Explore: Dumfries & Galloway by Bookletia

What to See & Do 2013-14

Explore: Dumfries & Galloway

Natural Wonders

Over 150 attractions to choose from, inspiring ideas for great days out

Glorious Gardens

Enjoy thrilling activities, from 7stanes mountain biking to the longest zip wire in the UK

Outdoor Adventures

www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

Welcome to...

Dumfries & Galloway

Exotic gardens blessed by the warm Gulf Stream

Five 7stanes mountain biking centres

Robert Burns once lived in Dumfries

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Disclaimer VisitScotland has published this guide in good faith to reflect information submitted to it by the proprietor/managers of the premises listed who have paid for their entries to be included. Although VisitScotland has taken reasonable steps to confirm the information contained in the guide at the time of going to press, it cannot guarantee that the information published is and remains accurate. Accordingly, VisitScotland recommends that all information is checked with the proprietor/manager of the business to ensure that the facilities, cost and all other aspects of the premises are satisfactory. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation contained in the guide and excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in the guide. VisitScotland also cannot accept any liability for loss caused by the bankruptcy, or liquidation, or insolvency, or cessation of trade of any company, firm or individual contained in this guide. Quality Assurance awards are correct as of December 2012.

For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

The Galloway Red Kite Trail

Contents

02 From coast to country 04 Great days out

The Striding Arches, three arch sculptures

06 Gardens and nurseries

08 A wildlife haven 10 Discover a land rich in history 12 Where legends come to life

Over 30 golf courses for all abilities

14 Naturally inspired creativity

16 VisitScotland Information Centres 17 Quality Assurance

Prepare for an adventure in Dumfries & Galloway, where the hills, coastline and forest park provide the ideal setting for you to explore by foot, bike or boat. Delve into the fascinating history with a visit to the museums and visitor centres which tell of inventors, poets and pioneers. Enjoy the culture of this naturally inspiring region in the art galleries and bookshops tucked away in the heart of the towns. Take a trip to Kirkcudbright, the Artists’ Town, and see masterpieces based on the inspiring setting of the beautiful, contrasting landscape. Explore some of the 200 miles of coastline and you can wander along any of the region’s tranquil beaches and gaze out on to many lands across the sparkling Solway Firth. Follow the Solway Coast Heritage Trail, a charming 190 mile route which

will take you through the quaint streets of the region’s coastal villages or savour the tranquillity of a woodland walk through the vast forests. The Galloway Forest Park is a fabulous green space big enough to spend a week exploring, filled with activities, rare wildlife and the opportunity for stargazing – as these 300 square miles have been designated an International Dark Sky Association approved Dark Sky Park.

18 How to read the listings 19 Great days out – Places to Visit 33 Great days out – Events & Festivals 34 Great outdoor adventures 36 Your Gateway to Golf 38 Great days out – Leisure Activities 44 Savour the ﬂavours 46 Great days out – Food & Drink 50 Great days out – Shopping 52 Travel tips 53 Great days out – Tours 53 Great days out – Local Services

Enjoy the fun and fascination of Dumfries & Galloway, a region of inspiring landscapes, enthralling culture and curious wildlife.

54 What’s on 56 Great days out – Family Fun 70 Dumfries & Galloway area map 72 An A-Z quick reference to all the listings in this guide

Credits Photography: Big Burns Supper, Day of the Region, Destination Dumfries & Galloway/Colin Tennant, Disney•Pixar, Forestry Commission Image Library, Jen Langridge, Scotland’s Gardens/ Val Corbett, Juha Soininen, Spring Fling, Scottish Viewpoint/ Andy Bennetts/Allan Devlin/Mark Hicken/Keith Kirk/Chris Robson/ Allan Wright, Paul Tompkins/VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint. Design: APS Group Scotland | www.theapsgroup.com, Shaw Marketing and Design | www.shaw-online.com and THK Design | www.thkdesign.com This brochure is printed on recycled content paper. VisitScotland is committed to ensuring that our environment, upon which our tourism is so dependent, is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

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Cover Threave Castle, on the River Dee, Castle Douglas. 01 Exotic Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan. 02 Larch route, Ae 7stanes mountain biking centre. 03 Yachts moored at Kippford. 04 Burns Statue, Dumfries town centre. 05 Striding Arch at The Byre, near Moniaive. 06 Medicine Tara Statue, Kagyu Samye Ling, Eskdalemuir.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 01

Dumfries & Galloway

From coast to country

Kirkcudbright – the Artists’ Town Wigtown – the Book Town Castle Douglas – the Food Town 01

The charming villages and friendly communities of Dumfries & Galloway delight all who visit them, with their stunning buildings and streets filled with independent stores, visitor centres and museums. Discover pretty towns and villages along a 200 mile stretch of coastline or head inland to find hills, forests and peaceful rivers. Follow quiet roads through this picturesque region, such as the A712 Queen’s Way in the Galloway Forest Park. Stop off in the towns and villages, which make great bases for exploring the countryside and enjoying hillwalking and mountain biking. 02

