Thirlstane Arch

Who doesn't love a day at the beach? The beauty of Powillimount Beach is that it has the extra bonus of a fantastic rock formation. The Thirlstane Arch is a feature created by the seawater passing through a large sandstone rock. It measures 15m at its widest point, 7m at its highest and 25m at its thickest.

I'm no geologist, but I have it on good authority that the rock displays various sedimentary structures (layers) in a pinkish grey, medium-grained, well-sorted, quartzose sandstone.

With the numerous layers and crevices, it is a popular spot for rock climbers. When we visited, a father was teaching his son to climb, hence the pink ropes.

The beach is popular with families with the expanse of sand, rock pools to explore and plenty of shells to collect.

My trustee companion is demonstrating the height of the arch which is easy to walk through with plenty of headroom. Whilst walking through, I looked up only to see the huge rocks precariously balancing above my head, but I guess they've been that way for quite some time.

The beach and the woodland behind the arch is home to plenty of wildlife.Red squirrels and hares can be found in the woodland and nearby fields, with otters, seals and dolphins spotted in the sea.

The walk from the car park doesn't take long. Try and park on the left hand side once you reach the end of the road, then make your way down to the beach.

Keep going until you reach the large rock, although from the side it looks much like any other. It is only when you walk around the back or front that it becomes visible.

There are fine views over the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian mountains.

Remember to take the time to enjoy the wonderful Powillimount Beach, and when you are finished why not drive up to what remains of the nearby Wreaths Tower or why not check out the Southerness Lighthouse.