Carrick Bay

Bay in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Carrick Bay

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

Carrick Bay is a picturesque bay located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Situated on the Solway Firth, it offers stunning views of the coastline and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

The bay is known for its long stretch of sandy beach, which is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and sunbathing during the warmer months. The beach is backed by rolling sand dunes and grassy areas, providing ample space for outdoor activities and relaxation. It is also a haven for wildlife, with various bird species often spotted in the area.

Carrick Bay is renowned for its calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. The bay is relatively sheltered from strong currents and tides, making it safe for all ages and abilities. There are also several rock pools dotted along the shore, offering opportunities for exploring and discovering marine life.

The bay is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. This makes it a great location for hiking and cycling, with several trails and paths crisscrossing the area. The nearby village of Auchencairn offers amenities such as cafes, shops, and accommodations for those looking to stay overnight.

Overall, Carrick Bay in Kirkcudbrightshire is a charming and tranquil destination, offering a range of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the region.

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Carrick Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.828554/-4.2188746 or Grid Reference NX5750. 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