Activities

Touring and Sightseeing
The area has a number historical sites of interest (the Dalbeattie Museum web site is particularly informative). The area was once notorious for smuggling; poet Robert Burns - very much associated with Dumfries - was one of the local Excise Men. John Paul Jones the founder of the American Navy was born at nearby Arbigland. Historic New Abbey with its working Corn Mill and Museum of Costume is well worth a visit. The National Trust's Threave Gardens and further afield, the Logan Botanic Gardens where its wide range of semi tropical plants take advantage of the mild climate. For a view of the area in its wild natural state visit the Raiders Road and Queens Drive near Gatehouse of Fleet. Press here for Dumfries & Galloway Tourist information.

Bathing
Less than a mile from the Cottage is Sandyhills bay with its safe sandy beach whilst at the nearby Barend Holiday Village there is an indoor heated pool and sauna.

 

 

 

 

Walking & Cycling
The whole area lends itself to a wide variety of walking and cycling. There are coastal walks taking in picturesque coastal villages, as well as hill and forest walks. The Jubilee Path between the picturesque villages of Kippford and Rockcliffe is one of the finest in Scotland. For cyclists, the quiet rural roads and forest tracks are ideal. For the more adventurous the Seven Stanes Forest Trail which is accessible from the Farm without resorting to roads, provides many challenges to national competition standard. Press here for Seven Stanes Web Site . The nationally known Mabie Forest Trails are also within easy travelling distance.

Sailing
The nearby village of Kippford is an important centre for sailing on the Solway and is the base of the Solway Yacht Club, which welcomes visitors. In early August the club holds its annual Kippford Week Regatta, which is also open to visiting competitors. Press here for the Solway Yacht Club web site.

Horse Riding
A riding school lies close to the cottage and provides lessons by the hour or week-long courses. Alternatively, you can bring your own horse, we have stabling, grazing and lots of good hacking.

Fishing
Nearby Lochs at Colvend provide for fishing carp whilst Kippford provides facilities for boat charter and sea fishing.

Bird Watching
A 10-minute drive away is the RSPB reserve at Mersehead and further afield near Dumfries is the RSPB reserve at Carlaverock, famous for its wildfowl. The local Island in Rough Firth at Rockcliffe is accessible on foot at low tide and is a nesting place for seabirds, whilst on the Balcary cliffs many seabirds including Puffins can be observed.

Golf
The area has many varied and beautifully situated golf courses; within a 20-mile radius there are some 16 to choose from. About a mile from the cottage is the 18 hole Colvend Golf Club, which welcomes visitors and at nearby Southerness, is a Championship Links Course. Press here for Golfing facilities in the area.