12 Ways to Enjoy Our Waters

Discover the aquatic beauty of the South of Scotland, where lochs, rivers, and beaches converge to create a paradise for water sport enthusiasts. And you don’t have to be in the water to enjoy it either! Will you choose a canoe trip down the majestic River Tweed? Maybe you prefer to grab your paddleboard and glide over the waters of Loch Ken, its expansive surface framed by lush greenery and rolling hills. Perhaps you are more at home in waders, fly-fishing for trout? Not one for sport per se? Just stroll along our coastal paths and beaches and admire the views. Marvel at the maritime history in our lighthouses, which kept seafarers safe in days gone by. Whatever takes your fancy, grab your gear and dive into the fantastic waterscapes of South of Scotland, where every splash promises a new discovery.

1. Kayaks, canoes & paddle boards

Whether you are on one of our rivers, lochs or along the coastline, using a kayak, canoe or paddleboard gives you the feel of the waters beneath you and puts you in the midst of our natural beauty. And just so you know, paddlers in Scotland generally have the right to canoe or kayak on most bodies of water under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act (2003) and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

One experience to top your list is the recently launched Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, which is attracting plenty of attention from keen paddlers. Open from April to September, the trail offers adventurers of all ages the chance to explore the Tweed along its riverbanks and trail their fingers in its refreshing waters. If you don’t fancy trying it alone, Biggar Adventure offers guided tours of the new trail as well as offering trips on St Mary’s Loch.

Experienced kayakers wanting a bit more of a thrill could head to the River Esk. Between Langholm and Canonbie, those schooled in river kayaking and fast moving water will enjoy a day out – the river conditions can change quickly, so be sure you are a confident paddler before setting off. Those experienced on the water but not looking for too much action can hire SUPs and sit-on kayaks to head out onto St Mary’s Loch on their own.

You may prefer to head out with a guide and there are several offering a range of activities from sea and river kayaking to canoeing and paddleboarding. Active 4 Seasons covers sea and river canoeing and kayaking in the Borders while Adventure Carrick offers a range of water activites from their Girvan base. On Loch Ken, Galloway Activity Centre offers lessons and activities from sailing and windsurfing to kayaking and paddleboarding.

2. Snorkelling and scuba diving

Those who want to get really close to the wildlife should head into the waters off the eastern Borders coast. From Coldingham Bay, Snorkel Wild offers an introduction to snorkelling and its offering highlights the simplicity and joy of being able to witness the world beneath the waves. Meanwhile Marine Quest, DiveStay and Dive St Abbs all offer options for those who want to explore deeper. With many of the dive sites located within the St Abbs Marine Reserve, there are some fantastic sub-30m dive sites in this region, teeming with marine life.

3. Wild swimming

The joy of wild swimming is finding the perfect pool to plunge into after a hot walk. One such gem is called the Grey Mare’s Tail near Newton Stewart. Don’t confuse it with the more famous “Grey Mare’s Tail” near Moffat. The one near Newton Stewart is considerably smaller and in a secluded spot with a nice deep pool. For another woodland swim, try the burn running through the Wood of Cree with its series of wee pools just perfect for a cool-off as you climb alongside it! If you time your visit right it might coincide with the Wild Swim Weekend hosted on Loch Ken at the end of August – there’s four races of differing lengths, a night swim, and a first for this year, a 10k end-to-end swim.

Of course there are days even on holiday when you just want the joy of getting in a good few lengths – or the kids need somewhere to burn off that excess energy. Never fear, there are public pools in many of the towns across the South of Scotland and visitors are always welcome.

4. Coasteering & water parks

If you haven’t yet heard of it, coasteering is the latest way to explore our rocky shores. Adventure Carrick offers an introduction to this newly named version of scrambling along the coast line! It involves easy climbing around rock pools, leaping into the sea from a variety of heights, journeying to hidden coves to explore sea caves and traversing ledges where occasionally, one might come face to face with a seal.

And for a different version of ‘wild’ swimming head to the Galloway Activity Centre on Loch Ken where their inflatable water amusement park is brilliant fun for the whole family and sure to tire out energetic children and teens alike!

