Morroch Bay.
A special place.
Just back form a lovely week away in South West Scotland (nearest village Portpatrick) in early June.
We stayed in a place which must be unique in both its setting and its opportunity for absolute peace and harmony with nature.
Morroch bay is a beautiful setting. Two cottages (1/4 mile apart) sit at each end of a bay which is embraced by a crescent of stunning cliffs covered in the most beautiful foliage.
The approach to the setting is interesting and on foot a little brutal, but extremely good for cardio vascular fitness, or so I kept telling myself. The road was once featured in The Times and purported to be the steepest road in the UK. It is driveable in a 4x4 but otherwise on foot is the order of the day. It didn't get any easier.
We were met by the property manager (Scott Cameron) who transported all our luggage down to the cottage from where we had to park our cars at the top of the cliff. Scott is very pleasant and approachable .
In truth I would have happily spent days holed up right here, reading a book and listening to the sea and the birds but the younger members of our party preferred to venture out and so I only managed the one quiet day.
Morroch Cottage which we rented, sleeps eight people and there is an additional pod which sleeps two which can also be rented. It is dog friendly but guests are asked not to leave dogs unattended in the property.It is very comfortable. It has a huge lawned area and a lovely 'Pow Wow Corner' where there is an open fire pit and BBQ and it is lovely to sit there of an evening.
I am a huge wild flower and animal lover and this spot really suited me in every way. A seal, an otter in the harbour, deer on the slopes, two peregrine falcons nesting, a buzzard and an oyster catcher nesting just beyond our grass area. The lawn is outlined by a strip of beautiful wild flowers beyond which is the ocean. A rocky beach with rock pools and shells galore.
The second day of our trip we ventured on a coastal path from the bay to Port Patrick. A lovely walk along a beautiful path which was fairly easy to navigate. Splendid views. The walk took us around one and a half hours each way, and we arrived in Portpatrick to a lovely sunny welcome. The village is served by a couple of shops where one can buy essentials and a number of sea front pubs which welcomed dogs outside (one inside). The food is good and in one pub (The Crown) it is available all day. There is a pleasant harbour, a putting green and a small sheltered beach area. Boat trips ca be arranged in the harbour, weather permitting.
The third day we went to one of the many beautiful botanical gardens. The area is blessed by the gulf stream and so some quite tender and exotic plants can be grown. Castle Kennedy didn't disappoint. 70 acres of stunning gardens and dogs are welcomed.
On our fourth day we ventured on a gorgeous circular walk along a coastal path which started and finished in Portpatrick. The walk took around 3 1/2 hours in total. the weather was cool but perfect for walking although the sea mist obscured what must be stunning views on a clear day. Lots of beautiful little bays and the coastal wildflowers were a picture.
The path was very steep and uneven in places but the walk was very worthwhile.
We also visited the Lighthouse at Port Galloway, the most southerly point in Scotland which is a lovely trip. An RSPB reserve is to be found there.
All these trips were dog friendly, but check your hounds for ticks at the end of the day. Our little dog picked up quite a few. Midges were evident early morning and late evening but were not really troublesome.
It really is a very special spot, if you are looking to get away from the business and stresses of everyday life., can respect nature and not disturb nesting birds, and want to hear nothing but the softs lapping of waves upon the shore and the call of birds.
If you have a big family group you can rent exclusive access to the whole 38 acres!
https://www.morroch-bay.com/