Gretna Green is a famous location for weddings – discover the stories of the couples who eloped at the fascinating Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop before heading up to Langholm, on a section of the Borders Reiver Trail, and stop in the ‘Muckle Toon’s’ Clan Armstrong Trust Museum. The town of Lockerbie has an ice rink which hosts top-class curling events, an architecturally interesting Town Hall and is also a great base to explore the nearby hills and coast. The Lockerbie Jazz Festival takes place in the town in September and attracts artists from across the world. The historic county town of Dumfries sits on the banks of the River Nith, and is famed for its connection with the National Bard, Robert Burns. There are a number of fascinating places and attractions to visit which tell of the history.

in rtworks ut the a r Check o uare, Stranrae q S le t s Ca 03

02 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

North, through striking scenery in the Nith Valley, you’ll find the pretty villages of Moniaive and Penpont.

From coast to country

Discover more... Q Take a wander around Threave

Gardens, or 2 miles away, you can catch a boat to Threave Castle. Q Explore the unspoiled Glenkens area

and tour up to New Galloway via the Galloway Kite Trail to see these graceful, impressive birds. Q Moffat has a beautiful, wide tree-

lined high street and was the first Scottish town to be awarded Walkers are Welcome status in 2008.

Did you know?

Q Dumfries & Galloway has three

touring routes: the Burns Heritage Trail, the Galloway Tourist Route and the Solway Coast Heritage Trail.

From the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point, views of four kingdoms can be seen.

• Head to Thornhill with the stunning Drumlanrig Castle and then on to Sanquhar, home to the Tolbooth Museum, a handsome Georgian town house with a square clock tower, and the oldest working post office in Britain, dating back to 1712. • Take the Solway Coast Heritage Trail for sublime vistas which run past pictureperfect villages including Kippford and the attractive seaside village of Rockcliffe. • The pleasant 18th century market town of Castle Douglas is a thriving centre for the prosperous local farming area. • Kirkcudbright is known as the Artists’ Town and is still the home of many artists and writers. You can discover the history of the area at Tolbooth Arts Centre, MacLellan’s Castle, Broughton House and the Stewartry Museum.

Down on the coast is Wigtown Bay where there is a Local Nature Reserve, home to the Galloway ospreys, which you can watch on CCTV at Wigtown County Buildings. Newton Stewart, the gateway to the Galloway Hills, is a small market town named after its founder William Stewart, son of the Earl of Galloway. Right next to the Galloway Forest Park, the town is a great base for hillwalking, mountain biking and spotting the wealth of wildlife. You can also head into the forest park at night for stargazing, as it is a designated Dark Sky Park. Discover Stranraer in the south west, beside Loch Ryan. Attractions include Castle of St John and the town museum, and just 3 miles outside, Castle Kennedy Gardens. South west of Stranraer is Portpatrick, a beautiful village which sits around a harbour with a history stretching back 500 years. This area is great for walking and is the starting point of the Southern Upland Way, a long distance route through the region and into the Scottish Borders.

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Port Logan Harbour. The Man, by Andrew Brown, the harbour at Port William. Main Street, New Galloway. Drumlanrig Castle, by Thornhill. Colvin Memorial Fountain (Moffat Ram), Moffat. Stargazing in the Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 03

Dumfries & Galloway

Great days out

Did you know? Dumfries has a Camera Obscura above the museum where you can see a moving panoramic view of the town.

Drummuir Farm Ice Cream

Gold panning at Wanlockhead Victorian gardens at Drumlanrig Castle

There are many ways to spend a day in Dumfries & Galloway with a great choice of visitor centres and museums displaying everything from crystals and ancient stones to famous poems. Experience adventure and family fun every day in Dumfries & Galloway and choose from fascinating tales of history in the museums and castles, or hours of activity along the many walking paths and cycle trails. Spend a day tracing the last few years of Robert Burns’ life, beginning at Ellisland Farm, once home to the famous Scots poet. His former home is now a popular museum and you can see his original writing and possessions and take a stroll along the idyllic Burns Walk where he composed Tam o’ Shanter. Take a guided tour of the farmhouse to see the rooms where the poet and his wife, Jean Armour, lived and worked.

Robert Burns’ House, his former home in Burns Street, Dumfries, now serves as a dedicated museum where you can see the desk and chair where he sat to write, more than 200 years ago. You can finish your day at the Burns’ Mausoleum in St Michael’s Churchyard, Dumfries, which was completed in 1817. The mausoleum was renovated in 2012 with a new copper cupola roof, restoring it to its former condition. Every year on Burns’ birthday, 25 January, wreaths are laid at the mausoleum as part of the celebrations of his life.

04 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

• Enjoy a family day out at the Cocoa Bean Factory at Twynholm where you can watch delicious chocolates being handmade from scratch by the experts. The factory also provides children’s workshops, where kids can get busy creating their own unique chocolates. • Visit the Scottish Cycle Museum at Drumlanrig Castle to learn more about the man who invented the pedal cycle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, who was born nearby in Keir Mill in 1812. • Spend an afternoon at Dalscone Farm Fun and see animals such as llamas, donkeys and pigs in their ‘Farmari’. After meeting various species, enjoy the great outdoors with a round of crazy golf or get the whole family onto one of the pedal karts for a look around the rest of the farm.

