The Glenkens - The Highlands of SW Scotland

Places to Visit in the Glenkens and further afield

Details: Published on Friday, 23 January 2015 18:37; Written by Maggi Kaye; Hits: 8511

Anne Hughes Pottery is in Balmaclellan. There is a wide range of work with the speciality being pierced flower plates. Open Easter – September/October, 9am – 6pm. Tel.. 01644 420205

www.artandcraftsouthwestscotland.com/showartist.asp?ID=60

Bruce’s Stone, situated on the A712 6 miles west of New Galloway, by Clatteringshaws Loch. The stone is said to mark the spot where Robert the Bruce rested after the battle of Rapploch Moss where he defeated the English in 1307. The Moss has since been flooded to create the reservoir of Clatteringshaws and the stone move to the edge of the loch. A Romano-British circular hut was also buried under the water. It contained a triangular porch, central hearth, internal post holes an external stockyard and there was a causeway. A reconstruction has been built beside the Clatteringshaws visitor centre.

Carminnows Smokehouse is to be found 2 miles south of Carsphairn on the A712. There is a variety of smoked fish and game, they also do mail order. Open all year, Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm. Tel. 01644 460600

Carsphairn Heritage Centre, has a themed exhibit every year. There are also reference materials and local family history records available for anyone wishing to do research. Tel. 01644 460653. Open Easter to October , 10:30 – 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday; Sundays 2 –5pm. Admission free.

www.carsphairnheritage.co.uk

Clatteringshaws Forest Wildlife Centre which is to be found by the side of Clatteringshaws Loch, contains a display of forest wildlife in it’s natural setting. There is a gift shop and tea-room. It is open during the summer from 10am – 5pm. Tel. 01644 420285.

www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/ScotlandDumfriesandGallowayGallowayForestParkClatteringshawsClatteringshawsVisitorCentre

Clatteringshaws Red Deer Range and Wild Goats. If you continue on from Clatteringshaws Loch towards Newton Stewart, on the A712, you will come first to the Red Deer Range (about 9 miles from New Galloway), and a couple of miles further on is the Goat park. Forest Enterprise rangers conduct guided tours of the red Deer Range from June – September , Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am and 2pm, Sundays, 2.30pm. Tel. 01671 402420

www.forestry.gov.uk/website/ourwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/ScotlandDumfriesandGallowayGallowayForestParkClatteringshawsRedDeerRangecarparkRedDeerRangeTrail

Earlston Castle – see History

Kenmuir Castle – see History

Polmaddy Settlement see History

The Raiders Road runs through the Bennan Forest is maintained by Forest Enterprise. The drive is about 10 miles long following the old drovers road, mentioned in S R Crockett’s story “The Raiders”. There are information points and wonderful views of the surrounding hills. You may be lucky and see deer, red squirrels, pine martin, ravens, buzzards and crossbills. There are also artworks, inspired by the forest to be seen near the road including the ‘Labyrinth’. Other artwork are spread throughout the Galloway Forest Park. Open April – end September.

www.forestry.gov.uk/website/ourwoods.nsf/SearchAgentView/ScotlandDumfriesandGallowayGallowayForestParkClatteringshawsClatteringshawsVisitorCentreTheRaidersRoadForestDrive

The CatStrand – Arts and community venue, New Galloway. Tel : 01644 420374

www.catstrand.com

There are a large number of interesting places to visit within easy reach of the Glenkens, here is a very small selection.

Historic:

Cairnholy Two sets of chambered cairns – between Gatehouse and Creetown

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/celynog/Dumfries/cairnholy_cairns_1.htm

Whithorn Priory and Candida Casa – Whithorn. The first church in Scotland, established by St Ninian. Learn about the excavations at the Priory.

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/whithorn/whithornpriory/index.html

Cardoness Castle – Gatehouse of Fleet, built in the 15^th century as a family home

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/gatehouseoffleet/cardonesscastle/index.html

Carsluith Castle – 3 miles south of Creetown, also 15^th century; with later outbuildings, a good example of how castles became small settlements.

