Palms, Poets & Pilgrims - Day 3

Palms and pilgrims

Move on west from Newton Stewart towards Stranraer. After about 16 miles, turn off the main road to stop at Glenluce Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded around 1192. The remains, including a handsome early 16th century chapter house, are set in a lovely tranquil valley.

From here swing south into the Rhinns of Galloway, the far south-western tip of Scotland, and visit the sub-tropical wonder of Logan Botanic Garden.

Further on is the impressive headland of the Mull of Galloway, with its superb vistas over the sea to Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Next, go back around large Luce Bay and into the area known as The Machars, and stop in at Whithorn.

Whithorn is known for its connection with St Ninian, who brought Christianity to Scotland in 397, dying in Whithorn in 431. Ninian's Cave is located between Isle-of-Whithorn and Glasserton just a few miles out of Whithorn. The Isle-of-Whithorn also has a St Ninian's chapel which you can see down by the harbour. Whithorn's town centre retains the street plan of the Middle Ages with its wide market square and long garden plots. Many kings and queens have journeyed to this small town over the years.

As well as visiting historical sites you can enjoy cycling through the Machars area on marked cycle routes, fishing, golfing, bird watching and walking. Whithorn is your best base for the night.