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.
Quick info for your visit:
- Distance from Serenity 22: 13 miles WSW, ~10 min drive from Serenity 22 to Rockcliffe car park, DG5 4QH
- Parking: Free unpaved car park at Rockcliffe
- Walk distance: 8.7km / 5.4 miles (~3 hours) one way, 17.5km / 11 miles (6-7 hours) return to the lodge
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (a few steepish climbs)
- Dogs: Welcome, on leads through fields
- Bus option: 372A back to Sandyhills (10 min) or Kippford (20 min) – roughly 2-hourly, last service late afternoon, so check times
- Local Tip: Linear (not circular) coastal path, steep and close to cliffs in places, with steps and stiles. Walking boots recommended.
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 min (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 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’s not 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’ll 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 had 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. 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.
The coastal path starts at Sandyhills Beach, a 10-min walk from Serenity 22.
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! On a clear day you can see across to the Cumbrian fells and (sometimes) the Isle of Man.
Make Serenity 22 Barend your base for the Colvend coast – the coastal path starts at Sandyhills Beach, a 10-min walk from the lodge.
Know Before You Go
How far is the coastal walk from Serenity 22 Barend?
The coastal path starts at Sandyhills Beach, about a 10-minute walk from Serenity 22. If you’d rather start from Rockcliffe, the free car park there is a 10-minute drive (13 miles WSW) from the lodge.
How long is the Rockcliffe to Sandyhills walk?
About 8.7km (5.4 miles) one way, roughly 3 hours. Allow 6 to 7 hours for the full return to the lodge. The path is linear, not circular.
Is the coastal walk dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome. Keep them on leads through fields and near the cliff edges.
Do I need walking boots for the coastal path?
Yes. The path has steep sections, steps and stiles, and runs close to cliffs in places. Walking boots are recommended, especially after rain.
Can I get a bus back to Sandyhills?
The 372A runs from Rockcliffe (10 min) or Kippford (20 min) back to Sandyhills, roughly every 2 hours with the last service in the late afternoon. Check times before you set off.
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 the 372A bus back to Sandyhills from Rockcliffe (10 min) or Kippford (20 min) if you time it right!
The coastal path starts at Sandyhills Beach, a 10-min walk from Serenity 22 Barend.
