Sandyhills to Rockcliffe
The best stretch of the Solway coast: cliffs, coves and a smugglers' cave.
- Distance
- 8.7 km
- Ascent
- 120 m
- Time
- 2–3 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Linear
- High point
- 55 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Sandyhills to Rockcliffe is a moderate 8.7 km linear walk with 120 m of ascent, taking 2 to 3 hours. It starts at Sandyhills (grid reference NX 891 551). The start can be reached by public transport.
Between Sandyhills and Rockcliffe the Colvend coast rises into cliffs and headlands cut by sandy coves, with the Lake District fells across the Solway. The path passes Portling and Port o' Warren, once busy with smugglers, and the Iron Age fort on Castlehill Point before dropping into Rockcliffe.
Buses run back to Sandyhills.
Route
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1
The coast
Follow the coast path west from Sandyhills over Castlehill Point to Rockcliffe.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Sandyhills to Rockcliffe take?
- Most walkers take 2–3 hours for the 8.7 km route, which has 120 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Sandyhills (grid reference NX 891 551). Car park at Sandyhills beach (charge); car park in Rockcliffe.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses between Dalbeattie and Dumfries serve both ends. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Clifftop and field paths with several short steep climbs.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Keep well back from the cliff edge, and keep dogs on a lead.
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