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 …
10 of the Best Coastal Walks in Dumfries & Galloway
For the last few years, I have done a huge amount of coastal walking in Dumfries & Galloway. From sweeping golden beaches, to dramatic coastal cliffs. The ruined remains of medieval castles to still-functioning lighthouses, the area has it all. As a result, the blog now has quite a number of these coastal walks and it has inspired me to …
Kippford to Sandyhills via Rockcliffe
To the south of Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway lies the picturesque coastal village of Kippford. Sitting at the mouth of the River Urr where it meets the Solway Firth, this narrow village is known as the ‘Solway Riviera’ and is one of the most expensive places to buy a home in all of Dumfries & Galloway. Yachts bob …
Maxwell’s Otter and Monreith Beach Circular
Monreith is a small village on the west side of the Machars peninsula, which I wouldn’t blame you for having never heard of. It is here that a small sculpture of an otter overlooks Luce Bay and a wonderful 6-mile beach walk begins. I first discovered this walk through a social media post, where a page had shared a picture …
Carsethorn to Powillimount Circuit
To the south of Dumfries lies the small village of Carsethorn, a pretty little place which sits overlooking the Solway Firth. It’s here that marks the start of a wonderful 6-mile coastal walk to nearby Powillimount via a huge, golden beach with gorgeous views to England. To make it even better, the walk passes through a fantastic natural arch, the …
The Clints of Dromore at Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
I have previously visited the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, passing by it while walking from Clatteringshaws Loch to Creetown. It’s a truly remarkable structure and one of the hidden gems in Dumfries & Galloway. I have been itching to return to it and when I discovered a small hill range next to it called the Clints of Dromore, I’d …
The Bill Shankly Memorial at Glenbuck Heritage Village
In the far end of East Ayrshire, a few miles to the east of Muirkirk, lies the site of a former mining village called Glenbuck. What was once a bustling village with over 1000 residents, is now just a memorial to those who lived and worked there. What makes the site truly remarkable, is that this isolated mining village produced …
Bengray at Loch Whinyeon Above Gatehouse of Fleet
Gatehouse of Fleet is one of the prettiest villages in all of Dumfries & Galloway and one which I enjoy visiting throughout the year. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve done the wonderful walk from the Cally Woods to the beautiful beach at Sandgreen, which starts in the wood to the east of the town and …
The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Circular
Of all the walks in Dumfries & Galloway, two are probably the most popular with visitors to the area. Merrick, the 2,776ft Corbett in Glen Trool, which is the highest point in the South of Scotland and a peak I have climbed multiple times. The other is the walk at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, a spectacular circuit route around …
Screel Hill and Bengairn
To the south of Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway lies Screel Hill, a 1,126ft peak that sits between Auchencairn and Palnackie. It’s lesser-known neighbour, Bengairn, is 1,283ft and together they make a wonderful 6-mile circuit walk that offers sweeping views over the Solway Firth and would make a perfect walk if you are on holiday in the region and …