It may be mid November, but the weather in South West Scotland this weekend was perfect for a wander along part of its sunny coastline. Not far from Cutcloy Cottage is the pretty village of Garlieston, with its lovely rows of two storey, colour washed Georgian houses sitting along the curve of the bay.
Amazingly, the entire original village was designed in 1760 by Lord Garlieston, heir to the Earl of Galloway, and is built on the edge of his wooded estate which has magnificent gardens, with woodland and shore walks. Galloway House Gardens
A winding path follows the curve of the shore through the woods to Rigg Bay, where in 1943, the Mulberry Harbours were tested for use in Normandy during the second world war. My other half thinks this is very interesting! So much so he once took me on holiday to Normandy for Operation Overload!
Looks like somebody started to built a random driftwood bonfire...
There was much climbing and sliding through an enchanted forest and up Sliddery Point when the landscape dramatically changed and opened onto wide fields and cliffs.
Suddenly over the brow of the hill the magical arch of Cruggleton Castle appeared in the distance.
Apparently there has been a castle here for a very long time and it was once the main home of the Lords of Galloway. It has been the scene of many a battle over the centuries and was once captured by Robert the Bruce on his mission to free Scotland from English rule.
All that remains today is a solitary, but dramatic archway and several intriguing walled hollows. High up on the cliffs, it defiantly stands against the sea below like a portal to another world.
With sheer drops on two sides, the views towards the Isle of Whithorn and the Isle of Man are truly magnificent.
And after all that my feet are tired, but happy!
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