We have fond memories of doing this walk as youngsters with stop offs at shell beach and, what was then the Post Office and general store and now is, The Ark for ices creams! It is ideal for everyone with (on the whole) fairly level, man made paths or tarmac and not much in the way of hills. You can do it in either direction but we recommend starting from Rockcliffe as there is a good sized car park (and you can get an ice cream at The Ark half way round!).
Rockcliffe to Kippford Return - Jubilee Path
Time Allow 25 Minutes each way. Distance Approx 2.5 miles
Time Allow 25 Minutes each way. Distance Approx 2.5 miles
Shoes Sturdy Comfortable the path is usually dry in Summer odd muddy patch during Winter. Path made up of grit/gravel and later tarmac.
A lovely walk with beautiful views out to sea and across the estuary on land managed and owned by the National Trust of Scotland. Lots of memorial seating on the way where you can relax and enjoy the views. The Jubilee Path has been a favourite for many years and was named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee
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| Pier at Rockcliffe overlooked by the Mote of Mark |
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| The path follows the shoreline at this point and passes two lovely, typically local granite Victorian cottages |
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Boulder Signpost for Kippford as modelled by Murphy
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Follow this path, trying to suppress your curiosity and exploring all the little trails leading off from it. ( I always take a different path and always seem to end up in Kippford - although in different parts of the village. ) In our eight years of running the B&B and recommending this walk regularly we have not lost any guests on this walk day or night - yet!!
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| The path winds through National Trust for Scotland woodland |
After a few minutes the path splits, follow it to the left and down the hill. Its a little rocky here but the scenery at the bottom is beautiful. You descend to a T junction which is the private (no-through) road to Rough Firth (pedestrians and residents vehicles only )
In front of you there is a lovely shell beach and a bench a good place to rest a wee while. (the left turn is a dead-end but worth a peek as it takes you to the other end of the shell beach and the start of the causeway across to Rough Isle)
Note: Dog owners please be aware that although very pretty, the shells can cut soft paws!
Note: Dog owners please be aware that although very pretty, the shells can cut soft paws!
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| Shell Beach Kippford looking South towards Hestan Island |
At this point (signpost pictured above) take the road right and follow it in to the village.
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View looking up the Estuary from Rough Firth, North towards Palnackie |
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| Funny Faces along the side of the road at Rough Firth |
As you walk along the road you will see funny statues and amusing sculptures in a local artists garden on your right. A favourite with for children of all ages.
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| The yacht club pontoon and moorings, Kippford - Urr Estuary |
When you reach the newly renovated bus shelter and The Ark, you are at in Kippford, the halfway point of your walk.
If you fancy a break or need sustenance for the return trip, you can stroll along the sea wall to The Anchor or The Mariner for lunch or pop into The Ark, a lovely little coastal themed gift shop which also does takeaway coffee, sandwiches, cake and ice cream.
From here take the road up the steep hill (this is the only steep bit, promise! Its a tarmac road, only a short hill and has good footing) and follow the Jubilee Path back to Rockcliffe past The Muckle and the Mote of Mark. This path has lovely glimpses of the Estuary, Hestan and Rough Island and several benches along the way. I love it as it changes with the seasons.
The National Trust for Scotland own and manage the area. Removing invading sycamore and creating habitats with the felled timber. Standing dead wood in the alder woodland creates opportunities for the great spotted woodpecker and the oak woodlands support more than 280 bugs and beasties along with jays and red squirrels who collect the acorns.
Photos taken with my Nikon D130 all photographs copyright: L Birdsall, Millbrae House
NTS copy taken from leaflet 'Mudflats to Meadows'
