#rockcliffe

Rockcliffe by James Johnstone Via Flickr: Rockcliffe is a small, coastal village in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, with a view of Rough Island, Hestan Island, the Solway Firth and sometimes the Lake District. Rockcliffe lies on the eastern side of the river Urr estuary, and gives access to Rough Island by way of both firm mud exposed at low tide and a natural, tidal causeway. Hestan Island can be safely reached on foot from Rockcliffe if you are prepared to ford the knee-deep, lower reaches of the river Urr at low tide. It's a two-mile walk across firm, sandy mud. A walk at low tide to either island (especially Hestan) must only be attempted with proper consultation of the local tide tables as visitors can been caught out and marooned by fast Solway tides and RNLI lifeboat rescue required. Road access is from Dalbeattie (6 miles) and Dumfries (20 miles); although Kippford is nearby there is no direct road route. However, the excellent and well-laid 'Jubilee Footpath' runs between the two villages. Rockcliffe is also linked to Castle Point (site of a Roman fort), Glenstocken, Portling and Sandyhills by footpath.