The Nook - local area guidebook
Nice walks
Kippford is a pretty village only 3 miles from the cabin. Its a lovely place to sit outside one of the 2 pubs, have a drink and enjoy the views across the Urr Estuary.
There is two lovely walks in Kippford.
The first is a walk which is suitable for all - is flat and along the estuary to Cockle Shell Beach.
Directions: Walk the path between the village shop and the estuary until you get to a white cockle shell beach and can go no further.
If you wish, from this point you can then walk over to Rough Island when the tide is low. Rough Island is an uninhabited bird sanctuary and cannot be accessed in May/June/July due to nesting birds. Tides are extremely fast moving so please also check tide times!
The flats can also be muddy so suitable footwear should be chosen for this walk. It is also very exposed with no shelter so take water on hot days.
The walk to Rough Island takes around 10 minutes each way.
The other walk is from Kippford to Rockliffe along a circular coastal path https://www.hpb.co.uk/property-portfolio/coo-palace/details/local-walks/19-walk-19---kippford-to-rockcliffe
There is often an ice cream van in Rockcliffe so take some loose change
30 místní doporučují
Kippford
Kippford is a pretty village only 3 miles from the cabin. Its a lovely place to sit outside one of the 2 pubs, have a drink and enjoy the views across the Urr Estuary.
There is two lovely walks in Kippford.
The first is a walk which is suitable for all - is flat and along the estuary to Cockle Shell Beach.
Directions: Walk the path between the village shop and the estuary until you get to a white cockle shell beach and can go no further.
If you wish, from this point you can then walk over to Rough Island when the tide is low. Rough Island is an uninhabited bird sanctuary and cannot be accessed in May/June/July due to nesting birds. Tides are extremely fast moving so please also check tide times!
The flats can also be muddy so suitable footwear should be chosen for this walk. It is also very exposed with no shelter so take water on hot days.
The walk to Rough Island takes around 10 minutes each way.
The other walk is from Kippford to Rockliffe along a circular coastal path https://www.hpb.co.uk/property-portfolio/coo-palace/details/local-walks/19-walk-19---kippford-to-rockcliffe
There is often an ice cream van in Rockcliffe so take some loose change
Dalbeattie Forest is a good place for any weather. There is a great natural playground/assault course for kids at the start of the forest for all ages enjoy.
The forest has red squirrels but they are not so commonly seen there. Barend woods in Kirkcudbright is THE place to see them.
There is a few different walks around the forest which are laid out on a large sign at the entrance. We recommend that you take a picture of this before your walk and follow the coloured sign posts to prevent getting lost as it is easily done (speaking from personal experience!)
The forest is popular with dog walkers and locals as well as visitors and we have spotted a few mountain bikers there too.
Once in the forest its suitable for buggies and wheelchairs however to get in to the forest you need to climb steps.
11 místní doporučují
Dalbeattie Forest Town Wood
Dalbeattie Forest is a good place for any weather. There is a great natural playground/assault course for kids at the start of the forest for all ages enjoy.
The forest has red squirrels but they are not so commonly seen there. Barend woods in Kirkcudbright is THE place to see them.
There is a few different walks around the forest which are laid out on a large sign at the entrance. We recommend that you take a picture of this before your walk and follow the coloured sign posts to prevent getting lost as it is easily done (speaking from personal experience!)
The forest is popular with dog walkers and locals as well as visitors and we have spotted a few mountain bikers there too.
Once in the forest its suitable for buggies and wheelchairs however to get in to the forest you need to climb steps.
A lovely walk from Sandyhills (10 minute walk from the cabin) to Portling at low tide which takes around 25 minutes. Amazing rock formations on the way and an easy flat walk. Views across the sea to The Lake District.
You can either return along the beach to Sandyhills or take a walk back along the coastal hills which is challenging in some places and not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, but form here you will see beautiful views across the Solway.
To get on to the coastal path, after exiting the beach at Portling, climb the hill on the right. Around 4 or 5 minutes up the hill you will see a clearing in the grass and a path up to a gate. This takes you on to the coastal path.
Please note tide times as the tide comes in very quickly and can take you by surprise. The sea looks very far away but the sea bed is flat so it comes in incredibly quickly.
Portling Bay
A lovely walk from Sandyhills (10 minute walk from the cabin) to Portling at low tide which takes around 25 minutes. Amazing rock formations on the way and an easy flat walk. Views across the sea to The Lake District.
You can either return along the beach to Sandyhills or take a walk back along the coastal hills which is challenging in some places and not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, but form here you will see beautiful views across the Solway.
To get on to the coastal path, after exiting the beach at Portling, climb the hill on the right. Around 4 or 5 minutes up the hill you will see a clearing in the grass and a path up to a gate. This takes you on to the coastal path.
