Explore a secluded sandy beach near Gatehouse of Fleet offering tranquil coastal walks, water sports, and stunning views of wild headlands—perfect for families and dog walkers.

Carrick Beach, also known as Carrick Bay or Carrick Shore, is a secluded sandy beach located near Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. This relatively small sandy bay stretches approximately 700 meters along the south coast and offers visitors an escape into unspoiled natural beauty, backed by scenic views of wild and mountainous headlands. The beach is ideal for families seeking outdoor activities including bathing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing in the sheltered bay. Visitors can also enjoy extensive coastal walking paths with access to nearby Galloway Forest National Park. The area is particularly dog-friendly, with dogs generally allowed on the beach year-round, though seasonal restrictions may apply from Easter through summer. It's free to visit and requires no entry fee. Carrick Beach is designated as a bathing water with a "Good" quality rating, making it safe for swimming. The area holds ecological importance as part of the Borgue Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to diverse coastal and migratory bird species including gulls, divers, plovers, gannets, terns, and birds of prey. The remote location means there are no public facilities like toilets or lifeguards, so visitors should bring their own provisions and supplies. Access is via a track road from the A75, with limited roadside parking available. Visitors are encouraged to help preserve the beach environment by managing dog waste, avoiding litter, and checking SEPA's daily bathing water forecasts, particularly after heavy rainfall when water quality may be temporarily affected.

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