Dunragit
Dunragit's name means 'fort of Rheged' (Rheged was a kingdom covering parts of Northern England and South West Scotland) and the fort allegedly looks over Piltanton Burn. Dunragit's history is a long one and we have evidence of human habitation here dating back to the Stone Age. Relatively recent excavations found 3 huge concentric timber (as opposed to stone) circles with the largest being six times bigger than Stone Henge (yes, THE Stone Henge). The circular structure is thought to date from 2500 BC and can be found between Dunragit village and Droughduil Mote, though it is hard to see anything at all. Droughduil mote itself had some excavation work taken out on it and was found to date from a similar period as the timber circles - perhaps a viewpoint to look down on ceremonies taking place in the circles? Later in the villages history, Romans built their road through and it is thought there may be a Roman cemetery here. In the 18th century Dunragit's core was Dunragit House and the main employer was the now abandoned creamery.
Don't Miss This in Dunragit...
- Glenwhan Gardens - another stunning Rhins garden, constructed on the hillside comparatively recently in 1979 and spanning over 12 acres. It has two lochs, great views, resident red squirrels and a wildflower walk.
Nearby Places to Visit...
- Glenluce Abbey - venture over the invisible Rhins border and you will find a gem in Glenluce Abbey - a picturesque ruin built in 1192. There are displays of local artefacts found here and the chapter house (15th century) still remains intact (it has a roof unlike most of the abbey).
- Glenluce - Pretty viaduct with sign posted walk down to St Helena's Isle. Nearby 16th century Castle of Park is sometimes open to the public.
- Torrs Warren & Ringdoo Point - parking available for waymarked woodland walks at this Forestry Commission managed forest. You may even spot one of the resident red squirrels or the common lizards. Access to Ringdoo Point is possible through Torrs Warren and provides views over Luce Sands.
- Stairhaven - sandy beach with rock pools. Cliff walk to Auchenmalg.
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