Scottish Riviera

The Solway Coast Area of Natural Beauty on Dumfries and Galloway’s southern rim, dubbed the Scottish Riviera, stretches along 200 miles of dramatic coastline encompassing sandy beaches and rocky coves, castle ruins and Iron Age forts, and clifftops where trees are bent horizontal by strong gusts. There are sweeping views across the Solway Firth to the Lakeland Fells of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike. One of the best ways to take it in is the Sandyhills to Kippford clifftop hike. The seven-mile walk spills out in Kippford, a very pretty garland of white cottages on the Urr Estuary that from the end of the 1700s was an important port. These days it’s a tranquil spot to enjoy a bite of fish and chips or a pint. Other days you might opt for an easy beach stroll – Brighouse Bay near Kirkcudbright is the most delightful stretch of golden sand.