Over the past year we’ve been busy in our little corner of South West Scotland creating a host of magnificent woodland paths and coastal walks around Corsewall Estate for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Corsewall Estate Loop
The Corsewall Loop walk takes you through the historic policy woodlands – originally laid out to represent the British Army’s dispositions at the Battle of Corunna of 1809 in Northern Spain. When you reach the top of the hill, catch your breath at one of the picnic benches, which also provides fabulous views across the open farmland of the Rhins and onto Loch Ryan then out north and over to the Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.
Following the gravel path down the eastern slope leads to the shore of the loch and you can either choose to walk along the beach, around the Wig, back up into the Estate via Fisher Lane or by the path alongside the field next to the shore.
In spring, the woodland walks are thick with carpets of bluebells and in summer and the policy fields are full of wildflowers. The cows in the fields along the way are always keen to say hello (from the other side of the fence – if they’re not …. they’ve escaped!).
Port Beg to Lady Bay
Further north along the shores of Loch Ryan, but still on the Corsewall Estate, another new path now leads from Port Beg beach and hugs the coast round the rugged headland to Lady Bay – a pretty sandy beach with a craggy cove at the far end.
You’ll pass reminders of a bygone age along the way including a boat winch and a large metal pan at the old salmon huts which would have been used for washing.
There are lots different options for shortening the walks or lengthening them. Many guests comment that they love the new paths as they don’t need to drive anywhere to walk – it’s just a case of stepping outside and the walks are right on their doorstep.
Wildlife on Corsewall Estate
You’ll find masses of wildlife spotting opportunities on the walks from roe deer and red squirrels to hares and in the spring, if you listen out, the chances are you’ll hear a noisy woodpecker and the wonderful sound of a cuckoo echoing around the woods.
Must sign off for today – a sunny stroll round the Loop and two energetic spaniels beckon! I’ve taken lots of photographs throughout the year, so best let the photos speak for themselves.