Great days out Discover what goes on behind the scenes by taking a farm tour of Cream o’ Galloway, which finishes with a free scoop of ice cream. There are also two indoor play areas, an adventure playground and pedal karts. See the finest private collection of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils in the UK at the Gem Rock Museum in Creetown. Enjoy the fully interactive experience where you can see the ‘Maverick’ gold nugget, one of the largest gold specimens on display, and a set of exquisitely cut replicas of the world’s largest diamonds.

Spend a day meeting and feeding the friendly animals at Mabie Farm Park including Highland cattle, Vietnamese potbellied pigs and pygmy goats. There’s also an aviary full of beautiful birds as well as a pet corner where children have the opportunity to handle and feed friendly rabbits, mice and guinea pigs. From paddle boats to the astroslide, grass sledging, quad bikes and more, there’s lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Look out for a great range of events at Cream o’ Galloway, from ice cream experiences to pond dipping.

Discover Devil’s Porridge 04

Travel on Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway

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The Observatory Room, Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura. The Scottish Cycle Museum, Drumlanrig Castle. Dalscone Farm Fun, Dumfries. The Globe Inn, frequented by Robert Burns. The Savings Banks Museum, Ruthwell.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 05

Dumfries & Galloway

Gardens and nurseries Due to the wonderfully warm climate, Dumfries & Galloway boasts a large number of fabulous gardens and nurseries, where you can see exotic plants and trees.

Did you know? Charles Jencksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Garden of Cosmic Speculation opens for one day a year under Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Scheme.

06 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Gardens and nurseries Thanks to its rich soil and location on the glorious south west coast of Scotland, which is blessed by the Gulf Stream, this region has a vast array of different gardens boasting a variety of plants. Every walk through one of these gardens will be a breathtaking experience, full of colour and splendour. This region is the perfect place for exotic plants, such as the Cabbage Palm and other southern hemisphere plants, and for flora that’s more recognisably Scottish. The mixture of climates in the region has attracted a host of imaginative gardeners and plant-hunters whose work in different periods and styles can still be seen today.

Make sure to visit the specialist nurseries, such as Buckland Plants, near Kirkcudbright, after touring these beautiful gardens to pick up some plants to take home to your own garden. This nursery supplies many large gardens including the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Horticultural Society.

Fascinating facts Q A trip to Japan inspired Scottish

artist EA Hornel to develop part of Broughton House Garden in Kirkcudbright in a Japanese style, with a mix of formal and relaxed and a profusion of colourful plants.

Visit one of the country’s largest family-run garden centres, Garden Wise, in Dumfries, to browse plants and gifts, and visit the café.

Q During spring and early summer,

Elmlea Plants in Old Minnigaff offers an interesting selection of herbaceous perennials, grasses, and a wide range of particularly unusual plants.

a collection of over 500 rhododendrons and azaleas come into bloom in Drumlanrig Castle Gardens, by Thornhill. Q Britain’s oldest Douglas fir and

largest sycamore can also be found in the 40 acres of beautiful Victorian gardens at the castle.

• Spend a relaxing few hours in the exotic paradise of Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, where the warm air provides the right climate for an amazing collection of southern hemisphere plants.

Q Overlooked by the ruined 16th

century Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Castle, the Castle Kennedy Gardens are also flanked by two natural lochs.

• See the focal point of the garden, the fishpond, which is adorned with water lilies before taking a stroll to the highest point of the Botanic Garden, for views out across the Rhins to the Galloway Hills and beyond.

Q Enjoy the 75 acre garden with its

beautiful avenues and landscaped terraces alongside the striking Round Pond in the centre, covered in waterlilies. Q Cally Gardens, Gatehouse of Fleet,

• The seasonally inspiring gardens at Threave House and Estate, near Castle Douglas, have been created over the years by students of the National Trust for Scotland’s School of Practical Gardening. Constantly evolving, the gardens provide spectacular colour all year round, including stunning red and orange leaved trees in the autumn.

is a large walled garden built in the 1770s to provide fruit and vegetables for Cally House. The garden has been replanted with a unique labelled collection of 3,500 varieties, including rare perennials and grasses.

Must-see Q Threave Garden has over 200 varieties

of daffodil in spring. Q Glenwhan Garden was created over

30 years. 03

Q Hetland Garden Centre has a 73 ft

Dalsw www.sco inton House tland – open sg ardens.org s for ch arity

wooden bridge. Q Craigieburn Garden once entranced

Robert Burns. Q Ardwell Gardens is a formal

arrangement around Ardwell House.

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Ardwell Gardens, by Stranraer. Glenwhan Garden, Dunragit. The fishpond, Logan Botanic Garden. Water feature, Threave Garden, Castle Douglas. Logan House Gardens, Port Logan.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 07

Dumfries & Galloway

A wildlife haven

Visit the red kite feeding station at Bellymack Hill Farm, Laurieston, at 2pm each day.

