Hestan Island Lighthouse

Hestan Island Lighthouse is a small automated light on the uninhabited island of Hestan, at the mouth of the River Urr in the Solway Firth, a short way off Rockcliffe in Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. Don't expect a tall tower. The appeal is the tidal walk out to the island and the views across the bay.

What is the Hestan Island lighthouse?

The light was established in 1893. Canmore, Scotland's heritage record, credits D. A. Stevenson of the famous Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers. It was built in a hurry after several ships were wrecked or grounded while navigating the Urr estuary. The original tower was later demolished, and the light is now a small lamp on an aluminium frame. It is solar-powered, automated and run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Some sources give 1850 for a first lighthouse, a date other sources dispute.

A former keeper's cottage still stands at the northern end of the island, a reminder of the days before automation. The lighthouse cannot be entered and is viewed from outside.

How do you get to Hestan Island?

The bay is broad and shallow, so at low tide you can walk to the island. The usual route starts at Almorness Point and follows a natural causeway of shingle and mussel shells, called the Hestan Rack, to the island's northern tip.

From Rockcliffe the crossing is harder. It is only possible at spring tides and means wading, knee to thigh deep, across the lowest channels of the Urr over the mudflats. A rising tide can cut off the way back, so check tide times before you set out and leave plenty of margin for the return.

What else is nearby?

For a look at the island without crossing, walk the Balcary Bay loop at the southern end of Auchencairn Bay. It is about 5.4 km, and the Balcary car park lies at the end of a narrow road roughly two miles from Auchencairn. The Balcary to Rascarrel coastal trail takes around 1.5 hours and has exposed clifftop sections, so walking poles help. At low tide you can also walk out from Rockcliffe to nearby Rough Island.

When should you visit?

Pick a day with a daytime low tide and clear weather. Avoid the island in May and June, when seabirds nest there and need to be left in peace.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Hestan Island Lighthouse? No. It is an automated light viewed from outside. You can also see the old keeper's cottage.

Can you walk to Hestan Island? Yes, at low tide from Almorness Point along the Hestan Rack causeway. From Rockcliffe only at spring tides, and you must wade across the river.

Who runs the lighthouse? The Northern Lighthouse Board. It runs automatically on solar power.

When should you avoid visiting? In May and June, during the seabird nesting season. Always check tide times too, because the incoming tide can cut off your return.