Rockcliffe to Sandyhills

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
19 kms	08:00 (hrs:mins)	100 metres	Explorer 313: Dumfries & Dalbeattie

Description

Starting from the car park at the top of Rockcliffe village, head downhill and turn left at the coastal path signpost. Follow the road to its end and take up the informal path, which continues along the coast. The first major landmark is Castle Point about a mile further along. From Castle Point and on along the clifftops there are terrific views of nesting seabirds in spring and summer. Fulmar, Razorbill, Cormorant and Peregrine can all be seen perched on rocky ledges or flying along the coast. You will also see a cairn, which marks the spot where the crew of a schooner climbed to safety in 1866. Their sinking boat finally went down at Rascarrel. About 3 miles along the coast from Rockcliffe, you will descend steeply into the hamlet of Port o � Warren. Climb the wall at the stile and head inland along the minor road until you see the sign for Portling and follow the road to the right. A short distance further and you will again pick up the coastal clifftop path on your left. The coastline between Portling and Sandyhills can be followed at the foot of the cliffs but only at very low tide. Please only attempt this if you are very sure of your tide times and don �t mind getting muddy. For those who try it, this route provides the reward of caves to explore along the way. Back on the cliff top path as you approach Sandyhills you will have an excellent view of the Bay and on along the Southwick coast to Mersehead RSPB Reserve. You can catch a bus on the A710 at Sandyhills if you don�t have the energy to walk back to Rockcliffe. Walking on the main road is not recommended. Alternatively retrace your steps � the view is completely different in the opposite direction!