Enjoy four Wild Seasons festivals during the year.

Spot the elusive purple hairstreak butterfly at Lochwood Oaks, near Moffat.

Head out into the great outdoors of Dumfries & Galloway at any time of year and take a walk. Soak up the impressive scenery and look out for wildlife in the water and on the land at National Nature Reserves and in National Scenic Areas. You might be lucky enough to see ospreys, red deer, barnacle geese and common lizards – the longer you spend looking, the more you are likely to see.

Keep your eyes peeled for the wild goat park along the A712 Queen’s Way. Continue your journey around the park and you could see red squirrels, black grouse, otters and nightjars.

A walk through the Galloway Forest Park could reward you with a sighting of the stunning red deer. Take a guided walk with one of the expert wildlife rangers between June and September, while in October you can be part of the Roaring Stags event – when you’ll see them looking handsome but determined, in a bid to become top deer.

Travel out to the far south west point of the region to visit the Mull of Galloway RSPB Reserve which offers not only fascinating wildlife but breathtaking views. Gaze out to the west and you’ll see the Solway Firth and Irish Sea with the Isle of Man in the distance. You’ll also see the frantic activity of a large cliff colony of seabirds from guillemots to razorbills and kittiwakes.

08 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

• You can watch ospreys at three Dumfries & Galloway locations – Wigtown Bay, Threave and Caerlaverock. • The unspoilt countryside of the region protects a wide range of rare and endangered species including a fifth of the Scottish population of red squirrels. Deep in the Dalbeattie Forest follow the waymarked Red Squirrel Walk and look out for the curious creatures bounding through the trees. • The natterjack toad, the rarest amphibian in Britain, is a star of the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. From May to September, ask a warden if they can show you one of these nocturnal creatures as they rest up for the day.

A wildlife haven

RSPB Mersehead has thousands of geese arriving during the autumn season.

Follow the Butterfly Walk at Kirkconnell Flow National Nature Reserve.

Did you know? Kirroughtree Visitor Centre has live CCTV of red squirrels. 02

See the majestic red kites with their distinctive forked tails on the Galloway Kite Trail around the beautiful Loch Ken and follow the footpaths to viewpoints to find out more. Visit the Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park, Kirkcudbright to see their fantastic collection of native and exotic animals amongst 27 acres of mixed woodland. Look out for 150 animals from all over the world in a peaceful and natural setting including Asian small clawed otters, meerkats and Scottish wildcats. See the spectacular 1,400 acre wild reserve of Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and in the open landscape and wide skies you can see many exciting varieties of birds and creatures. The cooler months see vast flocks of barnacle geese living on the Solwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saltflats and merses, while in spring you can watch ospreys and in summer, see barn owls in and around their nests via CCTV.

You can order our brochure 12 Wildlife Walks at www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

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Red squirrel at Kirroughtree. Clatteringshaws Loch, in Galloway Forest Park. Red Kite Trail signpost, Parton. Osprey in flight at Caerlaverock. Barn owl at Caerlaverock NNR.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 09

Dumfries & Galloway

Discover a land rich in history Spend a few days exploring the castles and museums of Dumfries & Galloway to gain a great insight into how people lived in the past, from the food created at the mill, to the mines where they worked and the castles they defended.

10 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Discover a land rich in history

You can still hear the sounds of the waterwheel moving and operating the machinery at New Abbey Corn Mill, which remains as it was left by the last miller over 50 years ago.

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The region is home to many striking stone castles including Caerlaverock Castle, a medieval fortress with a turbulent history. Look around the moat, twin-towered gatehouse and imposing battlements and visit the siege warfare exhibition to discover its important role in the defence of the realm. The triangular shape of the castle is unique and a walk around it gives you a full sense of the strength, form and pleasing geometry. Find out the region’s most fascinating tales in a selection of museums. At the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura you can learn all about the land and people of the region. See the fossil footprints left by prehistoric animals and gaze at the tools and weapons of the earliest people. Find out about the wildlife of the Solway and look at the stone carvings made by Scotland’s first Christians. Spend the afternoon at the Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum and see the restored control tower of the former WWII airfield. Wander around the displays and ever-expanding collection of aircraft, aero engines and personal histories and see a mock up of a WWII living room and a mixed assortment of memorabilia.

Did you know? Threave Castle can only be reached by boat. Ring the bell for the custodian.

• Sweetheart Abbey, New Abbey, is a splendid ruin of a late 13th century abbey which was built by Lady Devorgilla in memory of her husband and is thought to have inspired the creation of the word sweetheart. • In Dumfries’ 18th century watermill, you can find the Robert Burns Centre, which brings his story to life with original manuscripts and personal belongings. There is also a brilliant scale model of Dumfries in the 1790s and a haunting audio-visual presentation. • You can enjoy a drink in the Globe Inn in Dumfries, which was established in 1610 and frequented regularly by Robert Burns.