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/carsluith/carsluithcastle/index.html

Caerlaverock Castle - 8 miles SE of Dumfries, unique (in Scotland) triangular design fortification, surrounded by a double moat with a long and turbulent history

www.aboutscotland.co.uk/caer/caer.html

Dundrennan Abbey - along the coast from Kirkcudbright. Cistercian Abby founded in 1142, well known a the last place Mary Queen of Scots stayed in Scotland

www.btinternet.com/~dundrennan/page2.html

MacLellan’s Castle – Kirkcudbright. Built by Sir Thomas MacLellan of Bombie in 1582, on what had been the site of the Convent of Greyfriars

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kirkcudbright/maclellanscastle/index.html

Maxwelton House - near Moniaive. Built in the 17^th century, originally called Glencairn Castle, home of Annie Laurie (famous song)

www.craigdarrocharms.co.uk/thingstodo.htm

Motte of Urr – the most extensive motte and bailey earthworks in Britain, dating from the 12^th century, to be found beside the road between Haugh of Urr and Dalbeattie – see Motes and Forts

Sweetheart Abbey – New Abbey. Founded by Lady Devorgilla, daughter of Alan Lord of Galloway, in memory of her husband John Balliol

www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/abbeys/sweetheart%20abbey.htm

Threave Castle – Castle Douglas. Built in about 1370, home of the Black Douglases, it is situated in an island in the middle of the River Dee, and reached by ferry. Open April to September

www.aboutscotland.co.uk/threave/castle.html

Twelve Apostles -largest diameter stone circle on the Scottish mainland, dating from about 2000 BC. It is no as spectacular as some of the better known stone circles, and only 11 stones remain, the fate of the 12^th which was there in 1789 is unknown. Not all the stones are of local origin which would imply that some had been brought some distance to the circle. It is unknown if they were ever all upright and their sizes vary considerably. It is said that it was an ancient place of worship and in the 11^th century the hermit St Congal had his cell there. His name became associated with a nearby oak wood – Dercongal, and the local area was known by that name until at least the 13^th century. As it was a sacred grove it was also known as Haliwod or Holywood and gave its name to the abbey build nearby which in turn gave its name to the village.. It can be found just off the A76 north of Newbridge. Map ref: NX947794

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/celynog/Dumfries/twelve_apostles.htm

Orchardton Tower – between Dalbeattie and Auchencairn. Remarkably well preserved circular tower house built in the 15^th century

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/palnackie/orchardtontower/index.html

Museums and other places of Interest:

Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre, just south of Wigtown. Open Easter to end October Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

www.bladnoch.co.uk/

Broughton House and Gardens (Hornel Museum) – Kirkcudbright. This 18^th century town house was lived in by E A Hornel until his death Tel: 01554 330437

www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/oldhighst/broughtn.htm

Camera Obscura – Dumfries. The building was originally a windmill, but altered in the 1830s, opening in 1836 as an observatory, museum and camera obscura.

www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/frames.html

David Coulthard Museum & Pit Stop Diner - Twynholm Tel: 01557 860050

www.davidcoulthardmuseum.co.uk/museumHome.htm

Drumlanrig Castle – Thornhill. It was built on the site of an earlier castle between 1679 and 1691 and is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.

www.drumlanrig.co.uk/

Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum, 2 miles from Dumfries. Open Easter to October

www.dumfriesaviationmuseum.com/

Galloway Hydro Visitor Centre – Tongland, just outside Kirkcudbright. You can have a guided tour of the power station and learn how it works (see The Galloway Water Power Company)

Glenkiln Sculptures - near Shawhead. Map Ref: NX 838 785. Sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin and Epstein, set in the landscape around Glenkiln Reservoir

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/celynog/Dumfries/sculpture_walk.htm

