What’s On Offer in D&G?
The Mull of Galloway Experience
At the award winning Mull of Galloway Experience, you can climb the 115 steps to the top of Scotland’s most southerly Lighthouse, where a spectacular view from the balcony and lightroom will reward you for your efforts! For more stunning views over the cliffs, take a walk to the Foghorn and viewing platform. For those keen to learn about how the Lighthouse used to operate, the Lighthouse Exhibition in the old engine room has an extensive array of information. The Engines and Foghorn are now fully operational following a refurbishment project. There are regular blasts and engine demonstrations throughout the year and group bookings are welcome.
For more information about the local birdlife, pay a visit to the RSPB visitor centre and reserve. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a beautiful circular walk with viewpoints allows you to explore the 30 acres of heathland on the reserve.
For refreshments, the popular Gallie Craig Coffee House offers a range of meals, snacks, drinks and delicious home baking.
The Mull of Galloway is owned by the Mull of Galloway Trust and the Mull of Galloway Experience is operated as a joint venture with Northern Lighthouse Board, RSPB Scotland and Gallie Craig Coffee House.
The Photography currently used on this website is subject to copyright. We would like to thank Fraser Duff Andrew Jackson RB Photography Ian Cowe and local residents and tourists for kindly allowing us to use their photographs.
Lighthouse Tours & Exhibition
The lighthouse tours and exhibition are now closed for winter. These will reopen in March 2023.
At the Mull of Galloway you can climb the Lighthouse, visit the Exhibition of Lighthouse History, experience the Vintage Engines and Foghorn, walk around the RSPB Scotland Nature Reserve and enjoy delicious food and drink at Scotland’s most Southerly Coffee House.
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.
The Foghorn
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.
The Exhibition and Engine Room
The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Exhibition is housed in the former fuel store, workshop and engine room to the right of the Lighthouse.
In pride of place is the Fresnel Lens from McArthur’s Head Lighthouse, which was upgraded to an automatic light in 1969. The lens has been loaned to the Exhibition by the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh.
Gallie Craig Coffee House
Gallie Craig Coffee House was named after the ragged rock of the same name protruding from the sea south of the Mull of Galloway. The glass encased coffee house and its terrace look towards the rock and the spectacular panoramic view also takes in the Lighthouse, the Isle of Man, Ireland, the South Rhins Peninsula and Luce Bay.
Group bookings are welcome, please contact us for details.
RSPB Nature Reserve
The area around the lighthouse is a RSPB reserve and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The reserve at the Mull of Galloway is one of the RSPB’s smallest, yet it contains an amazing variety of wildlife.
Walking
The Mull of Galloway Trail opened in August 2012 and runs from the Mull of Galloway to Stranraer. Most of the walk is coastal, affording stunning views over the nearby countryside.
Click to view and print our popular south Rhins of Galloway walks.
Mull of Galloway Circular walk
Walk the Mull of Galloway West
If you have a favourite walk around the Mull of Galloway and South Rhins and would like to write a walking route for us please email us with your suggestions.
The South Rhins is the ideal destination for walking. Take time to explore the beautiful countryside and the spectacular views from the rugged coastal paths. Please note that all walk times are approximate and appropriate footwear should be worn. Always advise someone of your intended route and provide an estimate of when you will return. Care should be taken around the coastal routes and we ask that you adhere to the countryside code at all times. Please be especially aware of gates and mindful of farm property and livestock.