Threave Castle, River Dee near Castle Douglas. Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns, near Creetown. Dumfries Camera Obscura. Caerlaverock Castle, near Dumfries.

Other key historic sites across Dumfries & Galloway include several stone circles, such as the Twelve Apostles just north of Dumfries, believed to be one of the largest stone circles on mainland Britain. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of couples and make your way to Gretna Green, where you can visit the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop. Enter the ancient cottage and workshop from the days when people crossed the border to take advantage of Scotland’s lenient marriage laws. See letters, telegrams and marriage certificates of people from all ages who defied their friends and family, and stand in the actual room where they were married. Get a fascinating insight into what life was like for the people of Dumfries & Galloway during the World Wars at the Devil’s Porridge Exhibition. Over 30,000 people were employed in a munitions factory which stretched 9 miles from Dornock to Longtown with an output greater than all other British factories combined. The exhibition tells the story of this remarkable venture and the secret cities which were created to accommodate its workers.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 11

Dumfries & Galloway

wn clan h your o Researc Dumfries & at history ries ay Libra w o ll a G

Scotland has many stunning landscapes, striking castles and culture which may have inspired the creators of Disney•Pixar’s Brave and you’ll find plenty of these attractions and tales in Dumfries & Galloway. The country has a rich history of clan identity, and Clan Douglas has called Dumfries & Galloway home for hundreds of years. Threave Castle fortress is a former stronghold of the Black Douglases, while Drumlanrig Castle was built by William Douglas, first Duke of Queensberry, in the 17th century. The region’s fascinating history is also evident at abbeys such as Dundrennan and Glenluce, which both have ties to Mary Queen of Scots.

The former home of a community of Cistercian monks, Dundrennan Abbey has north and south transepts which are well preserved examples of Cistercian architecture from the late 12th century.

12 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

You can see several stone circles in the region and the Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns, which is near the route of the Solway Coast Heritage Trail. The ancient Ruthwell Cross stands some 18 ft high and is the focal point inside the beautiful Ruthwell church, near Dumfries. Featuring intricate inscriptions in both Latin and, more unusually for a Christian monument, the runic alphabet, the Ruthwell Cross is inscribed with one of the largest figurative inscriptions found on any surviving Anglo-Saxon cross.

Where legends come to life • The region is home to Galloway Forest Park, the largest of its kind in Britain and the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. During the day visitors can discover a rich variety of wildlife including red squirrels. Look out for the wild goat park and see majestic stags in the red deer range. • The red kite is one of the most beautiful birds of prey, which was once almost extinct in Scotland. You can spot the birds along the Galloway Red Kite Trail. • Visit the hides and observation towers at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and the migrating geese and ospreys at Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve.

See the cave in Kirkpatrick Fleming, where legend says that around 1307, after suffering defeat, Robert the Bruce went into hiding for three months but was inspired back into battle by a spider’s relentless effort to spin its web. The small town of Whithorn in the west of the region has many connections with the beginning of Christianity in Scotland. Bishop and missionary St Ninian is believed to have trained in Rome before founding the first Christian church in Whithorn in the fifth century. Thousands of pilgrims journeyed to the town to pay their respects to him long after he had died in 431 and are believed to have left carvings on the walls of St Ninian’s Cave, dating back to the eighth century. Some walkers take the time to visit the cascading Grey Mare’s Tail near Moffat, a spectacular natural waterfall that you can see from the main road, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb carefully up to get close to its source, Loch Skene. The dramatic sheer drop along the sides of the fall makes caution essential, but it is well worth the effort.

The Robert the Bruce Trail takes you back 700 years covering where he grew up, how he was influenced by people and where he forged his skills. The main trail is split into three, with an eastern, central and western section, while there is also a Dumfries Town Trail.

Merida was try it yo an expert arch urself a er, Activity t Galloway Centre

Believed to date from the fifth or early sixth century, the Kirkmadrine Early Christian Stones are on display in the porch of the Kirkmadrine Burial Chapel. The oldest stone is a pillar stone erected around AD 500 to mark the graves of priests serving a Christian community close to Kirkmadrine.

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Dundrennan Abbey. Red kites at Laurieston. Ruthwell Cross, within Ruthwell Church. Bruce’s Stone, Loch Trool. Kirkmadrine Church, near Sandhead.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 13

Dumfries & Galloway

Naturally inspired creativity

The beautiful landscape of Dumfries & Galloway has been inspiring artists, writers, inventors and craftsmen for hundreds of years and there are many galleries and venues where you can see their work. Experience the culture of Dumfries & Galloway in the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright, which was the home of an established artists’ colony in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visit the Tolbooth Art Centre to discover the story of the town’s artists and see their work on display, including paintings of the Tolbooth itself, by the famous Scottish colourist SJ Peploe and David Gauld, one of the Glasgow Boys. Visit the 18th century town house, Broughton House, where another of the Glasgow Boys used to live. EA Hornel used the building as his home and studio for over 30 years and many of his paintings are on display.

