Views

Breathtaking vantage points, clifftop lookouts, and panoramic vistas that show off the best of the local scenery.

A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.

Caddie’s Cove Bistro: Relaxed Dining at Colvend Golf Club

22 Barend

Located at Colvend Golf Club, Caddie’s Cove Bistro is just a 4 min drive or 20 min walk from Serenity.

Quick info for your visit:

  • Distance from Serenity (22 Barend): 1.3 miles S (~4 min drive / 20 min walk)
  • Location: Colvend, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie, DG5 4PY
  • Food: Coffee & Cake, Breakfasts, Light Bites, and Evening Meals (also licensed bar)
  • Dogs: Allowed in the outside seating areas.
  • Local Tip: After you reach Sandyhills, there’s no footpath up the half mile of the A710, so walk on the right facing the traffic and be careful!

Caddie’s Cove is just a 4 min drive from Serenity 22. Check Availability

We popped to Caddie’s Cove Bistro for lunch after a coastal walk. As it’s located in the golf club, we weren’t sure what it would be like, but we received a warm welcome. It was midweek and fairly quiet; the restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere and the staff were friendly.

We sat by the window and enjoyed the surroundings. There’s outdoor seating too but it wasn’t quite warm enough when we visited.

A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.
Read more →
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.
Read more →
A pack of gravel cyclists racing on a dusty dirt trail, with the event title text "The Gralloch" and a stag logo overlaid.

The Gralloch Gravel Race

22 Barend

The UCI Gravel World Series comes to Galloway Forest Park, 40 minutes from Serenity 22

Quick info for your visit:

  • Event: The Gralloch — UCI Gravel World Series
  • Location: Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway
  • Distance from Serenity 22: 40 minutes drive (~28 miles)
  • Race distance: 111km, 1,761m climbing
  • Sportive options: The Stag (111km) and The Fawn (53km)
  • Ultra: Genesis Gralloch Ultra (323km)
  • 2026: 15-17 May
  • Next edition: The Gralloch returns 14-16 May 2027, aligning with the traditional UCI Gravel World Series calendar.

Dumfries and Galloway doesn’t often make international headlines. The Gralloch is changing that.

Britain’s first UCI Gravel World Series event, The Gralloch draws riders from across the globe to tackle over 110km of relentless gravel through the Galloway Forest Park – one of the most beautiful and least-known riding regions in the UK. Over 80% of the route runs through the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, an unspoilt landscape designated the UK’s first Dark Sky Park.

For guests staying at Serenity 22, it’s well within reach. Gatehouse of Fleet – the race’s start and finish – is around 40 minutes by car along the A710 and A75.

Read more →
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.

Read more →
Person fishing on a loch

Gone Fishing! near Barend, Dalbeattie

22 Barend
Person fishing on a loch

Barend Loch, nestled peacefully within the tranquil surroundings of the lodges, provides an idyllic setting for fishing.

Just 100 metres away, only a 4 minute walk!

Guests at Serenity don’t need a permit, and can enjoy fishing right on the loch opposite the lodge (however please only use barbless hooks). Legend has it that a monster 14lb carp was even caught here!

Read more →
A waterfall with 3 distinct water streams

Mares Braids / Back Burn Waterfall Sandyhills

22 Barend

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. ⚠️

A waterfall with 3 distinct water streams
Read more →
The causeway back to the mainland from Rough Island

Walk from Kippford to Rough Island

22 Barend

Distance from the lodge:
5 miles WSW ~11 min drive DG5 4LB

View of Rough Island from Kippford Beach

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.)

Tree on the Beach at Kippford

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 more →