Grey Hen Bay

Bay in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Grey Hen Bay

Sea Cave, North end of Cairgarroch Bay
Sea Cave, North end of Cairgarroch Bay Credit: Tony Page

Grey Hen Bay is a picturesque and secluded bay located in Wigtownshire, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the country, it is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The bay is surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the Irish Sea.

The bay gets its name from the abundance of grey hens (also known as red-breasted mergansers) that inhabit the area. These striking birds can often be spotted swimming in the bay or perched on the rocks along the shore.

Grey Hen Bay is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The surrounding area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of seabirds, seals, and occasionally dolphins. The bay is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with many migratory birds making a stopover during their journeys.

The bay itself boasts a sandy beach that stretches along its coastline. This makes it an ideal location for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The crystal-clear waters of the bay are also perfect for swimming or water sports, attracting visitors who seek outdoor adventures.

Access to Grey Hen Bay is relatively easy, with a car park nearby and a well-maintained footpath leading to the beach. However, due to its remote location, facilities such as toilets and refreshments are limited. Visitors are advised to come prepared with supplies and take note of the tide times, as the bay can become inaccessible during high tide.

Overall, Grey Hen Bay offers a serene and unspoiled coastal experience, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility amidst Scotland's natural beauty.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Grey Hen Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.810325/-5.0581243 or Grid Reference NX0350. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sea Cave, North end of Cairgarroch Bay
Sea Cave, North end of Cairgarroch Bay
Spittal House Farm South east of the Port of Spittal Burn that flows into Port of Spittal Bay.
The Caledonian Cheese Company is based in Stranraer.
Spittal House Farm
South east of the Port of Spittal Burn that flows into Port of Spittal Bay. The Caledonian Cheese Company is based in Stranraer.
Portayew bay
Portayew bay
Portayew Burn The Antrim Mountains (approxiamtely 60km) can be seen on the horizon.
Portayew Burn
The Antrim Mountains (approxiamtely 60km) can be seen on the horizon.
Housing near Cairngarroch
Housing near Cairngarroch
Houses at Kirklauchline
Houses at Kirklauchline
Meoul Croft roadend
Meoul Croft roadend
Misty day in The Rhins Note:  also spelt 'Rhinns' but OS currently prefer one 'n'.
Misty day in The Rhins
Note: also spelt 'Rhinns' but OS currently prefer one 'n'.
Poor weather, Cairngarroch Rain and low cloud over the Rhins of Galloway. Not so bad here, but blowing a gale on the Mull.
Poor weather, Cairngarroch
Rain and low cloud over the Rhins of Galloway. Not so bad here, but blowing a gale on the Mull.
Minor road approaching Cairngarroch Croft Looking south-eastward.
Minor road approaching Cairngarroch Croft
Looking south-eastward.
Finlock Bay View from the cliff top down to the rocks and bay. This was as close as it felt comfortable to be in order to bag this first without a) electrocuting myself on the nearby fencing or b) slipping away down the sheer cliff face. That said it was a great view across the North Channel with the next stop Belfast.
Finlock Bay
View from the cliff top down to the rocks and bay. This was as close as it felt comfortable to be in order to bag this first without a) electrocuting myself on the nearby fencing or b) slipping away down the sheer cliff face. That said it was a great view across the North Channel with the next stop Belfast.
Rocks at Finlock Closer view from the cliff top to the rocks that surround Finlock Bay.
Rocks at Finlock
Closer view from the cliff top to the rocks that surround Finlock Bay.
Knockienausk Head View from the cliff top straight down a gully to the rocks below and this was as close as I wanted to get!
Knockienausk Head
View from the cliff top straight down a gully to the rocks below and this was as close as I wanted to get!
Kildonnan Burn Kildonnan Burn which is hidden but runs through a gully right of picture drops down here through Mare's Tail to Slouchanaun Bay. I know the burn is there, I had to jump over it to get to this stane wall on this side of the gully which fortuitously runs along the side of a live electric fence. For those not in the know, clamber on to stane wall, throw rucksack over the fence, jump fence and proceed on your way in a timely fashion. Life's small mercies! For those seeking their fortune abroad, Belfast is more or less straight across the North Channel from here.
Kildonnan Burn
Kildonnan Burn which is hidden but runs through a gully right of picture drops down here through Mare's Tail to Slouchanaun Bay. I know the burn is there, I had to jump over it to get to this stane wall on this side of the gully which fortuitously runs along the side of a live electric fence. For those not in the know, clamber on to stane wall, throw rucksack over the fence, jump fence and proceed on your way in a timely fashion. Life's small mercies! For those seeking their fortune abroad, Belfast is more or less straight across the North Channel from here.
Meikle Port of Spittal View along this farm track in the direction of Laverockholm right of picture which is currently operating as a Caravan Club CL site with additional holiday chalets.
Meikle Port of Spittal
View along this farm track in the direction of Laverockholm right of picture which is currently operating as a Caravan Club CL site with additional holiday chalets.
Meikle Port of Spittal View across open farmland past The Bungalow towards North Port 'O Spittal Farm.
Meikle Port of Spittal
View across open farmland past The Bungalow towards North Port 'O Spittal Farm.
Craigwoughey Hill Following the fence line will lead you down to the cliffs and drop you into the North Channel in between Ramp Holes to your right and Largywee to the left. Not my personal choice but some may find the cliff face and rocks interesting.
Craigwoughey Hill
Following the fence line will lead you down to the cliffs and drop you into the North Channel in between Ramp Holes to your right and Largywee to the left. Not my personal choice but some may find the cliff face and rocks interesting.
South Port of Spittal This just visible track leads across the South Port of Spittal and down to Knockienausk Head when you bear right at the stane wall mid horizon as I did.
South Port of Spittal
This just visible track leads across the South Port of Spittal and down to Knockienausk Head when you bear right at the stane wall mid horizon as I did.
Show me another place!

Grey Hen Bay is located at Grid Ref: NX0350 (Lat: 54.810325, Lng: -5.0581243)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///wacky.nips.wrenching. Near Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway

Related Wikis

Knockinaam Lodge

Knockinaam Lodge is a hotel and restaurant located about 3.5 miles South of Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland. As of 2008, the restaurant holds...

Colfin railway station

Colfin railway station, located in Wigtownshire, Scotland, between Portpatrick and Stranraer, was a station on the Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Railway...

Dunskey Castle

Dunskey Castle is a ruined, 12th-century tower house or castle, located 0.5 miles (0.80 km) south of the village of Portpatrick, Rhinns, Wigtownshire,...

Dunskey

Dunskey Estate (also known as Portree Estate) is north of Portpatrick on the west coast of Scotland. The B-listed mansion dates from the start of the twentieth...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.810325,-5.0581243
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.811511/-5.065479
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.811387/-5.065252
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.811262/-5.065023
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.811285/-5.063693
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.811292/-5.06325
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.811082/-5.060578
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.810958/-5.060351
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.810833/-5.060122
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.81071/-5.059895
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.810201/-5.059646
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.810095/-5.05831
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.810103/-5.057867
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.810111/-5.057424
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809877/-5.056082
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809753/-5.055855
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809629/-5.055626
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809505/-5.055398
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.80938/-5.055169
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809388/-5.054726
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809403/-5.05384
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809279/-5.053613
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.809154/-5.053384
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.80903/-5.053157
Created By: dmgroom_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 54.808526/-5.052687
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Grey Hen Bay?

Leave your review of Grey Hen Bay below (or comments, questions and feedback).