Activities

Walking:

Walks to suit everyone can be found around Ironmacannie, in the Galloway Hills and Forest Park, along the coastal footpaths by the Solway, or on the Southern Upland Way .

Cycling:

The 4-mile circle along country lanes around the Hidden Road are ideal for families. Outstanding opportunities for cyclists of all levels can be found in the Galloway Forest Park, Dalbeattie Forest, Mabie Forest and Ae Forest. Dumfries and Galloway has 5 of the 7 Stanes, Scotland’s Biking Heaven. See: www.7stanes.gov.uk and www.7stanes.com

Wildlife:

In the cottage is a list of over 100 birds which have been spotted on or near the Hidden Road. An abundance of other wildlife frequent the environs. including roe deer, hares and red squirrels. Further afield, Galloway is renowned for its wildlife, not least for the successful reintroduction of ospreys and red kites. Red deer and wild goats can be seen near Clatteringshaws.

Fishing:

Visitors are welcome to fish in Ironmacannie Mill Pond for small brown trout. For information on fishing further afield, contact Dalbeattie Angling Association (Tel: 01556 610270), Glenquicken Farm Trout Fishery, Creetown,(Tel;01671 820593), Kirkhouse Trout Fishery-Fly Fishing (Tel.01387 880206) and for general enquiries (Tel.01556 502009).

Golf:

Dumfries and Galloway boasts 29 golf courses, the nearest of which is the 9 hole course, 4 miles away at New Galloway. Try the championship 18 hole links course at Southerness for a different kind of challenge. To take advantage of “Gateway to Golf” passes, phone 01387 880736.

Sailing and Water Sports:

Two miles away, the Galloway Sailing Centre has excellent facilities for sailing and instruction. To find out about sailing at Kippford on the Solway Coast, contact Kippford Slipway Ltd (Tel.01556 620429) or for water-skiing, contact Loch Ken Marina & Ski Club. See: www.lochken.co.uk

History:

The Glenkens in particular and Dumfries and Galloway in general, have a rich and colourful past, resounding to the echo of names such as Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, the Covenanters, John Paul Jones and Robert Burns. The castles of Caerlaverock, Threave and Maclellan’s, the ancient settlement at Polmaddy, Sweetheart Abbey and Dundrennan Abbey are just a few of the historic attractions to bring this history to life.

Shopping:

The village stores of Ballmaclellan, New Galloway and Dalry are within 5 miles, while Castle Douglas, a designated “Food Town”, offers exceptional shopping facilities with 4 butchers’ shops, clothes and shoe shops, gift shops and many others.

Culture:

Top of the list of cultural attractions in the Glenkens is the CatsStrand, the new Arts Centre in New Galloway, opened by Princess Anne in October 2007. Culture abounds in Dumfries and Galloway; Dumfries and Kirkcudbright have large museums and of the many smaller ones, the Gem Rock Museum in Creetown is amazing! Music festivals include Wickerman, Knockendorrach and the Dumfries and Galloway Arts festival. Numerous art galleries can be found, especially in Kirkcudbright.

Arts and Crafts:

S.W.Scotland is a haven for those practicing arts and crafts of every kind. The Shoe and Clog Workshop, Lizzie Farey’s basket work, Natalie Vardie’s jewellery, Hazel Campbell’s paintings and many others can be seen at a variety of outlets. These include Designs in Castle Douglas, Tolbooth Art Centre in Kirkcudbright and Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries.

Eating Out:

Close at hand are the Clachan and the Lochinvar Hotel in Dalry, the Ken Bridge Hotel and Kitty’s Tea Room and the Smithy in New Galloway. Other options are Designs and Carlos in Castle Douglas and the Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright.

Family Fun:

We strongly recommend the multi-activities available at the Galloway Sailing Centre, while Mabie Farm Park, Dalscone Soft Play & Outdoor Centre in Dumfries and the ever popular Cream of Galloway near Gatehouse, are firm favourites with visitors.