Day 1 – Portpatrick to Castle Kennedy (15.7 miles)

Early morning sea mist and showers meant we started our walk north along the coast path in our waterproofs. Ascending and descending to several small coves & beaches kept us warm in the cool breeze coming off the sea and although it was so gloomy and overcast we really enjoyed the walk along the coast to Killantringan Lighthouse.
From here the Southern Upland Way (SUW) turns inland and onto lanes, seldom used by traffic, now heading towards Knock & Maize farm (breeders of Red Deer). The wind was now beginning to stiffen and we could make out Broad Moor wind farm in the gloom, it’s massive blades slicing through the atmosphere with a subtle but distinctly industrial sound. Upon reaching the summit cairn (156m) our quest for treasure began….
Along the route of the SUW there are 13 ‘kists’, hiding places, that house coins called ’13ths’. If all 13 coins are collected along the way, you have collected yourself a ‘hoard’.
Now, I’m not allowed to give you the exact location but somewhere on Broad Moor we found our first 13th, Woohoo!
The route then passes along a ridge above Stranraer, with views down to Loch Ryan and the railway station we had arrived at yesterday after our 7 1/2 hour journey north and into the borderlands, from here it was country lanes all the way until we entered the woodland section south of ‘Big Plantation’.
All that was left were the grounds of ‘Castle Kennedy’ and it’s seemingly never ending driveway adorned with colourful trees & vibrant specimens of shrub, very much how you’d expect a stately house to greet you.
We stopped for a quick sandwich in the wonderful grounds then pressed on to Chlenry Farmhouse B&B, our final destination of the day.
At the front door we wearily undid our boots and had time for a steaming hot bath before dinner was served in the ‘picture room red’ dining room…
Parsnip soup to start, followed by homemade lasagna with peas
See you all tomorrow xx