A scenic coastal track near Borgue is at the centre of an access row.
Locals claim the path down to the shore at Kirkandrews is a historic right of way.
But earlier this year the landowner double locked the gate to limit access.
The move provoked an angry response from residents and Dumfries and Galloway Council was informed.
The access team is currently sending out evidence of use questionnaires to see if a right of way case exists.
Local man Chris Brown described the row as “very sad” and hoped goodwill would prevail.
He said: “No-one can ever remember that gate being locked – the path was completely accessible until this year.
“If order was to be restored to what it was then that would be great.
“Otherwise it’s going to be a long-running festering thing.
“In a beautiful place like this – why do you need bad blood?
“If this was to be nipped in the bud everybody would be very happy about it.
“Hopefully a solution can be found.”
Mr Brown, 57, a consultant with British Standards Institution (BSI), said the dispute began when the core path was temporarily re-routed down the track for safety reasons as construction materials were being brought in for a new house nearby.
The core path was restored to its original route – but locals found the gate to the shore track had been locked.
He said: “People can climb over the gate – but obviously not if they are in a wheelchair.
“The bay is used by kayakers and is on the paddle route from Brighouse to Carrick.
“If you are stranded at sea the Coastguard or ambulance might need to use the track.
“If there’s an accident it could be quite an issue.”
He added: “The council access team are on the case.
“They have sent out questionnaires to all the residents here and they have all filled them in.”
Mr Brown’s great-grandfather James Brown bought and developed Knockbrex Estate around Kirkandrews in the early 20th century.
The track was used, Mr Brown said, for wagons carrying coal off ships from Whitehaven moored in Kirkandrews Bay.
Since then, he added, local fishermen and boat owners have used the by-way for vehicular access.
He said: “My family has had a connection with Kirkandrews going back 120 years.
“All this is completely unnecessary and is very annoying.”
A council spokesperson said: “The council is aware that there is a locked gate on a route which has previously been used by the public to access the bay at Kirkandrews.
“The landowner has locked the gate to prevent access to the field through which the route passes.
“They have informed us that it is a silage field growing feed for their stock.
“The landowner has declined our request to unlock the gate.
“It has been alleged that the route is an historic Right of Way and subsequently, in line with our duties under the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967, we are now investigating this claim.
“Our council has circulated and made available an Evidence of Use Questionnaire for members of the public to complete if they have information relating to the alleged route.
“This survey is open until the end of September and any information gathered will be remain confidential.”
Questionnaires can be requested by emailing access@dumgal.gov.uk”
Deadline for submissions is September 30.
