Distance from the lodge:
2 miles W ~5 min drive DG5 4PA
Mares Braids Waterfall, also known as Back Burn (sometimes Backburn) Waterfall, is just a short drive from Serenity 22 Barend, by the A710 heading NE from Sandyhills. It’s near the Southwick Coastal Reserve and RSPB Mersehead on the Solway Coast.
⚠️ This walk is only accessible when the tide is out so you must check the tide times before going. The tides near Sandyhills move very quickly, and people have been trapped by them. ⚠️
There’s limited parking (a couple of spaces) at the T-junction signposted for Southwick Graveyard. The entrance to the walk is opposite the junction. A loose stone path leads through Heugh Wood down to “Needles Eye” which is a real hidden gem; we won’t spoil the surprise with a photo!
Continue down the path and then onto the very soft and internationally important saltmarshes (known as ‘merse’ in Scotland). The tide erodes these saltmarshes, creating the fascinating landscape.
There are gaps in the path, where small streams flow out to the sea, that are fun to jump over! For this reason we recommend wellies – and maybe walking clothes you’re less bothered about getting muddy!
The views (especially across to the Cumbrian fells) are spectacular, and the landscape is unusual to walk through. After approx 20 mins walking your reward is the beautiful Mares Braids waterfall.
This is tagged with ‘Walking Distance‘ because it’s possible to walk from the lodge. If you want to leave the car behind, then allow about 2 – 2.5 hours if walking from the lodge as there’s a good stretch of walking along the A710 (it’s about 3.5km from the lodge to the parking spaces).
It’s OK out of season as the road isn’t too busy, but particularly at busier times it’s probably best not to walk along the road, especially with children. Also, remember to check the tide times before setting off.
Self catering accommodation near Mares Braids Waterfall, Solway Coast: Book Now
For more walks and hikes near Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway see our Walking & Hiking post or the Walking and Hiking tags.
Contact, Links & Reviews
https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/southwick-coast/
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3415952
Location of the waterfall: https://goo.gl/maps/7DeuFMKNx4HXdQ988
Planning Your Visit
2 miles W ~5 min drive DG5 4PA
⚠️ Only accessible when the tide is out so check the tide times before going. ⚠️
Very limited parking (~2 spaces) at the T-junction signposted for Southwick Graveyard. The Google Maps and what3words links below are for this junction at the start of the walk.
Start of walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/aSSjCBsubjDgiyvN8
Start of walk on what3words: ///butterfly.alarm.stones
