Rockcliffe Beach

Rockliffe is a sandy beach located at the southern end of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline. It is part of a National Scenic Area and there are plenty of National Trust areas around the beach. In fact this is known for being one of the most beautiful areas of coastline anywhere in Scotland.

As such it is a great favourite with walkers, many of whom flock to Rockliffe and its surrounds every year, particularly as dogs are allowed on the beach year round. There are many marked routes for visitors to choose from. There is excellent cliff- top coastal scenery on the route between Rockliffe and Sandyhills.

The beach itself is quite small and picturesque, surrounded by rocks and backing on to the village of Rockliffe. There are parking spaces with direct access to the beach and in the town there are toilets and a café.

Rough Island is a popular nature sanctuary a few hundred meters from the beach. It can be reached by a tidal causeway, but any visitors planning a trip to the island must check beforehand when the tide is set to come in and allow plenty of time for their return or risk being caught out by the tide. During the months of May and June, the island is off-limits due to nesting birds.