Sandyhills

Settlement in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Sandyhills

Shell lag Empty cockle shells have been winnowed out of the fine sand by the tidal flow and left in this impressive strew on the surface. The place abounds in lessons for the geological interpretation of ancient fossil and sediment deposits. — Shell lag Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Sandyhills is a small village located in the historic county of Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Situated on the Solway Firth coastline, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The village is situated approximately 4 miles south of Dalbeattie and 20 miles southwest of Dumfries.

Sandyhills is surrounded by picturesque countryside, with rolling hills and lush green fields as far as the eye can see. It is popular amongst nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and horse riding. The nearby Dalbeattie Forest provides ample opportunities for walking and mountain biking.

The village itself is small and charming, with a close-knit community. It boasts a handful of amenities including a local pub, a convenience store, and a caravan park which attracts tourists during the summer months. The sandy beach in Sandyhills is a major attraction, with its golden sand and clear blue waters providing a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming.

Historically, Sandyhills has been a popular holiday destination, with many visitors flocking to the village during the summer season. The area has a rich history, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and ancient burial sites in the vicinity. The village has also been linked to the smuggling trade in the past, with tales of hidden caves and secret passages.

Overall, Sandyhills is a tranquil and picturesque village, offering a peaceful escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the beauty of the Scottish countryside.

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Sandyhills Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.882541/-3.7352348 or Grid Reference NX8855. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shell lag

Empty cockle shells have been winnowed out of the fine sand by the tidal flow and left in this impressive strew on the surface. The place abounds in lessons for the geological interpretation of ancient fossil and sediment deposits.

Jonathan Wilkins

Erosion features

The extent of re-working by tidal currents is a surprise. Here a channel can be seen eating its way through layered, muddy sand with cockle shell layers.

Jonathan Wilkins

Tidal river channel

Part of the meandering course of Southwick Water as it makes its way across the sand at low tide.

Jonathan Wilkins

Rocks by Southwick Water

The principal outfall of Southwick Water hugs the steep coastal rocks to form a channel which is intermittently quite deep for the unwary.

Jonathan Wilkins

Bombing range target

Well out on Mersehead Sands. 'During World War 2 the airfield at Dumfries trained bomb aimers and air gunners, preparing them for their future role in Bomber Command. There were a few bombing ranges in the area which generally consisted of a wooden target situated away from towns and villages.' Link

Walter Baxter risked life and limb for a closer look Link

Russel Wills

View towards Mersehead Sands, Solway Firth

The picture of Mersehead Sands was taken whilst ascending Bainloch Hill.

Judy Catterall

View down the firebreak to the Solway Firth

Judy Catterall

The Solway Firth

Southwick Water at low tide with the Mersehead Sands beyond in the Solway Firth.

Walter Baxter

Looking over the Solway Sands

Debbie Turner

Solway Sands

Debbie Turner

Looking over the Solway Firth Sands

Debbie Turner

The Solway Coast

The Solway coast looking towards Sandyhills Bay.

david johnston

Reed bed

Not the most popular part of this wonderful bay, by virtue of the sticky, muddy substrate which is sufficiently rarely covered by the tide to support a significant bed of reeds which are just coming into flower.

Jonathan Wilkins

Dry channel

Water drains off the sands rapidly as the tide falls, causing deep channels to form. The channel, now dried-out completely, shows a wonderful collection of intricate bedforms indicative of flowing water and sediment transport. A sedimentologist's dream?

Jonathan Wilkins

Barnhourie Burn outlet

The wide, shallow outlet of the burn at low tide.

Jonathan Wilkins

Outflow channel

Water flowing out from the Barnhourie burn on the vast inter-tidal plain. The topography is much more complex than the map suggests!

Jonathan Wilkins

Erratic boulder shore

The strip above the normal tide level is strewn with very pleasing, rounded glacial erratic boulders. Their concentration at the two extremities of the shore at Sandyhills Bay is surprising.

Jonathan Wilkins