Ardwall Isle

Island in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Ardwall Isle

Inlet, Knockbrex Bay Rock outcrops, almost covered by turf, at the side of an inlet on Knockbrex Bay. Knockbrex House can be seen over the coastal fields. — Inlet, Knockbrex Bay Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Ardwall Isle is a picturesque island located off the coast of Kirkcudbrightshire in southwestern Scotland. Situated in the Solway Firth, this small isle covers an area of approximately 0.5 square kilometers. Accessible only by boat, Ardwall Isle offers a secluded and tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The island is characterized by its rugged coastline, with dramatic cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and nearby coastal areas. The landscape is predominantly rocky, adorned with patches of lush vegetation, including heather, grasses, and wildflowers. The island's highest point, known as Ardwall Hill, stands at an elevation of 41 meters and provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding waters.

Ardwall Isle is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds such as guillemots, puffins, and gulls, which nest along the cliff edges. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, offering opportunities for fishing and observing seals and dolphins.

The island's only building is a small lighthouse, which has been guiding ships through the treacherous waters since its construction in the late 19th century. The lighthouse is now automated, but its historic charm and significance remain intact.

Visitors to Ardwall Isle can enjoy coastal walks, birdwatching, fishing, or simply taking in the tranquility of this remote location. Camping is permitted on the island, allowing for a truly immersive experience in the heart of nature. However, visitors are encouraged to respect the fragile ecosystem and leave no trace of their presence.

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Ardwall Isle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.818354/-4.2246349 or Grid Reference NX5749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inlet, Knockbrex Bay

Rock outcrops, almost covered by turf, at the side of an inlet on Knockbrex Bay. Knockbrex House can be seen over the coastal fields.

Jonathan Wilkins

Folded strata

Rock outcrops on the shore are bedded greywackes belonging to the Kirkmaiden Formation, of Silurian (Llandovery) age. Their hardness and resistance to erosion is due to their state of metamorphism through deep burial during continental collision. The folding demonstrated here was caused by differential movement along faults separating adjacent slices of sediments as they were scraped off a descending oceanic plate (an "accretionary prism").

Jonathan Wilkins

Upright strata

Large areas of the foreshore here comprise vertically disposed beds of Silurian greywacke which show only gentle folding. See also NX5749 : Folded strata for an interpretation of the disposition and nature of the rocks here.

Jonathan Wilkins

Coastal pasture, Knockbrex

Richard Webb

Murray's Isle South

Taken far out from Carrick Bay, at the turn of a Spring Low Tide, late on a September evening 2023. The predicted tide height for low water was 1.8m. It was possible to walk further out to the isle although slightly deeper than my wellingtons would allow.

Steve Houldsworth

Low tide near Ardwall Isle

Two men on the east side of Ardwall Isle were taking advantage of an evening low tide to collect some whelks.

Walter Baxter

Unused gate

Unused gate on the Knockbrex Estate.

Chris McAuley

Ardwall Isle

This is at the southwest corner of the small tidal island in Wigtown Bay looking over to Murray’s Isles.

Walter Baxter

Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay

Three pillars in the bay act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. This was viewed at low tide.

Walter Baxter

A cairn on Ardwall Isle

The cairn at 34m marks the high spot of this small tidal island in Wigtown Bay.

Walter Baxter

Ardwall Isle

This is at the southwest edge of this small tidal island in Wigtown Bay at low tide.

Walter Baxter

A navigation pillar at Knockbrex Bay

This is one of three pillars that act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. For a view of all three pillars, see NX5849 : Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay.

Walter Baxter

A navigation pillar at Knockbrex Bay

This is one of three pillars that act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. The harbour is just out of shot to the right. For a view of all three pillars, see NX5849 : Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay.

Walter Baxter