Local Area

History of Dumfries and Galloway

Galloway is the home of Scottish Kings John Balliol (Balliol College, Oxford)and Sweetheart Abbey, New Abbey or Robert the Bruce (the spider, Battle of Bannockburn  and scourge of the English in the 14th Century, securing Scotland's independence.) There are several old abbeys and castles to explore.

Galloway was also home to the Covenanters during The Reformation. Of course Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns lived and died in Dumfries, where much of his life can be traced.

Outdoor Activities

Sandyhills Beach Sandyhills Beach

There are many sporting activities and leisure pursuits on our doorstep, particularly golf, sailing, fishing, mountain biking, walking and bird watching, as well as one of the best sandy beaches in the area is a short walk from the cottage.

 

Sailing and yachting are available at nearby Kippford and there are opportunities for fishing at sea and at the many local lochs.

Part of the 7 stanes mountain bike trail is in Dalbeattie Forest which also has many walking paths. You can enjoy the many coastal and beach walks that include bird watching at RSPB nature reserves.

Outdoor activities

Golf

Colvend Golf Course Colvend Golf Course

There is an 18 hole golf course at Colvend, 2 minutes from the cottage.  Visiting players are very welcomed. www.colvendgolfclub.co.uk

 

There is also the Championship links course at Southerness, which is only a 10 minute drive from the cottage. www.southernessgolfclub.com/homepage.html

 

With a choice of 30 courses – you can play serious golf or just a few rounds of holiday golf to your heart's content. There are also driving ranges and golf professionals to help you hone your skills. Off the course, you'll find a warm welcome in the clubhouse or the local pubs and restaurants. Further information about golfing in the Dumfries and Galloway area can be found at www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/golf.

Sailing and Yatching

Sailing at Kippford Sailing at Kippford

Sailing and yachting are available at nearby Kippford and there are opportunities for fishing at sea and at the many local lochs. 

 

Further information regarding sailing at Kippford can be obtained from the Solway Yatch Club website www.thesyc.co.uk.

 

Loch Ken which is situated approximately 20 miles from the cottage and offers a wide range of watersports activities at the Galloway Activity Centre.  Situated on the banks of Loch Ken in the stunning surroundings of the Galloway Forest Park we offer a vast range of outdoor activities for all the family. Activities available include Sailing, Windsurfing, paddle sports, raft building, climbing wall (Zip wire/leap of faith/Crate climb), archery, mountain Biking, outdoor Laser Quest, orienteering.  Further details can be found at www.lochken.co.uk.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

7 stanes Dalbeattie Forest 7 stanes Dalbeattie Forest

If you are a cycling enthusiast  Dumfries and Galloway has a lot to offer. The National Cycle Network traverses the region taking in more than 130 miles of stunning scenery, rugged coastline and vast forests. The National Byway provides the opportunity to retrace the roots of the first pedal cycle to Keir Mill, where Kirkpatrick Macmillan first invented it.

If an Off road challenge for your cycling holidays appeals, then make sure you take time to visit 5 of the 7stanes! Located at Ae, Mabie, Dalbeattie, Kirroughtree and Glentrool forests, these cycling centres are sure to make you come back for more. To find out more visit:www.7 stanes.gov.uk.