5. Beaches

Award-winning Coldingham Sands on the eastern coast of the Scottish Borders regularly receives plaudits for its gorgeous golden sands and clear waters. It also offers a beach wheelchair making this beach accessible for all. Surfers are also keen on its location, catching the waves as they roll in. This is the beach not to miss along the 21 miles of coastline in the Borders, much of it connected by the Berwickshire Coastal Path.

Did you know there are a whopping 209 miles of coastline in Dumfries and Galloway with a near endless choice of fantastic beaches to explore and enjoy? These really are undiscovered gems so pack your bucket and spade and head out to find your new favourite! You could start at Southerness, a wide, sandy beach, covering either side of Southerness Point, within the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a perfect beach for walking, with dogs allowed all year round and the sands roll on for miles. Heading west along the Solway coastline are multiple beaches including Brighouse Bay, Dhoon or Goat Well Bay and the tiny but much loved Moss Yard beach.

The Wigtown peninsula has multiple options for beachgoers from the sheltered harbour beach at Rigg Bay near Garlieston to the rockpools and caves of Monreith Beach. Making your way towards the Rhins of Galloway, near the town of Sandhead, the 6 miles of Luce Sands stretch out for young and old to explore. The bay is rich in marine wildlife and is designated a Special Area for Conservation for its dune, seashore and seabed habitats. And on Scotland’s southwestern coast is Ardwell Bay, a secluded sandy beach looking out on to the Irish Sea. Great for building sand castles with ample opportunities for rockpooling – don’t forget to keep your eyes on the surf for possible dolphin sightings.

6. Fishing

Scotland is known for its fishing with lochs and rivers aplenty and the South of Scotland is no exception. Whether you want to fly fish on a river or go angling in a loch or even head out on the open waters, there is something for you here.

Scottish Borders

Enjoy the mighty River Tweed with its many salmon fishing beats – there is plenty of info on Tweedbeats. There are also its tributaries the Ettrick and Yarrow, both of which offer plenty of spaces to cast your line and ponder while you wait for a nibble. Check out FishPal for all you need to know about salmon and trout fishing in the Borders. If you want to get out for some sea fishing, there is Bee Cool Fish in Eyemouth which runs boats out for fishing and coastal sightseeing.

There are offers of loch fishing on Bowhill estate at Bowhill Lower Loch for a serene day’s sport. Or you can venture to St Mary’s Loch and the Loch o’ the Lowes, where anglers are directed to the local keeper for permits and inside knowledge! If you are new to the area and want some insider help, stay at Whitehouse Countryside B&B located a scant half mile from the River Tweed, where the owners help you organise permits for the river as well as giving you tips on the best spots.

If you just want to get away from it all, try Coldingham Loch Fly Fishery & Holiday Cottages. This small private estate offers a 22 acre, spring-fed loch offering bank and boat fly fishing for brown, blue and rainbow trout.

Dumfries & Galloway

Those who enjoy the sport in a river have plenty of choice in Dumfries and Galloway. The River Nith is a sought after river for salmon and trout fishing, as is the River Annan, which has a catch and release environmental policy. Heading west, the rivers Cree and Bladnoch are likely to be less crowded and definitely worth a try.

Loch fishing is also popular with Loch Ken a well-known coarse fisherman’s paradise. Loch Doon is known for its brown trout and Loch Stroan is a peaceful angler’s haven. If your perfect retreat is to have it all on your doorstep, stay at the Broom Fisheries and Broom Fisheries Holiday Homes with 9 well stocked lakes on the site located close to Annan. Or consider Glenquicken Farm: Set in the shadow of the majestic Cairnsmore of Fleet, this 4.5 acre fly fishing lochan is located near Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway.

Wherever you choose to cast your lines, do check in with the local angling association such as the one in Stranraer which is happy to offer advice and support – but don’t expect them to reveal their secret best spot!

Finally, be sure you understand when the seasons start and finish and that you have the appropropriate permits and licences before you head out.

