For yachts and motorboats heading north from the Cumbrian coast, Kirkcudbright may well be their first Scottish port of call. 

Small craft Mariners are advised to give the Solway Firth a very good offing, but from say, Whitehaven, a course can be shaped up for Kirkcudbright Bay leaving the Solway Firth well off on your starboard side. It is most unwise to enter Solway Firth, an area of uncharted shallows, banks and strong tides.

The town of Kirkcudbright is reached via a twisting buoyed channel, with very little water in it. However once you arrive, the local council in charge of harbours in this area, have very thoughtfully provided a visitors pontoon where moderate draft craft may lay afloat at all states of the tide. ... read more

Small craft mariners should be mindful of the cross tides when planning their approach. This will either be sweeping the boat towards the dangers of the Solway Firth, or out to sea. Cross tides can run at up to 4 Knts at springs.

Kirkcudbright Bay (54°46'N., 4°04'W.) is entered between Gipsy Point and Little Ross Island, 1.5 miles W. It has depths of 5 to 9m in the entrance and the approach is free from dangers with the exception of a detached 3.9m patch which lies about 0.2 mile W of Gipsy Point.

Little Ross Island is separated from the mainland by a narrow passage. A light is shown from a prominent structure, 20m high, standing on the E side of this island. ... read more

Possible anchorages in the approach area are best seen by reference to the chart. It should be possible to tuck yourself away to suit most conditions. Bear in mind at LWN there will be over 2 m more than shown on the chart. The drying Ross Bay, could offer very good shelter to those prepared to take the ground. ... read more