When you stay at a Galloway Country Cottages lodge or cottage in Dumfries and Galloway there is always 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 - Dumfries and 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, Mountain Biking 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 7stanes and Mabie 7stanes on the doorstep of our lodges and cottage at Sandyhills and 3 more - Kirroughtree 7stanes , Glentrool 7stanes and Ae Forest 7stanes and are just a short drive away.

The area of southern Scotland is famous for Scotland's longest coast to coast walk, The Southern Upland Way, offering the walker a unique wilderness experience. The area around the Colvend Coast has a network of stunning coastal walks, but the whole region is a mecca for walking no matter what the level of ability. Find out more about walking in Dumfries and Galloway, visit: www.southernuplandwayholidays.com

Golf
A choice of some 30 courses in the area and at all standards. Colvend Golf Club the local course situated within easy reach of all Galloway Country Cottages properties, is excellent - if somewhat strenuous! The small new 9 hole course at Barnbarroch, near Kippford on the Colvend coast 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. South West Scotland rarely has very wet winters, so play is usually possible all year round. Find out more at:

www.colvendgolfclub.co.uk

Sailing/Water Sports/Swimming
Kippford on the Solway Firth is some 5 miles round the Colvend 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 with the recent opening of the fantastic DG1 , 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 more information about fishing in the area go to:

www.visitsouthernscotland.co.uk/fishing

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. More details can be found at:  www.rspb.org.uk/scotland. Find out about the Red Kite Trail at: www.gallowaykitetrail.com

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!