Balcary Heugh

Cliff, Slope in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Balcary Heugh

Shore with boulders Rounded glacial boulders, many of granite, are a feature of the upper shore at Lochenling. — Shore with boulders Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Balcary Heugh is a prominent cliff and slope located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Situated on the southern coast of the country, this natural landmark offers breathtaking views and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The cliff at Balcary Heugh stands at an impressive height, towering above the surrounding landscape. Its rugged and weathered appearance adds to its charm, showcasing the power of nature. The cliff face is composed of layers of sedimentary rock, displaying the geological history of the area.

The slope at Balcary Heugh is equally remarkable, gently descending towards the coastline. Covered in lush vegetation, it provides a picturesque backdrop against the dramatic cliff. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the slope, taking in the stunning vistas of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside.

The area surrounding Balcary Heugh is abundant in wildlife. Birdwatchers flock to the cliff to catch glimpses of various seabirds, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills. The heather-covered slopes are also home to a variety of plant species, adding to the biodiversity of the site.

Access to Balcary Heugh is convenient, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the cliff and slope. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when approaching the cliff edge, as it can be steep and potentially hazardous.

Overall, Balcary Heugh is a remarkable natural feature, offering a unique blend of rugged beauty and panoramic views. Whether for a peaceful stroll or a birdwatching expedition, this site is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable experience in Kirkcudbrightshire.

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Balcary Heugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.822273/-3.8280064 or Grid Reference NX8249. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shore with boulders

Rounded glacial boulders, many of granite, are a feature of the upper shore at Lochenling.

Jonathan Wilkins

Sea kale

A fabulous specimen of sea kale, Crambe maritima, growing amid boulders above the tide line. Other seedlings were dotted about nearby on the edge of the raised beach.

Jonathan Wilkins

Rock outcrops

Rock outcrops here belong to the Rascarrel member of the Fell Sandstone Formation which are of Carboniferous (Arundian to Holkerian) age. Rapid variation in the composition and grain size of these sandstones and conglomerates are due to very active faulting on the edge of the Solway Basin, but prominent among recognisable clasts are lumps of granitic rock from the weathering of the nearby intrusion. The camera location is a stack which is above the tide level and has a thick encrustation of lichens, mostly yellow Caloplaca.

Jonathan Wilkins

Path to Loch Mackie

Rampant bracken has taken hold following the felling of adjacent forestry, but isolated rowans have good colour with abundant berries.

Jonathan Wilkins

Rock outcrops

Low rock outcrops on the edge of the raised beach comprise dipping beds of sandstone belonging to the Rascarrel Member of the Fell Sandstone Formation. In the background is the steep, seaward face of Airds Heugh.

Jonathan Wilkins

Boulder shore

The shore here comprises an extraordinary carpet of equal-sized boulders of glacial origin which are the residua of former deposits of till, or boulder clay. It is part of the discontinuous raised beach which is particularly prominent through the west of the southern Scottish coast. See also, for example NX1239 : Bouldery beach.

Jonathan Wilkins

Balcary Bay Hotel

'The Balcary Bay Country House Hotel which takes its name from the stunningly beautiful bay that overlooks the Solway with the Cumbrian mountains in the distance. Each day brings a different colour spectrum to this wonderful vista. Each night brings forth a romantic moon shimmering across the waters.' Link

Viewed from the top of Balcary Hill.

Russel Wills

Newly cut grass fields

Some grass has been baled. Airds Farm under Big Airds Hill in the background.

Russel Wills

No they are not sheep!

The grass in the foreground has been cut and put into bales covered with white plastic. In the background, looking like a grass maze, the grass has been cut and the machine to gather it and blow it into trailers waits for a trailer.

Russel Wills

Rocks on the foreshore of Auchencairn Bay

The various post on the beach are the remnants of salmon fishing nets. How it might have looked. Link and Link Hestan Island in the bay.

Russel Wills

Balcary Tower

'Balcary Tower was built around 1860 by Colonel Johnstone, the Laird of Auchencairn House, it is believed for his French governess and mistress. The Tower was extended in the 1960s and again in the 1970s and mostly recently was entirely professionally refurbished in 2012.' Link

Link

Russel Wills

View from the carpark

Over the white plastic wrapped bales of grass.

Russel Wills

Agricultural traffic hazard

This is one of the large tractors with a trailer load of freshly cut grass. They were moving in a convoy of four down to the fields to collect the loads and then back up the narrow road with few passing places.

Russel Wills