On the top of the hills at Cairnhead above Moniaive, you’ll find a series of red sandstone arches, known as the Striding Arches, created by local artist Andy Goldsworthy. In the heart of the glen, one arch springs up from a disused farm building, the Byre, where you can take a seat and soak up the beautiful landscape which surrounds you. The arches signify a powerful and sensitive meeting of art and nature which has gone on to inspire other artists to create art in wonderful locations.

14 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

• Famous Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid grew up in the town of Langholm and on nearby Whita Hill you can find a monument in his honour, in the form of a large, cast-iron open book depicting images from his works. • Enjoy the annual art exhibition organised by Kirkcudbright 2000 in the town hall. The group has been running exhibitions of national significance for 13 years. • See hand-thrown ceramics created by the ‘singing potter’ at Moffat Pottery. Browse a range of beautifully made pots and pick up a CD of gospel music.

Naturally inspired creativity

Highlights Q Each of the 7stanes has a sculpture

which depicts a local myth or legend. Q The Castle Douglas Art Gallery

showcases a varied programme of contemporary art exhibitions and craft work. Q In May, the Dumfries & Galloway

Arts Festival sees a number of activities happening in venues across the region – enjoy classical, jazz or folk music, dance, theatre and children’s events. Q The Spring Fling event involves around

80 arts and craft studios opening their doors to the public in May with special events, workshops and tours taking place from studio to studio. 02

Don’t miss...

Did you know? You can order a brochure with details of 12 Walks... with an arty twist. See our website for details.

Q Dalton Pottery Art Café, Dalton,

near Lockerbie.

Q Harbour Cottage Gallery,

Kirkcudbright. Q Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail

in August. Admire Erratic, Hush, Heart, Ocean and Scene Shifter – five sculptures by Matt Baker which are dotted across Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve. Each piece is created around a word and accompanied by a poem by Mary Smith. Throughout the Galloway Forest Park, you can discover art if you look for it. Many pieces can be found on the main routes, while some are hidden away. Starting from Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, see if you can find the earthwork labyrinth, Journey, on the Raider’s Road, and Eye, the spire beside the Black Loch.

Q Mode and Designs Galleries in

Art isn’t just found in the countryside – in the middle of Creetown, in Adamson Square, you can see the result of a project to bring culture and heritage together in the heart of the town with internationally renowned sculptor Hideo Furuta’s giant sphere.

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Couch installation by Alice Francis, Spring Fling 2012. Former home of celebrated artists in Kirkcudbright. Gem Stane at Kirroughtree 7stanes. Gerald Lyons, the ‘singing potter’. Matt Baker’s Hush sculpture, Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR.

Castle Douglas.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 15

Find all you want to do in Dumfries & Galloway in one place. For inspiration and ideas on how to make the most of your time in Dumfries & Galloway call in to a VisitScotland Information Centre. Our friendly experts can offer advice on all things local as well as sharing their wider knowledge of Scotland. Ask and you’ll find all the hidden gems, from cultural to culinary. We don’t just advise either. We can sort out your accommodation and all your travel needs, as well as tickets for events across Scotland. So if you’re looking to get the most from your visit, call in and see us we’ll point you in the right direction.

Castle Douglas

Market Hill Car Park, Castle Douglas DG7 1AE - 01556 502611

Dumfries

64 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS - 01387 253862

Gretna

Unit 38, Gateway Outlet Village DG16 5GG - 01461 337834

Kirkcudbright

Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright DG6 4HY - 01557 330494

Newton Stewart

Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ - 01671 402431

Stranraer

28 Harbour Street, Stranraer DG9 7RA - 01776 702595

Open All Year Open April until October Information Point in Partnership with VisitScotland. Plotted on the relevant area maps see pages 70 and 71

Some Centres may not offer all services listed

Information Centres

visitscotland.com/wheretoﬁndus

Caerlaverock Castle, 5-star Castle, near Dumfries

You’ll be surprised where our search for quality takes us

N THE SIG Y IT L A OF QU

Quite simply, it takes us the length and breadth of Scotland to visit thousands of different properties every year and grade them on the things we know matter to you. Things like the standard of hospitality, service, and customer care to help you make a more informed choice. VisitScotland Quality Assurance. Quality you can trust.

o oo ooo oooo ooooo

it is clean, tidy and an acceptable standard it is a good, all round standard it is a very good standard, with attention to detail in every area it is excellent – furnished using high quality materials, superb food where provided and friendly, professional service an exceptional standard where presentation, ambience, food where provided and service are hard to fault

It should be noted that establishments that fail to meet our minimum standards will not be awarded a star rating. Establishments awarded gold stars have consistently achieved the highest levels of excellence within their star grading.

