Torr Point Loop - Auchencairn

Start : At the car park at Old Torr Cottage, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas (DG7 1QR). Grid ref. NX 801 516.

(S/E) From the carpark take the gate and follow the track up a slight incline. After a short way the path opens out into a wide field where the path becomes indistinct. There are often cows in the field so bear this in mind if you are walking with dogs and be prepared to put them on a lead.

(1)The route to Torr Point runs to the right. You can take a detour to Reid Ha'en beach (Red Haven on some maps). The entrance to the beach is at the right hand side of the wide gap in the trees where you can see the sea. There is no particular path - just walk across the grass avoiding cow pats. On the right hand side of the fence there is a gate with access down to the sand.

(2) Reid Ha'en is a lovely beach for a picnic named after the reddish colour of the sand. To continue on to Torr Point go back through the gate into the field and head to your right to the edge of the field.

(3) Turn right again to follow the edge of the scrub. Go slightly uphill through a gap in the trees then the view opens out and you will get good views of Hestan Island ahead of you. Hestan Island was made famous as Rathan Island by S R Crockett in his book The Raiders about smuggling. Smuggling was rife throughout the area in the 18th Century and the caves on Hestan were some of the many places where contraband was hidden.

(4) On your way look out for the turn to the left that you will take on your return - it is easier to spot from this direction. Go past it for now and continue to the end of the field. At the end of the field look for a gate that leads into a track between fences with woodland on each side. On your left are some old crab apple trees. When you break out of the trees you will see Almorness Peninsula ahead of you across the shallow water (or mud, depending on the tide) of Orchardton Bay. You have reached Torr Point.

(5) To your left look out for the remains of a chimney stack with a stone structure beneath it. This is where tar used to be melted so that fishermen could dip their nets in it to preserve them. At Torr Point take some time to enjoy the views and also the rock formations, rock pools and lichen on the stones. To return initially you need to retrace your steps as far as the turn marked Orchardton Bay.

Hopefully you will have spotted it on your way out as the signpost has fallen over in the gorse and is quite hard to spot in the direction you are walking. The route soon becomes fairly indistinct but if you cross the field and bear left when you meet it's edge, you should come to the gate below. Go through the gate into the woodland and follow the clear track until you come to a T-junction.

(6) The left turn will take you directly back to the Hugh Paton path, and then to your car. Take a few minutes to enjoy the view of Screel ahead of you then go through the gate and turn left to return to your car. (E)

Start : At the car park at Old Torr Cottage, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas (DG7 1QR). Grid ref. NX 801 516.

Driving to start : It is easy to miss the turn to the car park for the start of this walk. From Kirkennan Estate Holiday Cottages take the A711 going towards Kirkcudbright. Four miles from Kirkennan - shortly after passing Orchardton Castle - look out for a sign to the left marked Red Haven and Torr Point. Take this dirt farm road named Hugh Paton path for a mile until you find the car park by Old Torr Cottage. This road can be fairly rough in places.

Parking : Car park at Old Torr Cottage, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas (DG7 1QR). Grid ref. NX 801 516.

Terrain : Fields, cliffs and woods

Public Transport : Bus stop Balliol Court (Nbr: 34239259), A711, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas (DG7 1QU)

Facilities : Refreshement, and local transport in Auchencairn center.

Dog Policy : Dogs can be let off the lead on the beach and in the wooded section but may need to be on the lead in the fields if livestock are around.

Note : Not suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

Find more information at Kirkennan Estate website here.

There is a noticeboard at the car park showing the route and indicating birds you might spot on your way: Redshank; Reed Bunting; Grey Heron; Shelduck; Oyster Catcher and Curlew.