Rhins of Galloway

The Rhins of Galloway is a hammer-shaped peninsula in south-west Scotland, stretching 45 kilometres from Corsewall Point in the north to the Mull of Galloway in the south. The land is almost surrounded by sea, with Loch Ryan on the east and Luce Bay on the west. Stranraer sits at the head of Loch Ryan while Portpatrick lies on the west coast. Other villages include Kirkcolm, Leswalt, and Drummore. The name comes from the Gaelic rinn, meaning ‘point’. The peninsula’s long coastline and sheltered waters shaped its history and economy. Ferries once sailed from Portpatrick to Ireland, but moved to Loch Ryan when ships grew larger. During the Second World War, flying boats operated from RAF stations at Wig Bay and Stranraer. The mild climate allows tropical plants to grow at Logan Botanic Garden. The Mull of Galloway is a nature reserve where razorbills, guillemots, and puffins nest on the cliffs. Visitors find a mix of wild coast and quiet villages. The Southern Upland Way starts at Portpatrick and winds through the Rhins. Corsewall Lighthouse is now a hotel at the northern tip. Dunskey Castle stands near Portpatrick, its ruins overlooking the sea. Ardwell House and Gardens offers planted grounds beside the shore. The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path links these places along the coast.