7. UNESCO Biosphere

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere stretches from Alloway in the north to the edge of the Galloway Forest on the east across the Machars Peninula and Rhins of Galloway in the south west covering more than 9,800 km². It also extends for 12 nautical miles around the coast. The site designation is given to areas promoting a long-lasting connection between people and nature. Within its boundaries is the fresh water reservoir Clatteringshaws, Loch Trool and Loch Ken and the Rivers Bladnoch and Cree. Within the boundaries of the biosphere are a multitude of sites for watery pursuits. If you prefer not to get wet, head for the Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, which is the largest of its kind in Britain. The autumn is perfect for watching the annual bird migrations from the bird hides at the harbour.

8. Coastal paths

The latest coastal path over in the far west is the Rhins Coastal Path, launching this summer. It connects existing pathways to new terrain looping around to give you the full coastal experience along the entirety of the peninsula. On the east coast, the well-known Berwickshire Coastal Path offers variety with fantastic views from above to the marine reserve waters below and strolls along the beaches and harbour fronts too. Birds in their hundreds make these coastal rocks their nesting grounds, so it is a twitchers delight! And keep your eyes peeled on the waters below as marine mammals make regular appearances. For more inspiration check out our blog on coastal walks.

9. Marine mammal & sea bird spotting

Your best chance of marine mammals sightings can be while you are out on the water – try an Eyemouth rib trip or St Abbs Charters for a good chance at some spectacular wildlife spotting.

But you don’t always have to risk the salt spray – in Eyemouth harbour, seals and otters are wise to the presence of humans and come close to the harbour wall to sample the delights of fish being sold by an enterprising ‘seal food stall’ for the visitors to buy!

The RSPB Mull of Galloway is a twitcher’s paradise and you can also visit WWT Caerlaverock – one of the UK’s most significant salt marshes south of Dumfries along the Solway Firth coast.

10. Lighthouses

With so much coastline the South of Scotland is dotted with lighthouses, beacons of hope and safety to seafarers of days past. Often these iconic building were all that stood between life and the perils of the raging seas. Made redundant by technological advances, these buildings remain an important part of our maritime heritage, connecting us to the stories of those who constructed them, navigated by them and kept the flames alight.

Along the Rhins of Galloway, there is a trail connecting six of them – including Corsewall Lighthouse, which is now a hotel offering superb views from its elegant rooms. Most of these lighthouses were the work of the grandfather and the uncle of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Indeed another of his uncle Alan’s works is found further east, along the Solway coast, at the Ross Bay Island lighthouse. This lighthouse became notorious and made headlines around the world when its keeper Hugh Clark was murdered by his assistant Robert Dickson in 1960.

The tall, white unusually square shape of the Southerness lighthouse stands out on the western edge of the point of the same name. The lighthouse, initially a beacon, was in situ by 1757 and was probably used by John Paul Jones, father of the American navy as he navigated to and from his home town of Kirkcudbright on multiple trips. Today the lighthouse no longer works but it does open – mostly during the summer months – on occasion for visits.

Over on the eastern coast, the St Abbs Lighthouse is a stunning landmark surrounded by great scenic views and wildlife. It marks the Southern entrance to the Firth of Forth and was built following the sinking of the ship, “Martello” in 1857.

11. Oysters

Don’t forget to taste the bounty of our waters! Loch Ryan is the last wild, native oyster fishery in Scotland and the annual Stranraer Oyster Festival celebrates this bounty. Join the three-day festivities which include plenty of sampling, cookery demonstrations and audiences with chefs and of course the Shuck Off! This entertaining competition sees shuckers challenged to remove the top half of the shell and elegantly present 30 oysters – points are awarded for technique, speed and presentation! It is not always the fastest who wins!

12. SWC 300 

This is the ultimate road trip hugging the coast and taking in the inland waterways too. Come enjoy the quiet roads, the open spaces, and plenty of wonderful places to legally park up and enjoy our night skies. The Southwest Coastal 300 is a stunning route to explore the southwestern corner of Scotland and appreciate the history and heritage of the area. It links our waters and offers you the perfect opportunity to explore them all. Whether you make it your main focus, or dip in and out of shorter itineraries, we are sure you’ll come back wanting more!