Dog Friendly

Attractions, walking trails, and dining spots where your four-legged family members are as welcome as you are.

A wide, quiet sandy beach shoreline along the circular coastal route section of the Mersehead trail.

Barn Owls, Barnacle Geese & Barefoot on the Beach at RSPB Mersehead

22 Barend

I’m not really sure why, but for some reason we only visited this RSPB reserve for the first time this spring, even though it is literally a few minutes drive from the Lodge.  It’s amazing – I can’t believe we haven’t been before! The whole area is beautiful, and the wildlife is abundant. The visitor centre is small but very well thought out and has everything you need.  It was a really good afternoon out. 

A flat walking path goes through open wetlands and wild grass fields at RSPB Mersehead reserve.
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Scenic view of snow-capped mountains and hills under a blue sky from the M6 motorway heading northbound towards Scotland.

Places to Stop on Your Journey to Serenity 22 Barend

22 Barend

Enjoy the scenery of the Highlands, without the 8-hour drive! Very easy-to-reach on the Dumfries and Galloway Solway coast in South Scotland, Serenity 22 Barend is only a couple of hours from Glasgow, 2 hours 20 minutes from Edinburgh, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes from Newcastle, and an easy drive up the M6 from the North West or Midlands.

Suggested Itineraries from the Midlands
The Midlands & Cheshire
Lancashire Stops
Through Cumbria
The Final Stretch & Stocking Up
Quick-Reference Distance Table: M6
Other Routes

Quick Info: Driving to the Solway Coast

  • Primary Route: M6 Northbound & A75 Westbound
  • Our Favourite Food Stops: Low Sizergh Farm Shop, Tebay Services, Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Café
  • Supermarkets en route: Dumfries (30 min drive from the lodge) Aldi / Lidl / Morrisons / Tesco Extra
  • Lodge Destination: Serenity 22 Barend, Sandyhills, Dumfries and Galloway, DG5 4NU (Google Maps | Waze)
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The Needle's Eye natural rock arch near Sandyhills Beach on the Solway Coast, accessible at low tide

Portling Bay Coastal Loop

22 Barend

A 5.6km walk from Serenity 22, via Sandyhills Beach and the Needle’s Eye

Quick info:

  • Start: Serenity 22 Barend – 10 min walk to Sandyhills Beach
  • Distance: 5.6km
  • Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate – one steep descent/climb, undulating coastal path
  • Terrain: Sandy beach, rocky shore (tide dependent), cliff-top path, quiet road
  • Tide dependent: Yes – the beach section between Sandyhills and Portling Bay ⚠️ is submerged at high tide ⚠️
  • Dogs: Welcome – keep on lead in some sections; stiles and gates present
  • Parking: Limited at Sandyhills (30 mins free or £6/day) – best started from the lodge

One of the best walks from Serenity’s front door, the Portling Bay Coastal Loop takes you along the Solway shoreline, through a natural rock arch, and back along a cliff-top path with views across to the Lake District on a clear day. At 5.6km it’s a comfortable morning or afternoon out – though the final descent back into Sandyhills will remind you it’s not entirely flat.

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Crawick Multiverse Omphalos

Crawick Multiverse, Artistic Landscape

22 Barend
View of Crawick Multiverse Amphitheatre

Crawick Multiverse, near Sanquhar (pronounced “sang·kuh”) is a very interesting place to visit. I had a misconception of it when I first heard of it, thinking it was to do with science and geology. However, it’s actually a piece of “land art”. It was designed to reflect the cosmos in this area that’s celebrated for its dark skies.

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