A visit to Rough Island Bird Sanctuary: National Trust for Scotland

To me, what makes the Urr Estuary so pretty and distinctive is not only the backdrop of hills (the highest in the area being Screel) but also the two small islands just sitting off shore.

Hestan, the larger of the two has a lighthouse and is the furthest from Rockcliffe and Kippford. Rough Island is the closest to the two villages and is an 8 hectare bird sanctuary; part of the 120 acres owned and managed around Rockcliffe and Kippford by the National Trust for Scotland. The NTS owned areas around Rockcliffe can been seen marked in lilac on this OS map. They are chiefly along the coast to the North West and South East of the village, including Rough Island Bird Sanctuary and described by the NTS as:

" A network of small paths, running through a mosaic of woodland, meadow and heather-topped granite outcrops, offer walkers fantastic views out to Rough Island and the Solway."

 More information can be found here: NTS Rockcliffe

Looking towards Rough Island and Castle Point from Kippford

The National Trust for Scotland protect this acreage and care for the meadows. Their management of these i.e. cutting, raking and grazing. (You will see Highland Cattle grazing the meadow near the Mote of Mark in the Winter months ) over a period of time has resulted in a rich and diverse mix of wildflowers and grasses. In turn these meadows are the home to many mammals, birds and invertabrates. 

These photographs were taken on an evening walk out to Rough Island in early August. We always look forward to the end of the bird breeding season when it's OK to walk out there at low tide. (Always check the tides before setting off as they come in very swiftly)

(PLEASE NOTE:To prevent disturbance to courting,nesting and breeding birds please do not visit the island during May, June and July.)

Shell Beach at Kippford

Although you can wade through the mud direct from Rockcliffe beach, there is a causeway across to the island which runs from the shell beach along from Rough Firth, Kippford. You can see the causeway in the photo below. I have been accused in the past of only photographing the area with the tide in. I think its just as beautiful with the tide out as it takes on a different beauty. It's this dynamic vista that makes the area so appealing. 

Causeway to Rough Island

A big feature of the Estuary is the intertidal mud flats created by sediment washed in from the sea. This mud is inhabited by a large number of invertabrates which adapt to live in this environment. Its these worms crabs and shellfish that provide a meal for ducks and waders.

Looking from Rough Island towards Rockcliffe

Once on the island, thanks to the diligence of the NTS, it is pleasant to stroll up the spine of the island to the stone cairn, a jumbled pile of rocks assembled, no doubt, by many generations. This is a lovely spot to sit and look out to Hestan Island, Castle Point and across to the Cumbrian Coast with the peaks of the Lake District behind. Hidden in the cairn is a (pre-Geocaching) time capsule, a battered biscuit tin full of pens, notes, tickets, business cards etc., that you can add your own messages to or leave small mementoes in. The children love it so if you discover it please make sure it is left intact and sealed for others to discover and enjoy.

From the cairn, Rough Island: the Urr Estuary towards Kippford with the Muckle to the Right

From the cairn, Rough Island; looking North West

From the cairn, Rough Island; Hestan Island

The Island is an important place for nesting waders due to its limited accessibility resulting in less disturbance for nesting birds. On the Island's beaches Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover scrape out shallow depressions in order to nest and can lay up to four eggs. In order to protect these birds, whose eggs are hard to spot amongst the pebbles and shingle, it is not permitted to visit the  the Island in May, June and July.

The National Trust for Scotland is a charitable organisation with its aim to promote, conserve and manage Scotlands natural and cultural heritage. You can find out more and can join at:

 Click here to join the NTS

All photographs taken with my Nikon. Copyright L. Birdsall

Source: Mudflats to Meadows Rockcliffe Dumfries and Galloway produced by National Trust for Scotland

Short Rockcliffe Walk to Mote of Mark

Mote of Mark Circular - Rockliffe Short Walk 

(Allow 30 to 40 Minutes - with ice cream stop)

Start at Rockcliffe car park

Road winding down to bay - Rockcliffe

From the car-park (free parking) turn left and walk downhill towards the beach and around the pretty bay to a small area of 20min parking and public toilets. Turn right up a small path to left of toilets to first metal kissing gate after gate turn left and then right through another kissing gate in to Rockcliffe Meadow.

National Trust Scotland Rockcliffe

When path opens out at corner of meadow take worn path straight ( as gravel path turns left) on so you are crossing meadow and head towards wooden footbridge across burn.

The meadows are managed by the SNT and support a rich diversity of grasses and wildflowers. These support many mammals, birds and invertebrates.

Cross bridge and follow path round to right to information board about the history of the Mote of Mark. The Mote of Mark is now in front of you.Continue up meadow to wooden gate.

Mote of Mark

The Mote of Mark was once a defended hilltop overlooking the Urr estuary. It was the court or citadel of a powerful Dark Age chieftain, possibly one of the princes of Rheged. Archaelogical excavations show the site was occupied during the 5th and 6th century and appears to have been destroyed by fire in the 7th century it is thought by the Northumbrian Angles.

Woodpecker Trail Rockcliffe

NTS Dark Age Fort

 Through gate and after a few feet the path splits  take the path to the left up to the top of the Mote. A bit of a climb with steps but well worth the view.

View from Mote of Mark looking SE towards Castle Point


Rough Island closest to the shore is a 8ha bird sanctuary which is accessible at low tide by foot via a causeway.  ( always refer to a local tide table before walking to the island ) The island is a bird sanctuary with nesting oystercatchers and ringed plovers and access is restricted during May and June to avoid disturbance.

Rough Island and Causeway

 Retrace your steps back down the hill and at bottom where path meets up with Woodpecker Trail turn left for a short while and then right through first wooden gate.

Woodpecker Trail Rockcliffe

 Follow Trail past Hawthorn Trees and through another wooden gate past carved Woodpecker to a point where five paths meet.

Carved Woodpecker on trail

Turn right down lane past the Barons Craig Hotel and at entrance to hotel turn right through gate next to cattle grid and back across meadow towards the two kissing gates and back to beach.

Path past Barons Craig Hotel

Low Tide - Hestan Island from Rockcliffe Bay

Ice Cream Stop

Coffee and cakes at the take away Garden Tea Room Rockcliffe

Gar.den Tea room is  close to car park andopen most days during the school holidays and sells a selection of antiques and paintings. Tea, coffee and cakes to take away or enjoy in the garden

All images copyright L Birdsall.