Distance from the lodge:
2 miles E ~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 E 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. ⚠️
Quick info for your visit:
- Drive from Serenity (22 Barend): 2 miles E (~5 mins)
- Postcode: DG5 4PA
- Walking Time: ~20 mins (from parking)
- Difficulty: Moderate (Muddy/Streams)
- Parking: Very Limited (2 spaces)
- Access: Low Tide Only
- Dog Friendly: Yes (but be aware they’ll get muddy!)
- Facilities: None (but only ~5 mins drive from the lodge)
- Local Tips: ⚠️ You MUST check the tide times before going. ⚠️ Wellies rather than walking boots.
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.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, well-equipped base for exploring the Solway coast, we’d love to host you at Serenity. You can check our current availability here.
Self catering accommodation near Mares Braids Waterfall, Solway Coast: Check Availability
For more walks and hikes near Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway see our Walking & Hiking post or the Walking and Hiking tags.
Planning Essentials
Planning Your Trip
There’s very limited parking (~2 spaces) at the T-junction signposted for Southwick Graveyard. The navigation links below are for this junction at the start of the walk.
Distance: 2 miles E from Serenity ~5 min drive DG5 4PA
Navigation: Google Maps | Waze | ///butterfly.alarm.stones
Our Tips:
- Wellies rather than walking boots
- If walking from the lodge, allow ~2.5 hours and be careful on the A710
- Limited parking
- Mobile signal can be patchy on the shoreline
- Sandyhills Tide Times (Essential)