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village – Gretna

www.gretnagateway.com/

John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum, between Dalbeattie and Dumfries. Open April to September

www.jpj.demon.co.uk/

Mill on the Fleet - Gatehouse of Fleet Tel: 01557 814099. Originally a cotton mill, now a visitor centre, gallery and exhibition centre

www.millonthefleet.co.uk/

Sanquhar Post Office – the oldest post office in the world www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/postie.html

Shambellie House – National Museum of Costume, New Abbey. Tel: 01387 850 375

www.nms.ac.uk/museumofcostumehomepage.aspx

Sulwath Brewery – Castle Douglas. Traditionally brewed beer!

www.sulwathbrewers.co.uk/

The Stewartry Museum - Kirkcudbright Tel: 01557 331643

www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/stewmuse.html

Tolbooth Art Centre - Kirkcudbright Tel: 01557 331556

www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/oldhighst/tolbooth.htm

Robert Burns :

Burns House - Dumfries

www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/brnsho.html

Ellisland Farm - just north of Dumfries off A76

www.ellislandfarm.co.uk/

Globe Inn – Dumfries

www.globeinndumfries.co.uk/

Robert Burns Centre – Dumfries

www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/brnscent.html

For anyone interested in other well known people from Dumfries and Galloway see www.dumfries-and-galloway.co.uk/people/index.htm

Activities in and around Galloway

Details: Published on Sunday, 04 May 2014 15:20; Written by Maggi Kaye; Hits: 7714

Activities in and around Galloway

Castle Douglas also know as CD-Foodtown makes an ideal base from which to explore this picturesque corner of south west Scotland or for visiting places further afield. The influence of the North Atlantic Gulf Stream generally means the best of the weather in south west Scotland can be found here.

There is a lot to see and do locally and if you don't want to venture away for the day why not enjoy the local forest walks.
http://www.cd-foodtown.org/

GALLOWAY FOREST PARK
Galloway Forest Park has been officially unveiled as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK. The award, announced by the International Dark Sky Association, confirmed Galloway as one of the best places for stargazing in the world.
16-11-2009
http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/galloway-forest-parks
http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park

MOUNTAIN BIKING
7 Stanes Mountain Bike trail - Kirroughtree7Stanes Mountain Bike trails at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Over 66km, deep in the vast Galloway Forest Park. Kirroughtree, home to some of the best technical singletrack in the country is also a favourite family venue with a wide range of trails, seasonal café and a great kids' play area.
http://www.7stanesmountainbiking.com/

The blue and green routes will prove attractive to the inexperienced riders (families and novices), while the red and black options offer a mountain biking experience that requires skill and bags of nerves.

Discover the wild heart of Galloway and two very different riding experiences, both of which start and finish at Glentrool Visitor Centre. Tel. 01671 402420
The trails

7Stanes trails at Glentrool is an entirely different experience, the whole of the Big Country route is on forest roads, covering a total of 58km. With spectacular views of lochs and hills and ride through the forest where Robert the Bruce was victorious against the English in 1307. There are some testing climbs and big descents. It's a challenging but rewarding day out.

Glentrool blue route:
In contrast, the blue-graded route is nearly all on purpose-built single track. The trail gradually climbs up through the forest to a ridge overlooking Loch Trool, followed by a fun-filled 2.5km section plunging you back down to the visitor centre.

Relax After a days cycling why not relax at the nearby Otter's Pool where adults and children can have hours of fun in the good weather.

Wigtown - Scotland's National Book Town
The Royal and Ancient Burgh of Wigtown is Scotland's National Book Town. Wigtown now has over 25 book related businesses, shops, pubs and restaurants. Throughout the year there are Saturday markets.
http://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk/

Bladnoch Distillery - Visitors Centre
Scotland’s most southerly distillery nestles on the green banks of the River Bladnoch, from which it takes its name.
Now you can buy Whisky Online from their web site whisky shop.
Closed until further notice

GOLF
See our Golf section on this site
There are some 32 exceptional golf courses in the region. A number of these are within a short drive from the hotel, including three of the "Tiger Trail" courses.
Gateway to Golf Passes : 3- and 6-round passes, can be obtained.
And a great place to stay while on golfing holidays
http://theimperialgolfhotel.com/

