Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point
The Mull of Galloway is Scotland’s most Southerly Point and one of the best kept secrets in the UK. The Rhins of Galloway peninsula remains an unspoiled paradise for visitors on the lookout for peace and tranquillity.
Beautiful countryside awaits you in the Rhins of Galloway, together with miles of sandy beaches, splendid views and cliff top walks. Wildlife in the area is abundant and the Mull of Galloway is one of the best places in the UK to view dolphins, porpoises and many sea birds. The warm climate means that the area is blessed with stunning gardens, each with its own individuality, and a variety of plants and trees.
Much lies in wait for you to see and do in the Rhins of Galloway and we also have a wide selection of holiday accommodation available from coastal retreats to farm steadings in some enviable locations.
The Lighthouse and the Foghorn
Climb 115 steps to the top of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse and, on a clear day, be rewarded with spectacular views of Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man and Cumbria, watch the gannets diving and look out for porpoises and dolphins.
The tower stands 26 metres high and the light is 99 metres above sea level. The Lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson. It took two years to build; work commenced in 1828 and the Lighthouse was first lit on 26th March 1830.
A Foghorn has been present at the Mull of Galloway since 1894. It last sounded as an aid to marine navigation in November 1987. During its working life, the Foghorn would be operated by Lighthouse Keepers should seaward visibility drop below 4 miles.
Three Kelvin K2 Diesel Engines produce the compressed air necessary to sound the Foghorn. The engines are now running again after 30 years of remaining silent.
The Foghorn was in use until November 1987 and this has now returned to working order (April 2018). The Mull of Galloway Foghorn is currently the only operational Foghorn on mainland Scotland.
You can sleep at one of the Lighthouse Cottages: https://www.lighthouseholidaycottages.co.uk/
Natural reserve
The reserve consists of clifftop grassland and heath, surrounded by steep cliffs where seabirds make their homes. The clifftop habitats are important for a number of plant species, including sping squill, thrift, purple milk vetch and sea spleenwort. Twite sometimes breed in the heathland, as do wheatears, linnets and stonechats. The seabird cliffs are home to locally important colonies of 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.
RSBP Reserve Website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mull-of-galloway/