The isle of Hestan lies at the mouth of Auchencairn Bay[2] in the region of Dumfries and Galloway in the former county of Kirkcudbrightshire.

At certain conditions of low tide the island is accessible on foot as there is a natural causeway of shingle and mussels from Almorness Point to the northern tip of Hestan.

The island can also be reached on foot from Rockcliffe during the time of spring tides, but requires wading (knee to thigh deep) across the lowest parts of the river Urr out on the mudflats.

At the southern tip of the island is the notably-named "Daft Ann's Steps", a series of pinnacles where, legends say, a girl of lesser intelligence attempted to lay stepping stones ahead of her to reach the Balcary Point and drowned.

[3] There are ruins of a manor house built for Edward Balliol near the north of the island.