HILL WALKING
Glen Trool, the Galloway hills and Southern Upland Way provide stunning scenery to compliment a variety of hill walking challenges. There are mapped and signposted paths in and around the Machars peninsula. Galloway Forest Park has well maintained paths of varying lengths and levels of exertion, for walking, cycling or even horse-riding.
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/

COUNTRY SPORTS
Good salmon and sea-trout fishing can be had on the rivers Cree and Bladnoch and the Palnure burn. There are lochs and rivers in abundance which provide good trout and course fishing. The Isle of Whithorn and Garlieston also offer you the opportunity to try your hand at sea fishing.
Shooting and stalking can also be arranged for you in season.
http://www.forrestestateexperiences.com/

Scotland's Outdoor Centre:
Paintballing, 4x4 off roading, clay pigeon shooting and team building exercises are some of the activities on offer here. Open all year round. Glenluce is a 40 minute drive from the Dalry and Castle Douglas.
Visit www.scotlandsoutdoorcentre.co.uk
and http://www.lochken.co.uk

Wigtown Off Road Driving Centre
You don't have to own a 4x4 to enjoy the thrills of Off Road Driving.
Land Rover Discoveries are available for you to experience the drive of your life. Before you set off on the adventure with 1 to 1 tuition a qualified instructor enabling you to tackle the challenging terrain that lies ahead.

01988 402213 (www.wigtownoffroad.co.uk)

Army Tank Driving
This is a fantastic day out for all ages. Galloway Tanks offers unique tank driving experiences, situated in the rolling farmland of Galloway. 18 Tons of steel, 240Hp, are you up to the challenge?
www.gallowaytanks.co.uk

Swimming
Castle Douglas swimming pool http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4122 is opposite the hotel and The Merrick Pool http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4134 is in Newton Stewart. Here there is also a gym, sauna and jacuzzi. Tel. 01671 404301

The Ryan Centre in Stranraer has a leisure pool, 60m flume water small and childrens splash pool. There is also a health suite with sauna, steam room, gym and spa bath. Tel. 01776 703535
http://www.stranraer.org/ryancentre/

Picnics & Bird Watching
the Galloway Kite Trail around Loch Ken
Ken-Dee Marshes is another place to visit, with its stunning views across the River Dee and Loch Ken. In winter large numbers of Greenland white-fronted geese and Icelandic Greylag geese arrive. The woodland is a strong hold for willow tits and rare red squirrels.

Other birds you can expect to see in the region include the Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier and Goshawk.

The Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest local reserve in the UK. It has internationally and nationally important numbers of wildfowl, in particular some 7000 pink-footed geese in March/April. On the top floor of the County Buildings in Wigtown, there is a room dedicated to watching wildlife, here with the live CCTV coverage of the first Ospreys to have nested in Galloway for over 100 years for the last 4 years everyone has had an unparalleled view of Ospreys sitting on their eggs and bringing up their young, the male coming back with fish to share with the female and taking over nesting duties while she eats. We are all extremely privileged to have this intimate view into their family life.
http://www.newtonstewart.org/wildlife-nature.asp
http://wildseasons.co.uk/locations/wigtown-bay-local-nature-reserve-newton-stewart/204

Creetown Gem Rock Museum
The Gem Rock Museum is the leading independent museum of its kind in the UK and is renowned worldwide. Owned and run by Tim and Rosemarie Stephenson it is regarded as one of the finest private collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils in Great Britain. Crystals and minerals are some of natures most outstanding creations and the collection demonstrates this with many fine specimens of world class standard on display.

The Museum is however, more than just a static display, it is a fully interactive experience with lots of things to do as well as to see. Winner of Visit Scotland's Visitor Attraction of the Year 2003.
Visit www.gemrock.net. 40 minutes from Castle Douglas.

