Balmae Ha'en

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Balmae Ha'en

Military training area, access point No red flag and no sentry on duty at the little hut, so one could venture into the danger area. — Military training area, access point Credit: Gordon Hatton

Balmae Ha'en is a picturesque coastal marsh located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Nestled along the shores of the Solway Firth, it is known for its stunning saltings and diverse wildlife.

The marsh is characterized by its vast expanse of salt marshes and tidal flats. These marshes are formed by the ebb and flow of the tides, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. The saltings are covered in salt-tolerant vegetation such as samphire, sea lavender, and glasswort, which give the area a vibrant green color during the summer months.

The marsh is home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot wading birds like curlews, oystercatchers, and redshanks, as well as migratory birds such as pink-footed geese and barnacle geese. The area also attracts ducks, swans, and herons.

A network of footpaths and trails allows visitors to explore the marsh and observe its wildlife up close. These paths wind through the marsh, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The marsh is also a designated nature reserve, ensuring the protection of its unique habitats and species.

Balmae Ha'en is not only a haven for wildlife but also a place of tranquility and natural beauty. Its peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas make it a popular spot for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea.

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Balmae Ha'en Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.775889/-4.0557074 or Grid Reference NX6744. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Military training area, access point

No red flag and no sentry on duty at the little hut, so one could venture into the danger area.

Gordon Hatton

Edge of the danger area

A short stroll down the track from the road [no red flag flying] and one could photograph the track that leads towards the coast near Torrs Point.

Gordon Hatton

Long Robin, Dee Estuary

Rocky foreshore at Long Robin on the River Dee Estuary, looking NNW towards St Mary's Isle and Kirkcudbright.

Dave Durie

Coastline at Balmae Ha'en

The view over the Solway Firth, southwest of Torrs Point on the coastal path.

Dave Durie

Gypsy Point

Byron wrote about a wild and breaker beaten coast.Perhaps this is it.

Malcolm Morris

Balmae Gardens

The Head Gardener's cottage, hence its being situated in the wall of the walled gardens. This house in its beautiful location, now owned by the MOD was built in the eighteenth century by people with vision and style. It now stands open to the elements and its huge walled garden is overgrown with mature trees. To let a fine building like this to rot should be a crime.

Malcolm Morris

Gypsy point

Interesting rock formation in vertical layers

Malcolm Morris

Gypsy point

Looking over to Little Ross,a tiny island with two lighthouses

Malcolm Morris

Verdant Galloway in February

No wonder the Galloway steaks are good what with cattle feeding on grass like this all day and every day.

Malcolm Morris

Little Ross - both lighthouses can be seen

Viewed from Balmae. The larger lighthouse is in grid square NX6543. Link

The smaller lighthouse sits in grid square NX6643.

Phil Catterall

Rights of access notice board

Some parts of the MoD ranges around the Kirkcudbright Training Area are open access for walkers when the red flags are not flying. This is for the majority of the time.

Phil Catterall