The Rockcliffe to Sandyhills coastal walk has been described as one of the best in Britain, with stunning views across the Solway to Cumbria and the Isle of Man as well as along the Galloway coast.
Rockcliffe is just a short drive (or long-ish 😉 walk) from Serenity 22 Barend.
- Linear (not circular) coastal path, steep and close to cliffs in places, with steps and stiles
- 17.5km/~11 miles (to Barend and back)
- Allow 6-7 hours (so ~3 hours one way)
- Walking boots recommended
- Strenuous, with a few steepish climbs
- Minor road, shingle, earth and grass paths
- The path goes through fields so lookout for farm animals
On a previous holiday we did part of the coastal path toward Rockcliffe from Sandyhills beach. On that day we had other plans so we walked for about 40 mins (to Portling Bay), but it made us want to explore further along.
Our 3 children are less enthusiastic about long(ish) hikes than us; the walk is approx 8.7km (5.4 miles) and they also prefer circular walks over point-to-point returns so we planned ahead this time… We left early and took our car to Rockcliffe, where there’s a free car park. We then walked back to the lodge (~2h 50m), picked up the kids and walked with them back to the car (3h 10m including picnic); this way we were all happy ?
On to the walk… the weather was perfect and our pictures may not do it justice.
The pathway is mostly along the cliff top and always in sight of the sea. There are rolling hills on one side and the sea and Cumbria in the distance on the other. This part of the Colvend coast on the Solway Firth has stunning scenery, dramatic cliffs and small bays with several places along the way where you can detour onto little coves and beaches.
The path is mostly easy to follow, but beware that it clearly marked everywhere, so if you end up walking on the beach you’ve strayed off the path! On our way from Rockcliffe we took a wrong turn down to a beautifully unspoilt beach (near Castle Point). However, as long as you keep near the sea you should find the path again, as we did.
We actually found this a pleasant detour, and spotted a Heron in the sea near the shore! We did have to beat through some thistles and undergrowth to get back to the actual path though.
Midway between the Galloway and Cumbrian coasts, can you spot the Robin Rigg Wind Farm in the Solway Firth (click for a larger image)? Robin Rigg was one of the UK’s biggest wind farms when it opened in April 2010.
Dumfries & Galloway has lots of wildlife. The gulf stream flows into the Solway Firth so you’ll sometimes see creatures you’d usually only expect much further south in Britain. The views were so beautiful we stopped frequently to take photos and we were delighted to see a number of interesting butterflies and birds along the way.
This Four-spotted Orb Weaver (Araneus quadratus) hitched a short ride as I brushed past some gorse.
We started around 9am from Rockcliffe so we benefited from the cooler part of the day. The return walk with children took considerably longer, but they also enjoyed the scenery and wildlife, and had fun climbing on the ruin of the old cottages (near Gutcher’s Isle).
We broke the walk up with a picnic half way which worked well and there are plenty of places along the way that you could stop for a break. The weather was clear which meant we could see for miles.
As it was August, the walk back in the afternoon was much warmer. We sought the shade where possible and, for the most part, it wasn’t too hot!
When we were talking about our holiday on the way home, everyone said that the coastal walk was one of the highlights.
Even if you’re not up for a long hike, it’s worth walking even a little way along the coastal path from Sandyhills and just turning back whenever you feel like it. If you’re up for the full walk, put on your walking boots, take plenty of water and enjoy! You won’t be disappointed.
Book self catering accommodation near Sandyhills and Rockcliffe: Book Now
Location & Parking
The links below take you to a free unpaved car park. Check the information board at the entrance. We forgot to take a photo of the boards, so if you can send us one we’d appreciate it!
Google Maps: goo.gl/maps/gq359J52rzt69L9P9
Useful Links
Coastal Walk from Rockcliffe to Sandyhills PDF
Walking in and around Dalbeattie & Colvend (Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland) PDF
Rockcliffe to Castle Point on AllTrails – may need to register (free)
You may be able to get a bus back to Sandyhills from Rockcliffe (10 mins) or Kippford (20 mins) if you time it right!
