Lonsdale Holiday Cottage, Rockcliffe
Lonsdale Holiday Cottage, Rockcliffe

Rockcliffe - An area to explore

Rockcliffe

Rockcliffe is a small seaside village on the Galloway coast. Known variously as Scotland's "secret coast" or the Scottish Riviera the area is a real hidden gem. Turning off the A710 in Colvend village, Rockcliffe is just a mile down a no through road to a haven of tranquility. Drive through a landscape of rocky fields laced with splashes of vivid yellow gorse grazed by Highland cattle. Pass the pretty stone church and then drop down to catch your first glimpse of the gorgeous bay .Lonsdale is in an elevated position 200 metres from the beach accessed by a lane.

 

The beach is in a small sheltered south facing bay with a sandy beach and rock pools at each side, popular with youngsters and kayakers alike. Have a picnic, enjoy an ice cream or a slice of homemade cake sold next to the car park. Rough Island, a National Trust of Scotland Reserve, is just across the shallow water and accessible at low tide along a shingle strip. It is a breeding ground for oystercatchers and ringed plovers, so walkers are asked not to visit betwreen May and mid July which is the breeding season.

 

The house is set just 200 metres from the beach with lovely views all around. It has an enviable position to enjoy the varied walks of the area - where will you begin.

 

Eating Out

 

Kippford

The most popular walk follows the Jubilee path to Kippford - just a mile away. Leave the house, turn right and follow a lovely path through trees with views of the Estuary below, rest on a thoughtfully provided bench and keep an eye out for red squirrels and roe deer before continuing on past lovely gardens to Kippford. Kippford a former fishing village with a small picturesque marina and restored fishermens cottages. Refreshments are available at the two popular pubs serving good food and local ale, and also a lovely craft shop selling take away quiche, sandwiches and Galloway farm ice cream. Try a different one each time. Stroll along the river shore, watch the sailing boats, spot the shoreline birds and then arrive at an amazing white cockle shell beach with beautiful views to Rough Island and the Urr Estuary. Return via a lower route to Rockcliffe through trees and wild flowers back to Lonsdale Cottage. Full walk details provided.

 

Photos

 

Print | Sitemap
© Lonsdale