St Ninian’s Way is dedicated to the memory of this early Christian saint and missionary, often known as the Apostle to the Southern Picts. Starting at the ancient cathedral in Carlisle in England St Ninian’s Way goes north across the border into Scotland and west to Whithorn and St Ninian’s Chapel. The Way proceeds north west and along the Ayrshire coast to Paisley and Glasgow, then mainly along canal paths and quiet roads to Falkirk, Linlithgow and South Queensferry, where it picks up St Margaret’s Way for the remaining 65 kms to St Andrews. All in all about 700 kms of diverse and spectacular scenery.
Here Part 1 shows St Ninian’s Way from Carlisle to Whithorn.
For different map views, directions and detailed description, please click here.
To download the GPX file or print the map, please click the icons below.
Length: 18 km
Going north through flat farmland and over the estuary of the Esk and Eden with great views onto the Solway Firth this 1st section of St Ninian’s Way starts at the cathedral and proceeds north through the centre of Carlisle about ½ km to Bridgewater street. After crossing the River ...
Length: 18 km
Mainly coastal section along north bank of Solway Firth but getting a bit hilly towards the end this, the 2nd section of St Ninian’s Way, starts Bike Route 7 in Gretna Green going south and then west for 4.5 km. Then turn left at Nivenhill for 2km to coast. Keep ...
Length: 21 km
With the option of a short cut along the coast or inland though rich farmland, this 3rd section of St Ninian’s Way starts from the centre of Annan and continues west along Bike Route 7. It crosses the bridge onto Annandale Way and proceeds south on west bank of River ...
Length: 17 km
Lush farmland to the coast and famous Caerlaverock Castle, and then up along the Nith with great views of the hills to the west this 4th section of St Ninian’s Way continues south on Bike Route 7/B725 to the coast and Caerlaverock Castle (3 km) and then north along the ...
Length: 28 km
Along former railtrack and then into hilly farmland this fifth section of St Ninian’s Way starts from the centre of Dumfries proceeds west across the Nith to to join Bike Route 7and then south along former railtrack to Carganbridge, Drumsleet and along Old Mlitary Road to Castle Douglas. This is ...
Length: 17 km
With a gentle rise and fall through farmland, this 6th section of St Ninian’s Way continues south on Bike Route 7 to the coastal town of Kirkcudbright.
Length: 22 km
Gently undulating and through farmland on minor roads and tracks this 7th section of St Ninian’s Way takes Bike Route 7 out of Kirkcudbright to Borgue (10km). I km beyond Borgue at Chapelton Row veer right (Off BR7). Continue 1.5 km through Barmachaban to track leading left. Take track 1.5 ...
Length: 19 km
Starting with a steep rise and meandering through hills and moorland, the 8th section of St Ninian’s Way follows Bike Route 7 west out of Gatehouse of Fleet for 300m to T junction by church. Here BR 7 goes north but the Way continues along road and track to Anworth ...
Length: 12 km
With minor ups and downs through farmland with River Cree to west the 9th section of St Ninian’s Way takes Bike Route 7 north from Creetown along minor roads and tracks to Stronold, then on to Newton Stewart.
Length: 13 km
Starting with a short descent then into flattish farmland bordering the Cree, the 10th section of St Ninian’s Way takes Bike Route 73 south out of Newton Stewart past the Y junction by St Ninian's Well (3 km) and then on down to Wigtown, with the Cree and Wigtown Bay ...
Length: 14 km
Mainly flattish through farmland and over looking Wigtown Bay and the Baldoon Sands the 11th section of St Ninian’s Way takes Bike Route 73 from Wigtown, crosses the bridge at Bladoch, and then another 300m to Y junction. Here the Way goes left and south (BR 73 goes west) along ...
Length: 12 km
Along the coastal overlooking Wigtown Bayand then through quiet flat farmland, this 12th section of St Ninian’s Way takes the coastal track south out of Garlieston to Cruggleton Bay (3 km) then inland to join minor road B7063 (1 km). Turn right 300m to Y junction and then left onto ...
Length: 13 km
Starting with a quiet descent to the coast and St Ninian’s Chapel then along a rugged cliff edge path with fantastic views before a quiet return the Whithorn Circuit begins in the centre of Whithorn, with the Whithorn Trust, Priory and museum nearby, and takes the minor road B7063 east ...
