‘Beside the Seaside, Beside the Sea …’

Dumfries & Galloway is our new favourite place.  We felt as though we’d discovered it and had it all to ourselves.  We explored the wildly beautiful and seemingly remote Cairnsmore of Fleet National Natural Nature Reserve. We found ancient cairns.  We slogged up hills for the sake of views over the Solway Firth. And we enjoyed the beaches.  We’ll take a virtual seaside trip today: there’s not a fairground ride, amusement arcade or kiss-me-quick hat in sight.  There’s not even a chippie.  Just us, the rocky shore, and the sea, advancing or retreating with the tide.

Let’s begin at Mossyard Bay.  I sent you a postcard from there just last Thursday.

A rocky shore
So many shells.
The tide’s just gone out.
There’s sand as well as rock.
This seemingly ancient labyrinth was constructed in 1990 on a small island that develops every time the tide comes into Mossyard Bay.
Plants cling to any dry shard of rock.

 

Near Mutehill, Kirkudbright, early one morning.

Finally, Carsethorne, near Dumfries. It’s a small hamlet now, but it used to be a busy port, shipping people to Liverpool, to the Isle of Man and to Ireland on their way to a new life in the New World.

Six Word Saturday.

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

66 thoughts on “‘Beside the Seaside, Beside the Sea …’”

  1. Still, it’s a tad remote! 😉 But, I have to say, the more ETTC i watch on YTube, the more I appreciate the rural sides of the UK.

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      1. I’ve just looked it up – Escape to the country. I think it’s probably one of those programmes where townies think they may like to live in the country and then complain of the smell, or lack of shops, or getting stuck behind tractors and cattle!

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  3. It must have done you good being somewhere new and so unspoilt. I’ve seen so little of Scotland; this deserves a visit for myself. One day… 🙄

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    1. It really was a tonic. Like you, I don’t know Scotland well, but this area at least is firmly on the list of wonderful retreats. But then, we’re only 3 1/2 hours away, which helps.

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  4. It’s a lovely region. Even in June it is quiet and still low season! We had a fab week in Kirkudbright and exploring the region back in 2014 – I cannot believe it is that long ago!

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  5. Despite the rain I’ve always loved western Scotland. We had a couple of trips to Dumfriesshire, one of which was sunny 🙂 🙂 And a lighthouse, Margaret!

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  8. I particularly like the first six photos. The place looks like it has more than a touch of wildness about it. I should think just being there was an absolute tonic.

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      3. No – too crowded these days and I have never really been happy in the house. There is nothing really wrong with it but it is MrB’s from his previous marriage and I’ve never really felt like it is mine

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  13. I had to look up Dumfries & Galloway on a map – never heard of it. Based on your photos, it looks like an amazing place. I sometimes dream about leaving the big city and moving closer to nature, but in my heart I’m a city girl and would probably miss all the culture and coffee shops. 😉

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    1. I think these things sometimes come with age. I was always a city girl, but have gone for smaller communities as I’ve got older. But cities need you now. Please stay, so they can become vibrant and exciting once more!

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      1. Yeah, you may be right about preferences changing over time. For now I will definitely stay in the city, even if there are rumours of another London lock down. Hopefully, we will get back to normal at some point! 🙂

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  14. What a wonderful getaway, I love to hear the sound of the ocean, the breeze, and the squawk of sea gull. An open sky and endless possibilities. I hope you are doing well and keeping your head up. Peace.

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  15. Gorgeous place and a fine set of photos to promote it too. I particularly love the lighthouse across the water shot – has a calming and tranquil quality. I can imagine your break was quite the tonic.

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  16. We’re off up there on Saturday – Luce Bay. Our holiday cottage is 250 yards from the sea!
    We’ll have to compare notes on my return! x

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  17. We’re off up there on Saturday – Luce Bay.
    Our holiday cottage is 250 yards from the sea!
    We’ll have to compare notes on my return! x

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  18. But did you go to Wigtown?? We loved this area when we went in April 2018. It indeed felt like Scotland’s forgotten corner. If only it were closer, we’d go regularly. Do read Native by Patrick Laurie, about a year of cattle farming in Galloway.

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    1. Of course we went to Wigtown! Sadly, the day before the festival started. But we attended the virtual event last night with Dara MacAnulty – did you? Interesting stuff.

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      1. How did you find the town? Did you buy many books? 🙂 Maybe that’s a subject for another post…

        I’ve been to a couple of the online festival events so far and I’m booked into two more this week. (Not the McAnulty as I’d already seen him at Hay Festival and figured the content would be too similar.)

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  20. Looks wonderful. That lost shot is especially enticing.
    I’ve never explored the area. I half-know Carlisle, and I’ve been to Stranraer a few times, but only to hop on the ferry to Larne (the best way to Belfast with a dog and a sea-sick hubby)

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