Explore the local Coast, Beaches and Lighthouses near Knockinaam Lodge Hotel
Welcome to the enchanting world of southern Scotland’s coastline, where pristine beaches, majestic lighthouses, and the charming Knockinaam Lodge Hotel and Restaurant await your arrival. As you plan your unforgettable seaside adventure, let this guide be your compass to the top coastal attractions that await you in Southern Scotland.
Coast
The Rhins of Galloway
The Rhins of Galloway is a hammerhead peninsula as far West as you can go in Southern Scotland and as far South as you can go in Western Scotland and still be in Scotland.
It has about 50 miles of coastline with many beaches, cliff-top walks and stunning coastal scenery.
There is a coastal walk from Knockinaam to Portpartick, direct from hotel ( approx. 1hr 15min).
A steep incline to begin with from the hotel then levels out, however, it is not for the faint hearted. A beautiful walk along the coast with wildflowers in spring and lots of wildlife throughout the year. The path goes through/past a few caravan sites and also Dunskey Castle. A map is available at hotel reception, along with other walks in the area.
Rhins of Galloway Coast Path
An ambitious project to improve access to the coast and create an 83-mile circular walking route. When complete you will be able to experience all the stunning scenery of Scotland’s South West Coast from Mull of Galloway to Loch Ryan Check their Facebook Page for updates.
Dunskey Glen Walks
A walk with a mixture of coast and glen. Can be started from Portpatrick following the Southern Upland Way (steps up from north side), past Portpatrick golf club or from Dunskey Estate itself.
Map available from hotel reception.
Killantringan Lighthouse Walk from Portpatrick
This lighthouse is on the Southern Upland Way a couple of miles to the north of Portpartick and is a popular walk from Portpatrick.
From Portpatrick, on the north side following the start of the Southern Upland Way, follow the same walk as Dunskey Glen Walk but continuing along the coast or by car to Killantringan (car park) and back towards Portpatrick via coast.
Mull of Galloway
The Mull of Galloway is Scotland’s most Southerly Point and one of the best kept secrets in the UK. The Rhins of Galloway peninsula remains an unspoiled paradise for visitors on the lookout for peace and tranquillity. Wildlife in the area is abundant and the Mull of Galloway is one of the best places in the UK to view dolphins, porpoises and many sea birds. The warm climate means that the area is blessed with stunning gardens, each with its own individuality, and a variety of plants and trees.
At the award winning Mull of Galloway Experience, you can climb the 115 steps to the top of Scotland’s most southerly Lighthouse, where a spectacular view from the balcony and lightroom will reward you for your efforts! For more stunning views over the cliffs, take a walk to the Foghorn and viewing platform. For those keen to learn about how the Lighthouse used to operate, the Lighthouse Exhibition in the old engine room has an extensive array of information. The Engines and Foghorn are now fully operational following a refurbishment project.
The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a beautiful circular walk with viewpoints allows you to explore the 30 acres of heathland on the reserve.
Beaches on the Rhins of Galloway
Knockinaam Beach
Our very own private beach at the end of the garden. More shingle than sand, however excellent beach combing /rock pooling or just wave watching either from The Cove where we serve drinks and food. Looks across the Irish Sea to Belfast.
Killantringan Beach, Knock Bay and Larbrax Beach
Heading northward from Portpatrick you soon arrive at Killantringan Beach, while Labrax is a few miles further north. At low tide it is possible to walk from one beach to another.
Sandhead Beach
This beautiful sandy beach is several miles long and offers unlimited sand when the tide is out. It is on the east coast of the Rhins in Luce Bay. Easily accessed from Sandhead where there is parking on the beach and dog friendly.
There is a village shop, park and pub (Tigh Na Mara) in the village.
Ardwell Bay Beach
A sheltered and sandy cove popular with families and has interesting rook pools. Also, a popular sea fishing location with a slipway to launch boats.
A few miles south of Sandhead. This bay is on the west coast of the Rhins Peninsula. The last few minutes of the car journey are quite an adventure, as the access road is narrow and unsealed.
Good car park at the end of the road with easy access to beach. Dog friendly.
Port Logan Beach
Delightful village on the west cost of South Rhins with great accessibility to beach. Small harbour, which features an iconic lighthouse or more correctly, a bell tower.
Whilst visiting Logan beach, the Port Logan Fish Pond and Logan Botanical Gardens are close by.
Lighthouses
Old Lighthouse, Portpatrick
Stands guard at the harbour at Portpartick, being the closest lighthouse to Ireland. Built around 1774.
For a tine Portpatrick filled a similar role to Gretna Green. Irish couples would escape from Donaghadee to get married in the village. Couples were said to have their ceremony and be back on the boat within an hour.
Killantringan Lighthouse
(DG9 8TW)
Established in 1900, one of many engineered by David Stevenson, nephew of R.L. Stevenson the famous author. The Lighthouse is on the Southern Upland Way a couple of miles to the north of Portpatrick and is a popular walk from Portpatrick.
It is also accessible by road. It is a private house.
Corsewall Lighthouse
(DG9 0QG)
Corsewall Lighthouse is at the top of the Rhins Peninsula and dates back to 1817. The shoreline either side of the Lighthouse is well worth exploring on foot although the paths are rough.
Often seals are to be seen on rocks about a mile to the south of the Lighthouse. The lighthouse is now a hotel.
Port Logan
(DG9 9NF)
A delightful village on the west coast of South of Rhins.
Small harbour, featuring an iconic light house or more correctly, a bell tower. Designed by Thomas Telford in 1818.
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
(DG9 9HP)
At the Mull of Galloway, you can climb the Lighthouse, visit the exhibition of Lighthouse History, experience the Vintage Engines and Foghorn and walk around the RSPB Scotland Nature Reserve.
The Lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson, took 2 years to build and was first lit on 26th March 1830.
Other Lighthouses in the area
- Crammag Head Lighthouse – 1913 – no public access
- Lochryan Lighthouse – 1847 by Alan Stevenson. DG9 8YQ