Access all areas – The following symbols will help visitors with physical disabilities assess if businesses are suitable:

$ Unassisted wheelchair access

Assisted wheelchair access

Access for visitors with mobility difficulties

Because we care – www.green-business.co.uk Businesses that work in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way are graded: Bronze , Silver ß or Gold ©

The very best of food and drink – www.visitscotland.com/foodanddrink We assess the presentation, quality and service of food in every kind of eating establishment in Scotland from fish and chip shops to pubs, takeaways and top class restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly bar or a romantic restaurant, EatScotland gives a reliable, authoritative and comprehensive guide to eating out in Scotland. Only those operators who meet the EatScotland quality standards are accredited to the scheme so look out for the logo ‰ to ensure you visit some of Scotland’s best, quality eating establishments. Those with extra special standards of food are awarded EatScotland Silver Í or Gold Ì.

For more information on Quality Assurance or comments on star awarded properties please contact us: VisitScotland, Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3BJ. Email. customerservices@visitscotland.com or qa@visitscotland.com or visit www.visitscotland.com/qa Call into any VisitScotland Information Centre for further information www.visitscotland.com/wheretofindus

How to read the listings Location Attraction number

‘By’ designates that a property is within 10 miles of this location. Mileage in brackets after the location indicates the distance from the named location.

All places of interest and activity providers are plotted on the map on pages 70-71 and cross refer to this number within the listings.

22 ANY LOCATION (4 miles)

Map reference

Scott Gardens Kinross KY22 9YR T: 01599 862655 www.scottgardens.co.uk gardens.co.uk utiful 18th century gardens gar Beautiful with café and popular daily events, overlooking Sco one of Scotland’s famous lochs. Plenty to see and do for all the family.

To assist you further in locating each business, this grid reference relates to the map on pages 70-71.

EXA

Contact details Business description

oooo Visitor Attraction

44444

E MPL

Name of business

&©‰ƒ

Facilities and symbols

Open:

Quality Award Where a Quality Assurance award has been included on an entry, the business has been graded by VisitScotland and provides assurances on quality and standards. The scheme is explained on page 17 of this guide. The listings within this guide have been split into the following sections: • Places to Visit • Events & Festivals • Leisure Activities • Food & Drink

• Shopping • Tours • Local Services • Family Fun

Businesses within these sections are listed in alphabetical order by business location, then by business name. Each entry has a map reference (see example) relating to the map which appears on pages 70-71 of this guide. The map is helpful if you don’t know where a particular location is in relation to the area that interests you. The majority of entries will have a postcode which can be used to pin point exact location. Where businesses are listed as being ‘By’ a town or village it is wise to check the exact location with the operator before making your journey. Some listings have a distance beside the location; this indicates the approximate road distance in miles from the main location. These mileages are voluntarily provided by the businesses themselves. Pricing Where prices of admission, services and facilities are included in entries, these are based on information received from the relevant advertisers. Please note that prices include VAT where applicable and are for your guidance only (VAT as at December 2012). Smoking The majority of Scotland’s indoor public places, including pubs, restaurants and cafés, are smokefree by law, creating a healthier and fresher environment for residents and visitors to our beautiful country. For further information, visit www.clearingtheairscotland.com

Further information

Mar-Jun: Centre open 10am-5pm. Sep-Dec: Centre open 9.30am-4pm. Closed Christmas and New Year. Admission: Adult £3, Concs £2, Child £0.50, Family £6. Car parking £5 all day.

See page 17 and below for details.

Opening times and admission prices

ƒ Family Fun There is a wealth of things to see and do that will keep smiles on faces all day and boredom at bay. Attractions which are particularly suitable for children have been highlighted within this guide. Please note this icon is not verified by VisitScotland Quality and Standards Department.

Assistance Dogs The new Equality Act 2010 protects anybody who has or has had a disability and people who experience discrimination because they are linked or associated with a disabled person. In respect of assistance dogs the law quite clearly states that to refuse admission to a registered assistance dog is now unlawful and constitutes discrimination under the Equality Act 2012 under three possible categories: 1: discrimination arising from a disability; 2: indirect discrimination and 3: disability harassment. VisitScotland is committed to equality of opportunity and is working through its Accessible Tourism Project to educate and inform all our customers about the requirements under the law. We have encouraged all our business customers to use the assistance dog symbol in order to comply with law, or make it clear in a statement that they welcome all assistance dogs. It is always advisable to check with each establishment prior to booking.

, Dogs Welcome Dogs are welcome to this establishment, on the understanding that they are on their leash and are kept under control. You may have to check with each establishment whether there are restricted areas for your dog. Please note this icon is not verified by VisitScotland Quality and Standards Department.

The map To help you ﬁnd your way around, a grid reference at the top right hand corner of each listing corresponds to the large map on pages 70-71. This map includes all the numbered listings in the guide, colour coded by interest, as well as handy information such as road numbers, VisitScotland Information Centres and train stations.

106

155 43 44 64 159 160

18 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

104

110 140

144

142 41

121

130

137 114

42 69 35 95

63 66

129

139

141 113

82 162

100

3 7 8 27 50 75 152 153 154 56 57 118 119

126

80 101

107

151 26 143 34

47 22

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25 71 70 132

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11 65 123

24 32

131

138 109

115

102

147

49 94 116 93 10

134

111 20 158

161

112

120

103

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For further information go to www.visitscotland.com

124

Induction loop and infrared systems help people with hearing loss hear more clearly by reducing the effect of background noise. When a building has been fitted with a loop or infrared system, you will usually find this mentioned in their adverts, newsletters and at the entrance to the building. Informative signs and symbols should be displayed such as the loop sign above, it is always worth asking if it is not obvious. Please note this icon is not verified by VisitScotland Quality and Standards Department.

