Out & About in Dumfries & Galloway
With dramatic unspoilt landscapes, beautiful coastlines, lochs and mountains, Dumfries and Galloway hosts a wide range of attractions and activities to all visitors. From bird watching, walking, cycling or generally just relaxing, this area has something for everyone. Below is a list of just some of the things to do.
Walking
Newton Stewart has magnificent opportunities for hiking.There are 24 named peaks above 2000 feet in this part of Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland, the highest of which are Cairnsmore of Fleet at 711m and The Merrick at 843m.
On a clear day there are wonderful views as far a field as England, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Ordnance survey maps (1 : 25,000) and guides for the area are available and all walkers are advised to take normal precautions against the weather and to notify your hosts of your proposed route(s) before setting out.
Newton Stewart Walking Festival
Cycling and Mountain Biking
The '7 Stanes' is fast becoming Scotlands favourite mountain biking area. Kirroughtree and Glentrool are both on our doorstep and offer excellent mountain biking trails for beginners to the more experienced and adventurous. Check out this 7stanes link to find out more. Easier cycling (and hiking) trails are through the Machars or in the Galloway Forest Park. We have a locked shed here at The Nether Barr for storing bikes and an outdoor water supply for washing bikes.
Golfing in Galloway
With 29 golf courses in Dumfries and Galloway there are plenty of courses to choose from. Newton Stewart has its own 18 hole golf course (tel 01671402 172 for more details). The tourist board offers a “Gateway to Golf Pass” for 3, 6 or 10 rounds at any of the 29 golf courses. Call 01387 24 55 66 for more details. Golfing in Galloway
Fishing in Galloway
There are 5 major Salmon and Trout rivers in Dumfries and Galloway, two of which, the Cree and the Bladnoch are adjacent to Nether Barr. Kirkchrist Fishings near Kirkcowan offers Salmon and Brown trout fishing on the River Bladnoch and Rainbow and Brown trout fishing on stocked ponds. Further information is available in reception.
There are tackle shops in Newton Stewart. We have a large shed for storing all your gear and have a large walk in chiller to store any catch. Galloway Angling Newton Stewart
Beaches
Some pleasant beaches located all around Dumfries & Galloway. Local beaches are at Rigg Bay near Garlieston, Monreith (next to the golf course) in the Southern Machars and at Mossyard on the A75 towards Gatehouse of Fleet
Gardens
The influence of the Gulf Stream makes Galloway a haven for gardens to visit. Threave Gardens by Castle Douglas. Castle Kennedy Gardens - splendid gardens, over 75 acres. Logan Botanic Gardens, warmed by the Gulf Stream these wonderful, gardens are on the Rhins of Galloway. Closer lies Glenwhan Gardens at Dunragit are well worth a visit. See our brochures in the lodges for more information
Wigtown – Book Town
Only six miles from Newton Stewart lies Wigtown which is now Scotland’s National Book Town.
This high profile role has played an important part in the town’s recent growth.
There is an annual book fair, book festivals, readings, live events and over 18 book related businesses including book shops, publishers, dealers and binders.
Mull of Galloway
Visit Scotland's most southernly point, RSPB Reserve, climb up the light house, wander round the visitors centre then have a cup ot tea in the newly opened tea room. Fantastic views out to the Isle of Man and Ireland. Mull of Galloway
Creetown Gem Rock Museum
The Creetown Gem Rock Museum, regarded as one in the finest privet collections of gem stones, crystals, minerals, rock and fossils in Great Britain.
The museum is more than just a static display, it is a fully interactive experience with lots of things to do as well as to see
Bird Watching
Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland has magnificent opportunities for bird watching. The region offers such a range of habitats that there is good birdwatching in evey season.
www.gallowaykitetrail.com
Dark Sky Park
Galloway’s Dark Sky Park was declared in November 2009 as one of only five in the world.
The park allows visitors the breath taking chance to see the brilliant night sky studded with stars, a sight normally obscured from view in cities because of light pollution.
The night sky is now protected over a huge area of south-west Scotland.
This oasis of darkness draws people to the park to experience true darkness and to see stars, planets and the Milky Way in all it’s glory.
Crafty Distillery
Here at Crafty Distillery, in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway, we have a plan. To create tasty spirits from scratch using new technology and locally sourced ingredients
Our modern distillery is positioned on an enviable, elevated position with spectacular views across the hills and forests of Galloway.
Enjoy a tour of our distillery, and learn how we make our very own spirit from scratch and the process for making our gin. After the tour you will enjoy a perfect serve of our Hills & Harbour Gin.
See more here: https://craftydistillery.com/
Bladnoch Distillery
Bladnoch’s rich history dates back to 1817, when John and Thomas McClelland were first granted a licence to distil whisky on their Bladnoch farm in Scotland’s Lowlands.
Shortly after, the distillery resumed production and launched its award-winning range of Bladnoch Single Malts and Pure Scot Blended Whiskies.In 2017, Bladnoch Distillery celebrated its 200 year anniversary, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch distillery.
With reverence for our distillery’s 200 year history, and anticipation for the future, we are inspired to create Lowland-style Scotch whisky for the modern-day whisky lover to enjoy.
Learn more: https://bladnoch.com/
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