meals.

At Sandhead, the Tigh na Mara Hotel serves home cooked lunches and dinners using the finest of local produce and the Woodlea tearoom serves meals, snacks and tasty home baking.