Mark Hill

Soak in the Solway scenery and wander through wildlflowers

Head to the coast and discover a lovely trail through coastal woodland to the modest summit of Mark Hill, with its superb views over Kippford Bay and across the Solway. On a clear day, the panorama stretches from the rolling Dumfries & Galloway Hills to the peaks of England’s Lake District.

The circuit includes The Jubilee Path, named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, linking Rockcliffe and Kippford, which is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. In summer, the wildflower meadows here are a riot of colour and abuzz with insects. Check out the Trust’s leaflet for more trails around Rockcliffe.

Activities

Wildlife watching

The coast and woods above Rockcliffe are wonderful for wildlife. The woodland and meadows attract a host of birds, reptiles, butterflies and other insects, especially in early summer when the wild flowers are in bloom.

The merse (saltmarsh) and coastal islands here are a haven for birds. Rough Island is a bird sanctuary, accessible on foot at low tide, where oystercatchers and ringed plovers nest. The Rough Firth is also a great place for bird-watching in winter.

Facilities and access

Walking

Viewpoint

The essentials

You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink in Rockcliffe, Kippford and Colvend, and there are some small shops in the villages too. You’ll find public toilets at the beach car park in Rockcliffe.

Getting here

Park in Rockcliffe and then follow the track past the Baron’s Craig Hotel to the forest and the start of the waymarked Muckle Trail.

Using SatNav?

DG5 4QF is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Dumfries is the nearest railway station. There are regular buses from Dumfries to Sandyhills, where you catch a connection to Rockcliffe and Kippford. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Get directions

Find out more

• Forests of Dumfries and the Solway