Did you know that the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland is in Dumfries & Galloway? Built in 1749, Southerness Lighthouse sits overlooking the Solway Firth and safely guided ships towards the Nith Estuary until being decomissioned in 1936.
The lighthouse makes a lovely destination for a gentle coastal walk, starting at Powillimount and following golden coastline until the historic structure is reached. The walk is about 4 miles (2 miles out and 2 miles back) and about as flat as can be.
One of my favourite coastal walks in Dumfries & Galloway is the Carsethorn to Powillimount circular and I had noticed the lighthouse in the distance while doing that walk. I said I’d come back and revisit it to be able to see the lighthouse.
And I have.
Getting Started
The walks starts at the lovely big car park at Powillimount Beach. Completely free, the car park has space for around 12 cars, provides bins and some information boards on the area itself.
In the distance, at the end of the small town of Southerness, the lighthouse can be seen standing guard over the sea as it has done for almost 300 years. It’s a lovely spot, with fantastic views out to sea and across to England, and one I highly suggest visiting regardless of what you are planning on doing in the area.
Messi and I were booted up and ready to go in no time and we immediately ran into our first issue.
The tide.
Heading to Southerness
Now, I’ve done a lot of walking in Dumfries & Galloway and I am well aware of the necessity of checking the tide times ESPECIALLY when doing a coastal walk such as this one. There’s no cliffs here, no high moors and this part of the Solway Firth is very tidal. It comes in and out quickly and on this day the tide was in. There was a very small strip of sand running along the sides of high coastal reeds.
Messi looked at me as we set off, dodging the incoming waves, as if to say “Seriously? This is the walk?”. I did my best to avoid his gaze. I AM supposed to be in command after all.
I quickly checked my phone and consoled myself with the reality that the tide was to head out soon so it wouldn’t be too big of a deal on what was, otherwise, a bright, sunny day.
It didn’t take long before the reeds stopped and the golden beach opened up. Even with a high tide there was plenty of room to walk and I was enjoying myself very much. The walking was incredibly easy, the spring sun was basking us in a gentle warmth and I was enjoying seeing the lighthouse and Southerness coming slowly more and more into prominence. In the distance behind us, Criffel towered over the surrounding countryside also: another wonderful walk I’d enjoyed in the area.
Soon, we were on level with the gigantic caravan park which takes up about half of Southerness itself. This is the main part of the walk where you have to make a decision: you can either follow the coast, which will take you to the lighthouse, or you can leave the beach and go through the caravan park, which eventually takes you out onto the main street of Southerness.
Personally, if the tide allows, I would suggest walking along the coast. The caravan park is a giant, labyrinthine maze and when I went through it I wished I’d stayed on the beach! I had to use my OS map app at one point to navigate myself out of it. The only benefit would be if you want to pay a visit to the chippy in Southerness.
Southerness Lighthouse
Aside from the wonderful beach and accompanying views, the highlight of the walk is, of course, Southerness Lighthouse. I’ve seen quite a few lighthouses in my travels, such as Kilantringan and the Mull of Galloway, but this lighthouse feels old and it has a wonderful charm as a result.
I couldn’t help but photograph it from all angles while marvelling at how long it has stood in the same spot, silently looking over the Solway Firth.
I’d also strongly suggest heading west along the beach to Southerness Golf Course as there are some lovely views over the Galloway Hills.
Heading home along the beach is far nicer than going through the caravan park, and I was struck by rows of little memorials that appeared to the east of the lighthouse. Some to lost pets, some to lost family members. Sons, daughters, parents and siblings. All receiving little memorials, from engraved stones to carved wood. It’s a poignant little aspect to the walk and something that will definitely catch your eye as you head back.
I can only conclude, with the popularity of this area, that many have enjoyed this stretch of coastline, this village and the pretty views found here. And that their families have deemed it a perfect spot to remember those they’ve lost.
We enjoyed the stroll along the huge mud flats, as the tide had receded. Messi was splashing in the water and I kept glancing back to the lighthouse for one last look. It really was a much better experience with the tide out!
I have to say that this is a bit of an odd walk. It won’t appeal to everyone. It’s busy (I can only imagine it in June or July!) and the caravan park is not the prettiest thing to walk through. However, if you don’t mind other walkers it’s a lovely spot for a short, easy walk. There is no ascent, the going is very easy and the views are lovely. The historic lighthouse is an added bonus.
I can’t claim it’s one of my favourite coastal walks in Dumfries & Galloway but it is well worth doing and I understand the popularity of it! I am quite the anti-social walker and I know that the business of it won’t bother many and that the ease of this walk will have far greater appeal to some than the long treks I usually do.
If you are looking for an easy coastal walk in Dumfries & Galloway and don’t mind some crowds it’s well worth doing.
Walk Information
Powillimount Postcode: DG2 8BG
Parking: FREE
Route Length: 4 miles