Walk this way: Knockinaam Lodge to Portpatrick

Few walkers bother with the hammerhead peninsula of the Rhinns of Galloway, and more fool them - here in the southwesternmost corner of Scotland are beautiful cliffs, wild moors and a peach of a cosy hotel.

Route: From Knockinaam Lodge, follow the coast to Dunskey Castle and on to Portpatrick. Next, take the Southern Upland Way to Port Mora and Port Kale, and return to Portpatrick. Head inland to Merrick Hill and from there, make your way back to Knockinaam through Portree Bridge and Port o' Spittal.

Look out for: Haunted Dunskey Castle; maritime memorials in Old Kirk, Portpatrick; pioneer telephone cable pavilions at Port Kale.

Where to stay: Knockinaam Lodge (01776 810471, www.knockinaamlodge.com), snug in its secluded slip of a bay at the start of the walk, is the perfect getaway spot. Here in the heart of sporting and walking country, they don't just tolerate guests returning muddy, wet and ravenous - they expect it. With dinner, B&B starting from £90 per person, it's excellent value, too. Chef Tony Pierce uses locally caught fish to great effect, and after long days out, hungry walkers appreciate his sinful puddings. Cheerful fires and a whole symphony of malt whiskies complete the scene.

Treat yourself: There are more than 120 malt whiskies awaiting your attention in the wood-panelled bar.

How long? It's a four-hour trek in total.

Difficulty: 2/3

Duration: 8.5 miles

How to get there: By train to Stranraer, then bus 358, 367 or 411 to Portpatrick, where you can get a taxi to Knockinaam. By road, take the A77 to Portpatrick and a minor road to North Port o' Spittal and Knockinaam Lodge.

OS Map Explorer 309: Stranraer & The Rhins. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

For more info: Stranraer TIC (01776 702595, www.visitscotland.com)

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