thumb|right|map of solway firth.  the solway firth () 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. the coastline is characterised by lowland hills and small mountains. it is a mainly rural area with fishing and hill farming (as well as some arable farming) still playing a large part in the local economy, although tourism is increasing. it has also been used for the location of films such as the wicker man (starring edward woodward), which was filmed around kirkcudbright. the solway coast was designated an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1964. construction of robin rigg wind farm began in the firth in 2007. ==wildlife== the water itself is generally benign with no notable hazards excepting some large areas of salt and mud flats, which often contain dangerous patches of quicksand that move frequently. it is recommended  that visitors do not attempt to navigate them without expert guidance. there are over  of sites of special scientific interest (sssis) in the area, as well as national nature reserves at caerlaverock and in cumbria. "south solway mosses nnr", natural england ==long distance walking route== a  long-distance walking route called the annandale way,annandale way website running through annandale from the source of the river annan in the moffat hills to the solway firth, was opened in september 2009.the long distance walkers association - annandale way ==islands in the solway== unlike other parts of the west coast of scotland, the solway firth is generally devoid of islands. however there are a few examples: * hestan island * rough island the isle of whithorn is actually a peninsula. == rivers == the solway firth forms the estuary of the river eden and the river esk. the following rivers also flow into the firth:
Anglo-Scottish_border Estuaries_of_England Estuaries_of_Scotland Firths_of_Scotland Geography_of_Cumbria Geography_of_Dumfries_and_Galloway Irish_Sea Natural_regions_of_England Protected_areas_of_Cumbria Protected_areas_of_Dumfries_and_Galloway Special_Areas_of_Conservation_in_England Special_Areas_of_Conservation_in_Scotland