Belfast
A great day out for families and couples alike. A 1 hour drive takes you to the port of Stranraer where you can catch the 10am ferry arriving in Belfast at midday. £1 per head to the city centre in an open top bus where you can shop til you drop or stay on the bus and enjoy the beautiful city's historical tour. W5 science centre is ideal for children and is next to a ten pin bowling alley. Belfast Zoo is a wonderful, but steep, place too.
http://visit-belfast.com/

http://www.galloway-selfcatering.co.uk/cottage-holiday-scotland.htm

Things to do

Details: Published on Friday, 02 May 2014 10:07; Written by Super User; Hits: 6436

Activities in and around Galloway

Castle Douglas makes an ideal base from which to explore this picturesque corner of south west Scotland or for visiting places further afield. The influence of the North Atlantic Gulf Stream generally means the best of the weather in south west Scotland can be found here.

There is a lot to see and do locally and if you don't want to venture away for the day why not enjoy the local forest walks.

Check the 7Stanes web site for latest information

Discover the wild heart of Galloway and two very different riding experiences, both of which start and finish at Glentrool Visitor Centre. Tel. 01671 402420
The trails

Relax After a days cycling why not relax at the nearby Otter's Pool where adults and children can have hours of fun in the good weather.

Bladnoch Distillery - Visitors Centre
Scotland's most southerly distillery nestles on the green banks of the River Bladnoch, from which it takes its name.
Now you can buy Whisky Online from their web site whisky shop.

Gateway to Golf Passes : 3- and 6-round passes, can be obtained.

HILL WALKING

Glen Trool, the Galloway hills and Southern Upland Way provide stunning scenery to compliment a variety of hill walking challenges. There are mapped and signposted paths in and around the Machars peninsula. Galloway Forest Park has well maintained paths of varying lengths and levels of exertion, for walking, cycling or even horse-riding.

COUNTRY SPORTS

Good salmon and sea-trout fishing can be had on the rivers Cree and Bladnoch and the Palnure burn. There are lochs and rivers in abundance which provide good trout and course fishing. The Isle of Whithorn and Garlieston also offer you the opportunity to try your hand at sea fishing.
Shooting and stalking can also be arranged for you in season.

Other birds you can expect to see in the region include the Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier and Goshawk.

http://www.galloway-selfcatering.co.uk/cottage-holiday-scotland.htm

Dark Skies

Details: Published on Friday, 02 May 2014 16:00; Written by Super User; Hits: 6275

Dark Skies

On 16th November 2009, after months of preparation, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK was awarded to the Galloway Forest Park, by the International Dark Sky Association. The award was set up to encourage a reduction in light pollution, and raise awareness about the adverse effects of light pollution and the solutions.

Due to the remoteness of the area, and the trees, the quality of darkness in the park is almost perfect, with sky quality metre readings of between 21 and 23.6 (perfect being 25). This allows stargazers to see much more than they would in many parts of the country. The core area of the park consists of the high unplanted hills: Shalloch (542m), Shalloch on Minnoch (768m), Macaterick (499m), Tarfessock (696m), Kirriereoch Hill (786m), Mullwharchar (692m), Merrick (843m), Benyellary (719m), Bennan (562m),
Buchan Hill ( 493m), Lamachan Hill ( 716m) and Larg Hill (675m). However there are viewing sites that don't require climbing around on a mountain in the dark. (see below)

A map of where the best viewing points can be seen at:- http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/Darkskiesparkboundaryandsites.pdf/$FILE/Darkskiesparkboundaryandsites.pdf (it is a fairly large file and may take some time to download).

1. Galloway Red Deer range car park
2. Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre car park
3. Glentrool Visitor Centre
4. Bruce's stone car parks
5. Caldons woodlands
6. Kirroughtree Visitor Centre
7. Loch Braden car park
8. Loch Doon West end car park
9. Talnotry
10. Raiders road west end car park

There is an observatory at Glenamour which is off the A712 near the Newton Stewart end, at NX445675.

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