Walk 3316 - Rockcliffe to Kippford

      
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The five star walk in this area is the Coastal Path from Rockcliffe to Sandyhills, often quoted as the finest walk in Scotland with its views across to The Isle of Man and the Lake District. No walk description or details are required from me, just start in Rockcliffe, same car park as this walk but on exiting turn left then left again along the private road to follow the direction signs keeping the Solway Firth on your right. There is a bus service from Sandyhills back to Rockcliffe.

This short beautiful circular walk follows The Muckle Walk & Jubilee Path through old woods with the option of visiting the Mote of Mark. It then passes a collection of curios on the way back. Although I have quoted map grid references, a map is not required just follow this description. The advantage of starting from Rockcliffe as against Kippford is the ease of parking and the option of a refreshing drink and or meal mid-way.

The seaside village of Rockcliffe is situated off the main A710 Dumfries to Dalbeattie road. This walk starts from the large car park on the left just as you drop down to the village (Grid ref. NX847537). Exit the car park and take the narrow lane opposite with its views across the bay, continue straight along this lane to its end and into the woods. On the left is signed The Mote of Mark the site of a 6th century AD fort. It is a short steep climb to the top and the views are fantastic. Use the same path to descend the hill and rejoin the main path. This path, with it’s many benches and seats, is very clear. Do not be tempted or confused by the many paths joining this path. Just keep straight ahead. You emerge from the woods onto a road leading down to the gift shop (Grid ref. NX837549) and the river front of Kippford. Turn right for the Anchor Inn.

To proceed with the walk, return to the gift shop and walk along the road with the river estuary on your right. It is along this road that you pass an interesting collection of objects, animals and people made out of stones and drift wood. Towards the end look out for a lane on your left, just after Elm Cottage. The path climbs steeply up into the woods. Again keep to the main path, with the estuary always on your right. The path joins a lane prior to a footbridge then its swing gates, cattle grids and green meadows leading to Rockcliffe (the toilet block in fact). Turn left then right along the front and up the hill passing the Tearooms to the car park.

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Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 313
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 84

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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