Southern Scotland - Scotland - page 361

Around Stranraer
Magnificent Castle Kennedy Gardens ( www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk ; adult/child
£5/1.50; 10am-5pm daily Apr-Oct, Sat & Sun only Feb-Mar) , 3 miles east of Stranraer,
are among the most famous in Scotland. They cover 30 hectares and are set on an isthmus
between two lochs and two castles (Castle Kennedy, burnt down in 1716, and Lochinch
Castle, built in 1864). The landscaping was undertaken in 1730 by the Earl of Stair, who
used soldiers to do the work. Buses heading east from Stranraer stop at the gate on the
main road; it's a pleasant 20-minute stroll from here to the entrance to the gardens.
CORSEWALL LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL
It's just you and the cruel sea out here at this fabulously romantic 200-year-old lighthouse ( 01776-853220;
www.lighthousehotel.co.uk ; d incl 5-course dinner £180-290; ) , right at the tip of the peninsula, 13 miles
northwest of Stranraer. On a sunny day, the water shimmers with light, and you can see Ireland, Kintyre, Arran and
Ailsa Craig. But when the wind and rain beat in, it's just great to be cosily holed up in the snug bar-restaurant or
snuggling under the covers in your room. Rooms in the lighthouse building itself are attractive if necessarily com-
pact; chalets are also available.
Portpatrick
pop 585
Portpatrick is a charming port on the rugged west coast of the Rhinns of Galloway penin-
sula. It is a good base from which to explore the south of the peninsula, and it's the start-
ing point for the Southern Upland Way . You can follow part of the way to Stranraer (9
miles). It's a clifftop walk, with sections of farmland and heather moor.
Harbour House Hotel ( 01776-810456; www.theharbourhousehotel.co.uk ; 53 Main
St; s/d £60/100; ) was formerly the customs house but is now a popular, friendly old
pub. Some of the beautifully refurbished rooms have brilliant views over the harbour;
there are also self-catering apartments out the back. The hotel is also a warm nook for a
traditional bar meal (£7 to £10). There are various other hotels, seafood eateries and
B&Bs along the harbourfront.