Amazing Views But Disappointing Beach
We’ve just returned from 4 nights at New England. We arrived around 1.45, after a missed turn, and were happy to be told there were free pitches in every area so could choose our pitch anywhere. Pitches 1-10 had been recommended so we headed there first. Pitch 2 was free and had a great sea view so we parked up. We had no van in front of us all week, possibly because the pitch in front is non electric, so a great choice and probably the best view we’ve had. After setting up we went for a walk along the beach but were so disappointed. It was nothing like the picture on the CAMC’s webpage. There is a small amount of sandy beach but the majority is rocky in both directions. Over the week we did walk both directions and whilst walkable it is hard going. The Mull of Galloway trail at the end of the site was very overgrown so also difficult. Despite this disappointment we found some great walks in the area. There are lots of suggestions in the information room but some were empty wallets where the last one had been taken.
The walk to Port Logan is very easy, along a quiet lane and only took 40 minutes. If you cut through the top car park just outside the site there is a path to the main road and the lane is directly opposite. This saves having to walk on the main road. What a difference this bay is compared to New England Bay. We loved this little cove, with its harbour at one side and fish pond at the other. If you walk past both of these there are some beautiful little coves at either end.
The following day we drove 10 minutes to Drummore and again enjoyed this little village. There is a lovely path from the top of Drummore down to the bay. 10 minutes drive further is the fabulous Mull of Galloway lighthouse. The panoramic views are breathtaking. The Mull of Galloway trail starts here and we wandered along the coastal path to the next bay. We had lunch at the coffee shop at the lighthouse and the scones were so delicious we had to buy another to take home.
The next day we drove to Sandhead, which had the beach we were expecting at New England. From there we drove on to Stranraer and Loch Ryan was much nicer than we were expecting, with a great path to walk along the water’s edge as the tide was in. We had lunch at a chip shop in the town centre but wished we had waited until we reached Portpatrick. This is a lovely harbour town, which was the only busy place we had encountered. The South Upland Way takes you onto the cliff tops where there are spectacular views. Another place where we could have walked further, had we had the time.
The site facilities were as expected but the showers were a little small with no shelf. Having 2 blocks was useful as we always knew one was open, particularly on departure day. We enjoyed playing table tennis in the playroom each day and would like to see more of these on club sites.