Please note tide times as the tide comes in very quickly and can take you by surprise. The sea looks very far away but the sea bed is flat so it comes in incredibly quickly.
Criffel is 1870 feet high - 570 meters, and is a medium sized mountain for Dumfries and Galloway.
Recently climbed by a guest using the path from Ardwall which is now completed so no bog.
She climbed to the top in 1 hour and 45 mins on the return.
The below info relates to the off road climb:
A round trip of the mountain will take around 2.5 to 3 hours for a novice.
Some of the terrian has easy to follow paths, so is great place for those not so used to hill climbing. But as with any hill climb care should be taken and please prepare for 4 seasons in one day.
There is 2 parts to the walk, the first takes you on pathways alongside the burn and it is quite steep.
The second part gets steeper and it becomes boggy and a bit of an endurance test.
You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Solway coast from the stone bench which sits at the top.
Getting there: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/criffel-new-abbey.shtml
13 místní doporučují
Criffel
Criffel is 1870 feet high - 570 meters, and is a medium sized mountain for Dumfries and Galloway.
Recently climbed by a guest using the path from Ardwall which is now completed so no bog.
She climbed to the top in 1 hour and 45 mins on the return.
The below info relates to the off road climb:
A round trip of the mountain will take around 2.5 to 3 hours for a novice.
Some of the terrian has easy to follow paths, so is great place for those not so used to hill climbing. But as with any hill climb care should be taken and please prepare for 4 seasons in one day.
There is 2 parts to the walk, the first takes you on pathways alongside the burn and it is quite steep.
The second part gets steeper and it becomes boggy and a bit of an endurance test.
You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Solway coast from the stone bench which sits at the top.
Getting there: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/criffel-new-abbey.shtml
Recomended by a guest as a lovely walk. She walked from a parking lay by on the road from Mutehill.
''the walk follows a narrow strip of woodland close to the shore, past the lifeboat station and then out on to the headland. Great cliffs and views across to an island with a lighthouse....walking time 1 hour each way''
Torr Point
Recomended by a guest as a lovely walk. She walked from a parking lay by on the road from Mutehill.
''the walk follows a narrow strip of woodland close to the shore, past the lifeboat station and then out on to the headland. Great cliffs and views across to an island with a lighthouse....walking time 1 hour each way''
Lovely walks from Carsethorn. A few to choose from
https://www.kirkbean.org/visitor-information1/kirkbean-walks
Carsethorn
Lovely walks from Carsethorn. A few to choose from
https://www.kirkbean.org/visitor-information1/kirkbean-walks
Sightseeing
Lovely wild walk to Back Burn waterfall. This waterfall has only been discovered recently so you are likely to see a few people making their way there too. Its not a huge waterfall by any stretch of the imagination, but its a lovely walk if you enjoy jumping!
Park on the main road by the sign for Southwick Cemetery, and you will see a large wooden gate opposite (slightly down the hill). After entering the reserve gate, walk LEFT which will take you down through a rock which looks like the eye of a needle.
Carry on down the hill until you reach the marshland. Keep heading right, along the estuary following the natural path way.
This walk is not for all ages as it requires jumping over ditches which are very deep. It is lots of fun but not for the elderly or very young children who you cannot carry/jump with. The ditch banks can be slippy and there is the possibility of getting wet and muddy if you slip, so dress accordingly.
Good fun for kids who like being active and for more active adults.
A fair weather walk and please check tide times. Take wellies if you can, to cross the river to get closer to the waterfall at the end of the walk.
A lovely walk with a bit of fun thrown in.
Southwick Coast Wildlife Reserve
Lovely wild walk to Back Burn waterfall. This waterfall has only been discovered recently so you are likely to see a few people making their way there too. Its not a huge waterfall by any stretch of the imagination, but its a lovely walk if you enjoy jumping!
Park on the main road by the sign for Southwick Cemetery, and you will see a large wooden gate opposite (slightly down the hill). After entering the reserve gate, walk LEFT which will take you down through a rock which looks like the eye of a needle.
Carry on down the hill until you reach the marshland. Keep heading right, along the estuary following the natural path way.
This walk is not for all ages as it requires jumping over ditches which are very deep. It is lots of fun but not for the elderly or very young children who you cannot carry/jump with. The ditch banks can be slippy and there is the possibility of getting wet and muddy if you slip, so dress accordingly.
Good fun for kids who like being active and for more active adults.
A fair weather walk and please check tide times. Take wellies if you can, to cross the river to get closer to the waterfall at the end of the walk.
A lovely walk with a bit of fun thrown in.
Waterloo monument was built to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. The monument has two paths. A challenging one and a less challenging one.
The first path is very steep. The climb itself is challenging but only takes 15 minutes. There is a car park at the bottom of the hill.
