AROUND THE AREA
If this is your first visit to Dumfries and Galloway you are joining many others who return year after year. The pace of life is slow yet there is everything you could want for an idyllic holiday whether you come to retreat and relax to the sound of waves and the song of birds or indulge a favourite activity such as walking, cycling, horse riding or golf. Once at Thelma’s Mooring you could leave your car and enjoy everything from your doorstep.
Walking
What better way to shed the shackles of stress then to take a walk on the wild side? Some of the UK’s most endangered species can be seen here. Find your “quiet place” as you discover the animals, birds, flora and fauna in and around our unspoilt rolling countryside. If you prefer to follow a marked walking route or trail you can pick up a free walking guide from any tourist information centre in the region. Alternatively, you can log onto www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/walking to find the walk for you. The five annual walking festivals give you the chance to enjoy the region and meet like- minded people under the care of an experienced leader. The walks are followed by evening entertainment, a perfect way to relax with old and new friends.Near Gatehouse of Fleet there are lovely walks at Cally Woods.
Cycling
Invented here in 1840 by Kirkpatrick McMillan, the bicycle remains an excellent way to travel in Dumfries and Galloway. The quiet country roads and wealth of routes for you to discover make cycling a real pleasure. Why not stop off at Drumlanrig Castle which houses the only museum in Scotland totally devoted to the history of cycling? The magnificent collection of bikes dates from the nineteenth century to present day. Looking for more adventure and excitement? The 7 stanes is the place to go. There are five world class mountain centres in Dumfries and Galloway to test your skill and daring. Find out all you need to know about the trails by logging on to www.7stanes.gov.uk . Near the village of Newton Stewart the Kirroughtree 7stanes has a purpose – built visitor centre and a circuit to suit all levels. The Galloway Forest park is on our doorstep. To find out more log onto www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark
Horse Riding
See the best of the landscape at a leisurely pace by exploring forest tracks and quiet roads or canter over quiet beaches and open moors. The numerous schools and trekking centres in Dumfries and Galloway cater for novices and experienced riders.
Golf
Forget the restricted tee times and crowded fairways and sample some of our 29 courses hassle free at a time which suits you. Pick up a free copy of the “Do Golf” guide from Tourist Information Centres or for more information log onto www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/golf/
Beaches
The quiet beaches and safe waters are ideal for swimming or sailing and there are many interesting towns, pretty villages and inspiring gardens nearby just waiting to be explored
Galloway forest park- Dark Skies
The dark skies of the Galloway National Park allow man to be able to view the vast expanse of universe, from Earth. Being able to view the twinkling star-studded sky is a uniquely human pleasure, that if we are not careful, may slip from our grasp in most parts of the world due to increasing light pollution. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has set up this award in high hopes to reduce light pollution, as unnecessary amounts are leaking and hiding the raw beauty of the night sky and it is this that is having harming effects on both wildlife and humans.
http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/dark-skies
Laggan
A gateway to the Galloway Hills and on the doorstep of the dramatic coastline, our unique location and our spaces is what makes Laggan so special.
Set in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway, on the hills above the solway coast, you really will struggle to find a more stunning location
South West Coastal 300
The South West Coastal 300 is a stunningly scenic 300 mile road trip around the South West of Scotland. If you are looking for breathtaking scenery, enchanting coastlines and new things to do
and see, this is the road trip for you.
From rolling hills and forests to magical coasts and lochs, the beauty of South West Scotland will captivate you from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker or a history buff, there is much for you to discover along the South West Coastal 300!
