Kippford

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Kippford is attractively positioned on the eastern bank of the estuary of the River Urr, near where it merges into the Solway Firth, and has extensive views across the river towards the farmlands and hills beyond.

The village nestles under a high crag, with its houses strung out along the river's edge, separated from the tidal waters only by the public road, which stretches the length of the village before coming to an end at a turning place.

In days gone by Kippford, or 'The Scaur' as it was once known, was an important part of the infrastructure of the industrious fleet of sailing ships transporting goods to and from the Urr ports. Many were the sailing families who lived there, and a busy shipbuilding and repair yard was at the centre of the village in every sense. More of the history of Kippford.

The schooners, sloops, brigs and coasting smacks have now all gone, but Kippford still maintains its links with the sea. The estuary waters now form a popular yachting and sailing centre, with a yacht's chandler,Kippford Slipway Ltd., providing equipment and repairs,storage, and a launching and recovery service . The busy sailing club holds regattas during the summer months.

Rough Island is in the middle of the Rough Firth, the estuary leading out to the sea from Kippford. The island is now a bird sanctuary and is worth a visit when the tide is out. Visitors must observe the signs protecting the birds' habitat. And before you go, make sure you have consulted an up-tp-date tide table. These can be bought locally.

In and around Kippford there is hotel and Bed and Breakfast accommodation, plus two caravan sites. There are many attractive walks, which give good views of the river, the open Solway waters and the hills of Screel and Bengairn in the middle distance, one of the most popular being the 'Jubilee Path' which connects Kippford to the neighbouring village of Rockcliffe.

Within the village there is a village shop....the Ark,  which sells gifts, cards, local and fine foods, and also Kippford Slipway, the ships' chandlers which serves the boating community's needs. If you want to have lunch overlooking the estuary the Anchor or the Mariner provide welcome lunches.

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