To access this car park, drive through New Abbey (heading towards Dumfries) and turn off at the pub in the middle of the village. Follow the road for a few minutes until the end where you will find a car park.
It is very clear how to get to the monument when parked.
The second less challenging path has been recently laid and to get on this path requires parking at Sweet Heart Abbey and walking through the village until you pass the old corn mill and there is path access on the left. We have not walked this path before, and only been told about it, so probably best to enquire in the New Abbey shop for specific directions for the easy path.
At the summit you will find the monument and good views. You can climb the monument but it was not built in the days of health and safety regulations, so there is no barriers at the top, just a plank of wood to sit on. The staircase is very narrow so 2 at a time max as there is also only room for 2 to turn around at the top!
Not for vertigo sufferers but good for a bit of aerobic exercise as its a very steep climb and it has rewarding views at the top.
Waterloo Monument
Waterloo monument was built to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. The monument has two paths. A challenging one and a less challenging one.
The first path is very steep. The climb itself is challenging but only takes 15 minutes. There is a car park at the bottom of the hill.
To access this car park, drive through New Abbey (heading towards Dumfries) and turn off at the pub in the middle of the village. Follow the road for a few minutes until the end where you will find a car park.
It is very clear how to get to the monument when parked.
The second less challenging path has been recently laid and to get on this path requires parking at Sweet Heart Abbey and walking through the village until you pass the old corn mill and there is path access on the left. We have not walked this path before, and only been told about it, so probably best to enquire in the New Abbey shop for specific directions for the easy path.
At the summit you will find the monument and good views. You can climb the monument but it was not built in the days of health and safety regulations, so there is no barriers at the top, just a plank of wood to sit on. The staircase is very narrow so 2 at a time max as there is also only room for 2 to turn around at the top!
Not for vertigo sufferers but good for a bit of aerobic exercise as its a very steep climb and it has rewarding views at the top.
Nature
Twitcher or not, its fascinating to see Ospreys and Perigrine Falcons truly wild at this site. You may also spot red kite and red deer and other more common birds.
The site is run by National Trust Scotland. Its a short walk down to the river, perhaps 10 minutes. It can be very muddy underfoot. The path will take you to a crossing where a small rowing boat can take you over to the ruin.
30 místní doporučují
Threave Castle
Twitcher or not, its fascinating to see Ospreys and Perigrine Falcons truly wild at this site. You may also spot red kite and red deer and other more common birds.
The site is run by National Trust Scotland. Its a short walk down to the river, perhaps 10 minutes. It can be very muddy underfoot. The path will take you to a crossing where a small rowing boat can take you over to the ruin.
Next door to the Lodge is Bainloch Deer Park which we have not been fortunate enough to experience due to Covid and restrictions on vehicle sharing.
You are taken on a guided tour in a 4x4 of the hills where you can see deer and wild goats roaming. Very good trip advisor reviews and I hope to update you soon with a visit under my belt.
Bainloch Deer Park
Next door to the Lodge is Bainloch Deer Park which we have not been fortunate enough to experience due to Covid and restrictions on vehicle sharing.
You are taken on a guided tour in a 4x4 of the hills where you can see deer and wild goats roaming. Very good trip advisor reviews and I hope to update you soon with a visit under my belt.
If you want to see red squirrels this is the place to go. Its a favourite of my family who live local and tell stories of squirrels running all around you.
My experience was not so grand, but I suspect with a dog in tow they went in to hiding, and you need to hit it at the right time. We went late afternoon and sadly didn't see one single one. Everyone talks of the squirrels there so definitely worth a walk around the forest if you are exploring around Kirkcudbright.
Barrhill Wood
If you want to see red squirrels this is the place to go. Its a favourite of my family who live local and tell stories of squirrels running all around you.
My experience was not so grand, but I suspect with a dog in tow they went in to hiding, and you need to hit it at the right time. We went late afternoon and sadly didn't see one single one. Everyone talks of the squirrels there so definitely worth a walk around the forest if you are exploring around Kirkcudbright.
National Trust gardens which are truly beautiful all year round.
There is often fun activities for kids too.
It is part of the Threave Estate so can be visited alongside the Castle.
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/threave-garden
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Zahrada Threave
National Trust gardens which are truly beautiful all year round.
There is often fun activities for kids too.
It is part of the Threave Estate so can be visited alongside the Castle.
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/threave-garden
Situated on the scenic north shore of the Solway coast, Mersehead is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area, a haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching. Spring is particularly magical, when the wet meadows fill with lapwings and skylarks.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mersehead/
10 místní doporučují
RSPB Mersehead
Situated on the scenic north shore of the Solway coast, Mersehead is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area, a haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching. Spring is particularly magical, when the wet meadows fill with lapwings and skylarks.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mersehead/
Beautiful spot in the Galloway Forest for adults to enjoy nature and for kids to jump the stepping stones across the water. A perfect picnic spot with toilet facilities and picnic benches.
