Dally Bay

Bay in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Dally Bay

Cattle feed lot near Castle Ban At the end of the road from Mains of Aries; 33 metres from the rocky west coast. — Cattle feed lot near Castle Ban Credit: M J Richardson

Dally Bay is a picturesque coastal area located in Wigtownshire, Southwest Scotland. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Situated a few miles west of Portpatrick, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and clear turquoise waters.

The bay boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot various seabirds, including gulls, cormorants, and even the occasional puffin during the summer months. Additionally, seals can often be seen basking on the rocky shores, providing a delightful sight for onlookers.

Dally Bay is also a haven for outdoor activities. The sandy stretch of beach is perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing, and picnicking. Adventurous souls can explore the surrounding cliffs, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea. The area is also popular for fishing, with anglers trying their luck in catching mackerel or sea trout.

For those interested in history, Dally Bay is home to the ruins of Dally Castle, a 16th-century tower house that stands as a testament to the region's rich past. Exploring the castle grounds provides a glimpse into the area's historical significance and offers a fascinating experience.

Overall, Dally Bay is a hidden treasure that showcases the natural beauty and tranquility of Wigtownshire. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and historical attractions, it offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Dally Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.973308/-5.1813705 or Grid Reference NW9668. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cattle feed lot near Castle Ban

At the end of the road from Mains of Aries; 33 metres from the rocky west coast.

M J Richardson

Grassland and Gorse at Mains of Aries

The rock over which the sea is breaking is the Ebbstone or Craig Laggan NW9569 : Craig Laggan or the Ebbstone.

M J Richardson

Craig Laggan or the Ebbstone

An emergent rock, the remains of a sea stack, 1.85 km away from the viewpoint.

M J Richardson

Pillar at Mains of Airies

A strange structure by the edge of the track west of the farm. It is not mentioned on Canmore, but there is a Medieval Motte nearby. In the field beyond is a smartly constructed watering place for cattle. Beyond that is Orbain Hill.

M J Richardson

Pastures at Mains of Airies

Extensive grass fields on the flanks of Lingloskin Hill, with a brick-built watering trough serving both sides of the fence.

M J Richardson

North Cairn Farm Kirkcolm

The view of North Cairn farmhouse, over the hill behind are views of the Northern Ireland coastline.

Bill Allen

North Cairn Farm, The Rhins

wfmillar

Shoreline Grazing at Port Gavillan

The cattle had access to the shoreline at the end of the farm track. Some were grazing on the grass, but others were out among the Genoch Rocks.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Genoch Rocks

Looking out across the rocks at low tide. The concrete steps in the foreground have come from nearby old war-time buildings.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Genoch Rocks at Low Tide

Viewed on a fine February afternoon with the tide well out. Cattle were grazing on the shoreline grass, with some seen out on the rocks.

Mary and Angus Hogg

On Genoch Rocks

Genoch rocks at low tide on a fine February afternoon. Far-off Ailsa Craig is visible on the skyline, on the right.

Mary and Angus Hogg

North Cairn Chain Home Radar Station

The shoreline here has a number of war-time buildings, belonging to a Chain Home radar site. This building, which is now falling apart, may have been the receiver block. The command bunker on the left, which is shown on the Landranger map, is still intact.

Mary and Angus Hogg

War-Time Radar Station at North Cairn

The shoreline here has a number of war-time buildings, belonging to the North Cairn "Chain Home" radar station. "Chain Home" was the code name for the ring of radar stations which protected Britain during the Second World War. This photo shows one of the power houses, which is still largely intact. To see the station at Saligo Bay, on Islay, see NR2166 : Former WW2 Bunker.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Modern Standing Stones?

When I approached this area, I wondered if these were ancient standing stones. A closer look showed that they are concrete blocks, which formerly supported a radio tower with radar fixed on the top. This site was part of the "Chain Home" network of radar stations which protected Britain during the Second World War. To see a similar site in southern England, see TQ9623 : Chain Home radar station, Rye.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Track to the Shore

The state of the track probably owes a lot to the fact that it leads to a collection of military ruins, probably dating from the Second World War. The ferry is on its way from Ireland to Cairnryan.

Anne Burgess

Sand Ripples

Ripples in the sand, left by the receding tide between the land and the Genoch Rocks.

Anne Burgess

Genoch Rocks

The rocks form a low tidal island just south of Corsewall Point. The lighthouse is just visible on the right, and the conical shape of Ailsa Craig is on the northern horizon.

Anne Burgess

Old Dyke

The tumbledown dyke in the foreground delineates the grazing land, but is clearly ineffective in containing the cattle, who came galumphing over to investigate me as I was trying to pick my way along the edge of the waterlogged track. The offshore rock is Drochat.

Anne Burgess

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Dally Bay is located at Grid Ref: NW9668 (Lat: 54.973308, Lng: -5.1813705)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway