We’ve just got back from a few days at the lodge, and I thought I’d share some of the reasons why we love our lodge, and being at Barend…
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Hiking
Walking & Hiking in Dumfries & Galloway
We love the walking and hiking near Serenity 22 Barend and in Dumfries & Galloway.
From gentle strolls to more strenuous hikes, there’s rewarding scenery every time!
Here are some of the places we’ve enjoyed going to:
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Top 3 “must see” places near Dalbeattie, D&G
We keep coming back to Dumfries & Galloway because we have favourite places to return to, and keep discovering new attractions we want to see.
Before that, we spent years going on holidays and rarely returning to the same place twice!
So, if you only come to Serenity 22 Barend once, here are our top picks…
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Criffel Hike (out-and-back trail) Review
11 miles NE ~20 min drive DG2 8DH
Criffel is a hill in the historical county of Kirkcudbrightshire, Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. It qualifies as a Marilyn.
The moderately strenuous climb is well worth the effort, rewarding you with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Mares Braids / Back Burn Waterfall Sandyhills
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. ⚠️
Walk from Kippford to Rough Island
As soon as we heard about the walk to Rough Island, we looked forward to exploring the island. (We’ve previously done a similar walk to Davaar Island off Campbeltown, Kintyre.)
This area of the Solway Coast has such shallow seas that there are vast mudflats when the tide is out.
Rough island is about 3 miles / 5km from from Serenity 22 Barend “as the crow flies”.
⚠️ Check when to avoid crossing as the causeway is underwater for 5 (five) hours during high tide.
Read moreBeautiful Coastal Walk Sandyhills to Rockcliffe
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.
Read moreClatteringshaws Loch & Visitor Centre Review
A place of beauty and tranquility, Clatteringshaws Loch is a must for anyone who loves to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and soak up nature.
⚠️ As of Feb ’25 the café is and toilets are closed. 😔If/when the café reopens, we’ll update this post.
Read moreKippford – the Solway Riviera
Kippford is a picturesque little village that has also been called the “Solway Riviera”. It benefits from the Gulf Stream and is popular for sailing, with many small yachts moored in the tidal estuary of the River Urr.
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