So much
to do! Whether you just want to unwind, visit some of the historic sites,
gardens or just sit and look at the scenery and wildlife - Galloway has it.
But, if you want to get out and about, the range of pursuits, sports and
activities is immense - so this is just a taster!
Cycling and Walking
Unspoilt countryside, quiet roads, coastal paths and literally hundreds of
miles of forestry park tracks and cycle ways. For the serious bikers - and for
those who just fancy having a go, the development of the 7stanes mountain bike
trails over the last few years is a major attraction with two of these -
Dalbeattie and Mabie Forrest on our doorstep and 3 more - Kirroughtree,
Glentrool and are just a short drive away. Full details at:
www.7stanes.gov.uk
Golf
A choice of some 30 courses in the area and at all standards. Colvend the local
course is excellent - if somewhat strenuous! The small new 9 hole course at
Barnbarroch is a longish iron and putter job but great fun and not to be
underestimated. Gateway to Golf passes - giving 6 or 10 rounds in 5 days from
£75 are available from local Tic’s. This part of Scotland rarely has very wet
winters so play is usually possible all year round.
Sailing/Water Sports/Swimming
Kippford which is some 5 miles round the coast has a flourishing sailing
community and is the headquarters of the Solway yacht club. Inland, Loch Ken not
only has an excellent sailing school and outdoor activity centre www.lochken.co.uk with facilities for launching own craft
and hiring by the day but also a water ski school www.skilochken.co.uk.
Local swimming pools can be found at Dumfries, Castle Douglas and the lovely
new Community owned pool at Kirkcudbright.
Fishing
Apart from our own Loch containing Carp there are many rivers and Lochs
throughout the area. Sea fishing is also good along the coastline.
For holiday fun Loch Ettrick fishery offers hire and tuition in a stocked pool
as well as access to its main 19 acre water, www.lochettrick.com.
For the experienced fly man - or woman, we must mention Kirkbean fishery some 5
miles along the coast from us. Big Rainbows, www.kirkhousetroutfishery.co.uk.
Bird Watching
The re-introduction of red kites to the area has had “twitchers” from all over
the country descending upon the area. However we have to say that on a good day
you can watch large birds of prey from the comfort of your own deck! The whole
coastal area is rich in wildfowl and birdlife. The RSPB reserve at Mersehead
with its extensive wetlands, salt marsh and coastal area is only 4 miles away
and has been a popular day out with many guests www.rspb.org.uk/scotland.
Sightseeing and Visiting
The Gulf Stream brushes the coast of Dumfries and Galloway and with it of
course a relatively mild climate. This can best be seen amongst the many
beautiful gardens open to the public, the National Trusts Threave Gardens at Castle
Douglas and Castle Kennedy past Newton Stewart to single out two. Dumfries of
course boasts many attractions associated with its famous adopted son - Robert
Burns, whilst John Paul Jones founder of the American Navy was born nearby at
Arbigland. For Castles and History “must do’s” include - Drumlanrig Castle, a
day out with apart from the house itself, gardens, adventure playground, cycle
museum and lots of working craft shops-not forgetting the nursery for plants, www.drumlanrig.org.uk.
Caerlaverock Castle, Sweetheart Abbey and Threave Castle all have a story to
tell - more from www.historic-scotland.gov.uk.
Much of Galloway is forested and Forest Enterprises manages a huge area as
“Galloway Forest Park”. This has numerous scenic drives, Visitor Centres and
picnic areas. So get out and explore!
