Rough Island

Rough Island is a small tidal island of about eight hectares in the Rough Firth off the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway. It sits where the River Urr meets the firth, in the old county of Kirkcudbrightshire. The island reaches twenty-four metres above sea level at its highest point. Its Gaelic name is Garbh Eilean, which means ‘rough island’. The land is flat with a few low rises and no permanent buildings. The island is important for birds and is a sanctuary for nesting oystercatchers and ringed plovers. Visitors should avoid May and June when these birds are raising their young. The only way on to the island is by a natural causeway from Kippford when the tide is low. The causeway is covered by water for five hours each high tide, so timing the walk is essential. Once on the island, walkers find wide views across the firth and along the coast. The ground is mostly grass and low shrubs, with no paths or signs. The quiet setting and open sky make it a good place to watch wading birds and listen to their calls. From the highest point the whole island and the surrounding water can be seen.