About

Destination Balcary – Our Farmhouse Holiday Cottage & Surrounding Area

The farmhouse is sited on the beautiful Solway coast with stunning views from every direction.  Coast, sea, countryside, farmlife, wildlife – Destination Balcary has it all!  Known for its rugged coastline and very popular coastal cliff path along the Heughs.  Balcary Point peninsular is recognised as one of the most popular places to visit in the South West of Scotland.

Imagine the peace, and tranquility of being at one with nature, when you look out to sea and the surrounding farmland and countryside. Our scenery is stunning, picturesque views at every turn and set amongst idyllic coastal farmland. Tranquillity and uninterrupted sea views from our 494 acre farmland. Guests can see the Isle of Man looking south west (approx. 27 miles), the Cumbrian fells of the Lake District to the east along with the Robin Rigg Windfarm in the Solway Firth.

If you can’t yet picture it visit our gallery of photos.

Surrounding Local Area

The hill known as Balcary Hill (to the east) shelters Balcary Bay with its deep tidal inlets which historically made it the ideal smugglers landing.  Out in the bay you can see stake nets for catching salmon on the flood tides.  There is Hestan Island sitting prettily in the bay with a view of Criffel behind.  There are steep cliff edges fringing Balcary Hill. You will see our farm cattle and sheep grazing, sunbathing and being the sentient beings they are, just minding their own business really!

The other big hill on the farm is know as Big Airds Hill, with its little brother unsurprisingly known as Little Airds Hill. The farmhouse and farmsteading nestle at its foot. We have a beautiful loch within our farm boundary, known as Loch Mackie with its cute old boathouse perched in the waters edge.

Wonderful Walks from Airds of Balcary Farm

You may enjoy a circular walk around the farm which is signposted from the car park at the farm entrance. It winds through woodland and cliff tops taking in the local rock formations of Lot’s Wife and Adam’s chair en route to Airds Point.  We have some perfectly positioned benches for you to have a rest, picnic, and to take in the spectacular views and countryside that we pride ourselves in keeping beautiful.

As the cliffs soften you will walk down and long the shoreline heading towards Rascarrel bay before taking a right heading toward Loch Mackie. It then drops down through the farmland back towards the bay through our silaging and grazing land.  Keep your eyes open for wildlife including red squirrels, peregrine falcons, red kites, cormorants, wild pigeons, shags, and rock doves to name just a few.

Don’t forget your binoculars, camera and your readiness to experience some of Galloways finest coastal scenery!

What There is to ‘See & Do’ Nearby

There are lots of things to see and explore around and about Balcary if you don’t want to jump in the car and set off.  Take a bicycle ride to the village of Auchencairn, enjoy the small cafe within the village store, or for the more enthusiastic walkers head towards Screel Hill. There is also Horse Isles Bay and White Port Bay just at Palnackie, the Rockcliffe Circular path, Threave, and many more places to walk and explore.

You could just head down to the bay for a beach day, playing in sand, rock pooling, beach combing, and doodling!  You could do a spot of sea fishing and we are told by the locals that the flat rocks is the place to go.  They do tell you they catch nothing however keep returning so maybe they are keeping the fish to themselves. Bring your own boat and leave from the bay!  Or just sit and watch the world go by!!!! Ahhhhhh bliss!

Airds of Balcary Farm

Our farm animals will be around on the fields in the spring and summer months hopefully enjoying the lush grass and sunbathing, and no doubt being amused by the many visitors walking.

We only took over Airds of Balcary Farm in January 2020 from our parents, so we still have many ideas, new plans and additional improvements which we will make to make around and about.