The South West Coast of Scotland
Discover the South West Coast of Scotland including the coastlines of Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire, and Arran. Plan a coastal nature trip, staycation or holiday with our curated guide.
Articles
Walk: Mersehead Sands, Dumfries and Galloway
(Countryfile)
Discover the beauty of Scotland’s Galloway coast
(Discover Britain)
Driving Scotland’s new South West Coastal 300 route
(The Guardian)
The 5 best beaches in Ayrshire
(The Herald)
7 of the best beaches in Ayrshire
(Planet Radio)
Scotland’s Great Trails – The Ayrshire Coastal Path
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Useful Websites
Best beaches in Dumfries And Galloway
List of the top 10 beaches in Dumfries And Galloway as selected by the users of the Beach Guide website…
Marine mammals – SWSEIC
Dumfries and Galloway is seldom considered a hotspot for watching whales and dolphins, yet some species can be seen all year round in our coastal waters…
Solway Firth Partnership
Pages of particular interest include Coastwise, Beach Guide and Making the Most of the Coast.
Coastal Walker – Dumfries & Galloway
Ruth Livingstone presents her diary from walking the coastline of the UK.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path
The Ayrshire Coastal Path from Glenapp to Skelmorlie runs 100 miles along one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles.
Coastal and marine – Ayrshire
With 147km of coastline stretching from Glenapp to Largs, the Ayrshire coastline is brimming with life…
Community of Arran Seabed Trust
A community-led organisation that has made a huge difference to the conservation and restoration of the seas around Arran and the Clyde…
Arran Coastal Way
A challenging and rewarding 65-mile / 105 kilometre circular route around the beautiful Isle of Arran…
Discover the Isle of Arran
Find a little bit of everything you’d ever want from a Scottish island; an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches…
South Arran NCMPA
This area was selected for protection because of its diversity of animals and plants…
Arran Sealife
Stunning and inspiring underwater photographs from the sea around the Isle of Arran in Scotland…
Sponsored listings
The National Trust for Scotland
A vital conservation charity protecting Scotland’s coast, wilderness, wildlife and countryside for the good of all. Funded largely by donations, membership is very affordable, comes with a raft of benefits and supports their work.
Craig Tara Holiday Park
A Haven park with camping & touring pitches, chalets and lodges beside the sea along the Ayrshire coast. Ideal for exploring the coast by day and using the amenities on site in the evening. Family friendly.
Recommended reading
A Handbook Of Scotland's Coasts
The essential guide for beachcombers, rockpoolers, wild swimmers, birdwatchers, hikers, history buffs, sailors, walkers, dreamers. Discover more about the thousands of miles of Scotland's spectacular coastline - from its stunning geology and diverse marine and bird life to...
Also see: The Countryside of Scotland.