NB There's no otters in residence.
Its a bit of a drive from the lodge (approx 1 hour) so while there its a good idea to see as much as possible - I would suggest you have a walk around Loch trool and pop in to the visitors centre and Galloway forest park deer range (with a bag of apples or carrots in hand).
You can also take a drive up raiders road for spectacular views and more secluded picnic spots. It is rough dusty terrain so not for an open top sports car.
Here is a great map describing things to do while there https://forestryandland.gov.scot/images/pdf/rec_pdfs/Galloway-Forest-Park-Map-and-Trail-Guide.pdf
If its a long day out exploring, grab some fish and chips at Moore's Fish and chip shop on the way through Castle Douglas on the way back to the lodge.
https://www.mooresfishandchips.co.uk/
My favourite chippy!
Otters Pool
Beautiful spot in the Galloway Forest for adults to enjoy nature and for kids to jump the stepping stones across the water. A perfect picnic spot with toilet facilities and picnic benches.
NB There's no otters in residence.
Its a bit of a drive from the lodge (approx 1 hour) so while there its a good idea to see as much as possible - I would suggest you have a walk around Loch trool and pop in to the visitors centre and Galloway forest park deer range (with a bag of apples or carrots in hand).
You can also take a drive up raiders road for spectacular views and more secluded picnic spots. It is rough dusty terrain so not for an open top sports car.
Here is a great map describing things to do while there https://forestryandland.gov.scot/images/pdf/rec_pdfs/Galloway-Forest-Park-Map-and-Trail-Guide.pdf
If its a long day out exploring, grab some fish and chips at Moore's Fish and chip shop on the way through Castle Douglas on the way back to the lodge.
https://www.mooresfishandchips.co.uk/
My favourite chippy!
Places for kids
Mabie Farm Park is one of my favourites. It doesn't perhaps look much but its really great when the kids start exploring.
There is something for all ages. My favourite is the quad bike tractor ride where you are taken through puddles and over rough terrain in a train of barrels attached to the bike. It is free with entry and you get a wet bum free of charge too. Make it your last thing to do in the day.
The kids love the natural slides and the hay barn swings, along with feeding the farm animals. Last year we saw new born piglets which were so adorable.
There is a small boating lake and you can pedal a boat around. Its not the best but definitely worth doing as its also free.
They have quad bikes for ages 6+ that you can drive around a custom made track. As at March 21 closed due to Covid so check if this is what you will be going specifically there for.
There is a cafe and picnic benches and free Donkey rides.
My kids are happy to unplug to go to Mabie. Its not often that happens - 11 and 12 years.
36 místní doporučují
Mabie Farma Park
Mabie CourtMabie Farm Park is one of my favourites. It doesn't perhaps look much but its really great when the kids start exploring.
There is something for all ages. My favourite is the quad bike tractor ride where you are taken through puddles and over rough terrain in a train of barrels attached to the bike. It is free with entry and you get a wet bum free of charge too. Make it your last thing to do in the day.
The kids love the natural slides and the hay barn swings, along with feeding the farm animals. Last year we saw new born piglets which were so adorable.
There is a small boating lake and you can pedal a boat around. Its not the best but definitely worth doing as its also free.
They have quad bikes for ages 6+ that you can drive around a custom made track. As at March 21 closed due to Covid so check if this is what you will be going specifically there for.
There is a cafe and picnic benches and free Donkey rides.
My kids are happy to unplug to go to Mabie. Its not often that happens - 11 and 12 years.
Cream O' Galloway
RaintonSandyhills Beach
Společnost Cocoabean
AshlandCycling
7stanes - Dalbeattie
A7107stanes - Mabie
7Stanes: Glentrool Mountain Bike Trails
Kirroughtree - 7stanes
Food scene
Moore's Fish and Chip Shop Ltd
Sulwath Brewers Ltd
209 King StThe Auldgirth Inn
A76The Boathouse Restaurant & Shop
QuaysideI haven't been myself but my family enjoy this farm shop where you can get a nice lunch and pick up some goodies from the shop, whilst supporting a local community not for profit business.
They have a cafe, bakery, butchery, creamery and fruit & veg for sale. I will be going on my next trip up
18 místní doporučují
Loch Arthur Farm Shop
I haven't been myself but my family enjoy this farm shop where you can get a nice lunch and pick up some goodies from the shop, whilst supporting a local community not for profit business.
They have a cafe, bakery, butchery, creamery and fruit & veg for sale. I will be going on my next trip up
I could not get a table when I was up last but a previous guest said its great. Brilliant views too!
Gather
I could not get a table when I was up last but a previous guest said its great. Brilliant views too!
Water sports
Galloway Activity Centre
Shirmers Bridge