Southwick Coast

Southwick Coast is a stretch of coastline with wooded cliffs and extensive saltmarsh. A viewpoint in the meadow provides breathtaking views over Mersehead and the Solway. A path leads through the Needle’s Eye, a natural wave-cut arch, to the saltmarsh.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

  • Fascinating woodland
  • Great views over the Solway
  • Good birdlife
  • Amazing geology

Best time to visit?

  • Apr to Sep for butterflies
  • May to Jul for rare plants
  • Oct to Mar for wildfowl

Visit for:

  • birdwatching
  • woodlands
  • grasslands
  • wildflowers
  • coasts
  • geology
  • scenery

Other information

In summer, wildflowers flourish in the meadow, attracting butterflies, and during winter, large numbers of greylag, pink-footed and barnacle geese arrive.

Facilities

Hover for more information

VISITING THE RESERVE

How to get there

Directions

The reserve lies to the south of the A710 Solway Coast scenic route between Caulkerbrush and Sandyhills Bay. There are laybys present along the A710 and space for one car by the minor road junction to Nether Clifton, opposite the reserve entrance.

Get directions

Getting onto the reserve

The reserve entrance is opposite the minor road junction to Nether Clifton.

Access restrictions

A short section of path with viewpoints and benches is maintained in the meadow at the top of the cliff. There is also a path down to the merse through the Needle’s Eye, a natural wave-cut arch. Beware of steep cliffs, soft ground and hidden water channels on the merse. Cattle may also be grazing here during the summer.

Nearest town
Dalbeattie (7 mi / 11.3 km)
OS grid ref
NX913562
Landranger map
84

FURTHER READING

About Southwick Coast

Out & about

Nearby reserves
Drummains Reedbed
Carstramon Wood

Links & downloads

Reserve map

iSpot

Stay up to date with the Scottish Wildlife Trust by subscribing to our mailing list Subscribe now

Back to top