Portpatrick to Killantringan Lighthouse Circular
Dumfries and Galloway
Portpatrick is the western start of the Southern Upland Way, the 344km coast to coast path across southern Scotland, and its first miles follow the Rhins of Galloway cliffs. Dogs need a lead for most of this walk, with steep, unfenced cliffs and nesting seabirds on the coast path and grazing land inland. This circuit leaves the north end of the harbour by the lifeboat station, climbs steps onto the cliff tops past the golf course, drops down to the coves of Port Mora and Port Kale, then crosses open moorland to Killantringan Lighthouse, built in 1900. Kittiwakes and fulmars nest on the cliffs, and at low tide the wreck of the Craigantlet, grounded in 1982, can sometimes be seen. The return heads inland on minor roads, passes the gates of Dunskey Gardens and follows a woodland path back into the village. Scotland Starts Here gives 10.5km with about 260 metres of ascent; the coast path is steep and narrow in places, with steps, a stile, kissing gates and cattle grids.
This dog friendly walk is best for confident dogs happy on narrow cliff paths. The cliff edges are unfenced in places, so keep your dog on a lead along the tops and on the steps. Cattle grids on the route are a sign of grazing ground, so expect livestock inland. Port Mora and Port Kale give a dog a chance to reach the shore, and the woodland on the return offers some shade. Road sections need a lead. Portpatrick has seafront parking at both ends of the harbour.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Shops, cafes, pubs and toilets around Portpatrick harbour; none on the route.
- Parking
- Seafront parking at both ends of Portpatrick harbour.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Portpatrick to Killantringan Lighthouse Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Dumfries and GallowayFrequently Asked Questions
Is Portpatrick to Killantringan Lighthouse Circular dog friendly?
This circular walk earns a 7/10 dog-friendly rating and is a great option for dogs that are confident on varied terrain. It offers a long, breezy outing with clifftop views, a chance to reach the shore at Port Mora and Port Kale, and a shaded woodland stretch on the return. Facilities including shops, cafes, pubs and toilets are available around Portpatrick harbour before and after the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Portpatrick to Killantringan Lighthouse Circular?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead for most of this walk. The cliff tops are unfenced in places and the coast path is steep and narrow, and the inland sections cross grazing land where livestock can be encountered. Port Mora and Port Kale offer the best opportunity for dogs to get closer to the shore, though these are the exception rather than the rule on this route.
What should I know before visiting Portpatrick to Killantringan Lighthouse Circular with my dog?
This walk is best suited to confident dogs that are comfortable on narrow cliff paths with steps, stiles, kissing gates and cattle grids along the way. The route is 10.5km with around 260 metres of ascent, so it's a fairly committed outing, and nesting seabirds on the cliffs add another reason to keep dogs under close control. There are no facilities on the route itself, so it's worth making use of Portpatrick harbour's shops and toilets before you set off.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Beach18.5 mi awayBallantrae Beach
South Ayrshire
A shingle beach in the R.L. Stevenson village of Ballantrae at the mouth of the Stinchar, with castle ruins above, year-round dog access and dramatic south Ayrshire scenery.
Beach21.6 mi awayDonaghadee Beach
County Down
A sandy beach at historic Donaghadee, the nearest point in Ireland to Scotland, with year-round dog access and the town's famous lighthouse, harbour and oldest pub in Ireland.
Beach21.8 mi awayOrlock Beach
County Down
A dramatic rocky headland at Orlock Point with year-round dog access, wild coastal walking and outstanding views across Belfast Lough on the North Down Coastal Path.
Beach22.9 mi awayGroomsport Beach
County Down
A sandy beach at the charming fishing village of Groomsport with year-round dog access (on leads in designated areas), a preserved harbour and historic Cockle Row cottages.
Beach23 mi awayMillisle Beach
County Down
A sandy Ards peninsula beach at Millisle with year-round dog access and the restored Ballycopeland Windmill above the village, one of the best-preserved in Ireland.
Beach23.1 mi awayMillisle Lagoon
County Down
A sheltered lagoon beach on the Ards Peninsula with year-round access and a relaxed family atmosphere.