Bells Isle

Island in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Bells Isle

Carboniferous strata Rocks on the shore to the south of Portling are much younger than those forming the adjacent cliffs which run along the coast. It is immediately obvious that they are not steeply inclined, and in fact they are unconformable with the immediately adjacent Silurian strata (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6970240">NX8954 : Tilted strata</a> for a good contrasting example) and post-date the continental collision responsible for the deformation of the older rocks. Sadly, it is not possible to see the older and younger rocks anywhere in contact, and generally here a steeply-inclined fault separates them. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6970311">NX8853 : Carboniferous strata 2</a> for another view of the Carboniferous rocks. — Carboniferous strata Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Bells Isle, also known as Belle Isle, is a small and picturesque island located off the coast of Kirkcudbrightshire in southwestern Scotland. Situated in the estuary of the River Dee, Bells Isle is approximately 1.5 miles long and covers an area of around 90 acres.

The island is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and rich history. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of birds, seals, and otters, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The island's landscape is characterized by rocky shores, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills, providing visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.

Bells Isle has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human occupation dating back to prehistoric times. It has been inhabited by various Celtic and Norse communities throughout the centuries, and remnants of their settlements can still be seen today. The island also played a significant role in the smuggling trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Bells Isle is home to a few holiday cottages, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful and idyllic retreat. The island can be accessed via a small ferry from the nearby town of Kirkcudbright, which adds to its charm and exclusivity.

Overall, Bells Isle is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and tranquil escape, combining stunning landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife.

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Bells Isle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.856904/-3.7647469 or Grid Reference NX8652. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carboniferous strata

Rocks on the shore to the south of Portling are much younger than those forming the adjacent cliffs which run along the coast. It is immediately obvious that they are not steeply inclined, and in fact they are unconformable with the immediately adjacent Silurian strata (see NX8954 : Tilted strata for a good contrasting example) and post-date the continental collision responsible for the deformation of the older rocks. Sadly, it is not possible to see the older and younger rocks anywhere in contact, and generally here a steeply-inclined fault separates them. See also NX8853 : Carboniferous strata 2 for another view of the Carboniferous rocks.

Jonathan Wilkins

Carboniferous strata 2

The rocks here, of Carboniferous (Arundian to Holkerian) age are the Rascarrel Member of the Fell Sandstone Formation. The beds are of sandstone and conglomerate, which include angular clasts of granite and other igneous material eroded from the exposed granite pluton nearby, indicating rapid uplift on the faults which run along its margin to form a faulted unconformity on the norther margin of the Upper Palaeozoic Solway Basin. See also NX8853 : Carboniferous strata.

Jonathan Wilkins

Portling shore

Looking from the intertidal sands to the houses on the Portling Shore. I was impressed by the sky that had developed.

Jonathan Wilkins

Lichens on sandstone

Still in the splash zone, these rocks bear a fantastic community of lichens including Caloplaca, Ramalina and Ochrolechia. What a fabulous garden!

Jonathan Wilkins

In Rockliffe

Heading for Castlehill Point.

Russel Wills

Colvend Parish Church

An Early Christian church by P MacGregor Chalmers 1911, of granite with red sandstone dressings and set on a rise overlooking the Solway Firth. Its bell-tower is topped by a steep pyramid roof.

Russel Wills

Colvend House

Just to the left of the house, through a gap between the trees, is White Loch.

Russel Wills

Castlehill Point, viewpoint

Andrew Curtis

Rough Firth

Andrew Curtis

Rockpool at Port o' Warren Bay

Dave Croker

Coast below Barclow Hill

Dave Croker

Small inlet at low tide

Dave Croker

Castlehill Point, viewpoint toposcope

Dave Croker

The Mill Burn

The Mill Burn where it enters Rough Firth, photographed from the coastal path footbridge.

Richard Sutcliffe

Rocky shoreline, Rough Firth

Lichen-encrusted rocks on the shore, south of Rockcliffe. Almorness Point and Hestan Island are in the distance.

Richard Sutcliffe

End of the track, Glenurr

Through the gate on the right is a house called Glenurr. Going through the kissing gate takes you through a field to Castle Point, seen in the distance.

Richard Sutcliffe