Portpatrick is an idyllic harbour village on the rugged shoreline of Wigtownshire's west coast in Dumfries and Galloway, South-West
Scotland.
It is a popular visitor destination, due to its
charm and the natural, unspoilt beauty of the surrounding area.
Just
21 miles from the Irish Coast, Portpatrick (St Patrick's Port - the Irish patron saint is reputed to have sailed to Ireland
from here) was the original ferry port to Ireland from around 1616 a role Stranraer in its more sheltered position in the
Loch Ryan basin soon usurped.
The penninsula on which Portpatrick
is situated is known as the Rhins of Galloway and this part of Scotland is famed for its mild climate due to the Gulf Stream.
Indeed, there are examples of palm trees throughout the area and other exotic plants thrive at the nearby Logan Botanic Gardens.
In fact, Portpatrick has the highest sunshine record in Dumfries and Galloway.
The
Mull of Galloway, also close by is Scotland's Land's End, the most southerly point in Scotland which is on the same latitude
as Sunderland in North East England.
Within Portpatrick itself,
visitors will find old world charm and character. Picturesque buildings surround the small harbour with a number of small
accommodation providers, inns and hotels to chose from for your stay.
The
village also boasts some beautiful shops selling a range of attractive gifts, crafts and maritime items.
There
is also a small putting green and children's play area and Portpatrick is the start of the 212 mile-long coast-to coast Southern
Upland Way to Eyemouth on the east coast. If you don't feel quite engergetic enough to walk 212 miles, there's plenty to see
and do within Portpatrick and the surrounding area making this the perfect base for a memorable holiday away from it all.
Breathtaking sea views can be enjoyed, none more so, than from the cliff-top path
to Dunskey castle which is reputed to be haunted!
The village also
holds the annual RNLI Lifeboat Week. See our community events page for details.
