Days out
Mull of Galloway
CairngaanOpenSee opening timesVenture to Scotland's most southerly point and explore rolling heathland overlooking dramatic cliffs, home to diverse seabird colonies and watched over by a gleaming lighthouse.
About
Nestled at the most southerly point of Scotland, the Mull of Galloway feels like its own wild island. Tread the path to the lighthouse and enjoy spectacular, panoramic views. Ireland, the Isle of Man, Cumbria and Galloway can all be seen on clear days, as can the Scar Rocks, which sit just off the mainland.
The Mull of Galloway nature reserve features grassland and heath, surrounded by steep cliffs that lead to the tumbling seas below. These craggy cliffs are ideal for seabirds to make their homes, including Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Shags and Black Guillemots. Ravens and Peregrine Falcons are also regularly seen around the cliffs. The Scar Rocks are mostly inhabited by around 4,000 Gannets, which are fascinating to watch, as they dive-bomb the sea.
The clifftop trail is peppered with plants and wildflowers, including Spring Squill, Thrift, Purple Milk Vetch and Sea Spleenwort. Twite sometimes breed in the heathland, as do Wheatears, Linnets and Stonechats.
Spring and early summer are the best times to see the wild flowers and breeding seabirds. Early autumn can be amazing for seeing the migration of songbirds through the reserve and for the huge rafts of Manx Shearwaters gathering offshore. Our visitor centre is open from Easter through to the end of October each year.
At a glance
Large car park outside reserve wall. Blue Badge parking and drop outside visitor centre. Unlit except by lighthouse. Not locked. No height restrictions.
Unisex accessible toilet at visitor centre. Access key at visitor centre.
Located in the unisex accessible toilet at the visitor centre. Access key at visitor centre.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Trail is uneven with a mixture of surfaces including rolled stone, tarmac, boardwalk and grass.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Trail is uneven with a mixture of surfaces including rolled stone, tarmac, boardwalk and grass.
Located at the visitor centre and also at Gallie Craig coffee shop.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Mull of Galloway
mullofgalloway@rspb.org.uk Mull of Galloway, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, DG9 9HP 01776 840539