Solway Firth
The Solway Firth (Scottish Gaelic: Tràchd Romhra) is a firth that forms part of the border between England and Scotland, between Cumbria (including the Solway Plain) and Dumfries and Galloway. It stretches from St Bees Head, just south of Whitehaven in Cumbria, to the Mull of Galloway, on the western end of Dumfries and Galloway. The Isle of Man is also very near to the firth. The firth comprises part of the Irish Sea.
| Solway Firth | |
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Satellite photo, includes processing enhancements to highlight sediments, dissolved organic matter, and water depth. | |
Solway Firth Location in Scotland | |
| Location | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 54°45′N 3°40′W |
The firth's coastline is characterised by lowland hills and small mountains. It is a mainly rural area, with mostly small villages and settlements (such as Powfoot). Fishing, hill farming, and some arable farming play a large part in the local economy, although tourism is increasing.
The northern part of the English coast of the Solway Firth was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known as the Solway Coast, in 1964. Construction of the Robin Rigg Wind Farm in the firth began in 2007.
Within the firth, there are some salt flats and mud flats that can be dangerous, due to their frequently shifting patches of quicksand.