105 135 136

v Hearing Loop

4 17 18 38 83 59 60 133 156 157

1 2 72 97 127 128 148 149 150

Please note each attraction has one number but may appear within more than one section of the guide, depending on the type of attraction. For example, if an attraction is especially good for all the family, they may appear within the ‘Family fun’ pages as well as the section covering ‘Places to visit’ or ‘Leisure activities’. The number remains constant within all entries for this attraction, and the number on the map will be coloured according to the ﬁrst appearance of the attraction/activity provider within the guide.

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Places to Visit 3 DUMFRIES

Art Galleries

6 By LANGHOLM

MacDiarmid Memorial

For a list of exciting events taking place throughout Dumfries & Galloway see pages 54-55

Gracefield Arts Centre E4

Robert Burns 23458

1 CASTLE DOUGLAS

28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JQ T: 01387 262084 F: 01387 255173 arts@dumgal.gov.uk Enjoy local, national and international contemporary art and craft exhibitions, plus selected exhibitions from our collection of Scottish Art. Excellent cafĂŠ, craft shop, family activities, spacious grounds and parking makes Gracefield a great all year attraction. Ä&#x161; +LJK TXDOLW\ H[KLELWLRQV Ä&#x161; :LGH UDQJLQJ FUDIWV Ä&#x161; &RQYHQLHQW ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; )UHH SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; 5HOD[HG DWPRVSKHUH Ä&#x161; .LGV DUW DFWLYLWLHV Ä&#x161; 3ULQWPDNHUVÄ? ZRUNVKRS

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Langholm Gigantic metallic â&#x20AC;&#x153;open bookâ&#x20AC;? on hillside above town, dedicated to Hugh MacDiarmid poet, joint founder of the SNP, and lover of Scotland.

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Castle Douglas Art Gallery

7 DUMFRIES

18413

Market Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1BE (adjacent to Castle Douglas Library) T/F: 01557 331643 stewartrymuseum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Gallery of widely exhibited artist Angela Lawrence showing frequently changing displays of her contemporary but accessible land and seascape paintings, and more. Commissions, quality prints, calendars and art gifts based on Angela Lawrenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work also available. Ä&#x161; :HOFRPLQJ JDOOHU\ Ä&#x161; ,QWHUHVWLQJ VWXGLR Ä&#x161; 3ULQWV FDUGV FRPPLVVLRQV Ä&#x161; $IIRUGDEOH RULJLQDO SDLQWLQJV Ä&#x161; &RQWHPSRUDU\ *DOORZD\ SDLQWLQJV Ä&#x161; 3RSXODU PDUNHW WRZQ DPLGVW EHDXWLIXO VFHQHU\

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Opening times variable according to the exhibition programme. 3OHDVH WHOHSKRQH IRU LQIRUPDWLRQ Admission: Free.

Robert Burns Centre

Castle Bank, Kirkcudbright T: 01557 330073 Oldest art gallery in the artist town of Kirkcudbright. We specialise in showing original works of local artists working thoughout the year in the town and area. 68071

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself!

2 CASTLE DOUGLAS

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Mar-Dec: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-12.30pm, 2-5pm; Sun 2-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ1, Child free, Conc 75p.

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Kirkcudbright Harbour Cottage Gallery Trust

8 DUMFRIES

Arts Attractions

Clience Studio

Robert Burns House

At the Clock Tower, 212 King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DS T: 01556 504318 M: 0790 230 1883 angela@cliencestudio.co.uk www.cliencestudio.co.uk GALLERY of widely exhibited artist ANGELA LAWRENCE showing frequently changing displays of her contemporary but accessible land and seascape paintings, and more. Commissions, quality prints, calendars and art gifts based on Angela Lawrenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work also available. Ä&#x161; :HOFRPLQJ JDOOHU\ Ä&#x161; ,QWHUHVWLQJ VWXGLR Ä&#x161; 3ULQWV FDUGV FRPPLVVLRQV Ä&#x161; $IIRUGDEOH RULJLQDO SDLQWLQJV Ä&#x161; &RQWHPSRUDU\ *DOORZD\ SDLQWLQJV Ä&#x161; 3RSXODU PDUNHW WRZQ DPLGVW EHDXWLIXO VFHQHU\

Burns Street, Dumfries DG1 2PS T: 01387 255297 dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums The simple sandstone house in which Robert Burns, Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national poet, spent the last years of his brilliant life. Ä&#x161; .LOPDUQRFN (GLWLRQ Ä&#x161; 2ULJLQDO PDQXVFULSWV Ä&#x161; %XUQV GHVN DQG FKDLU

All year. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm (core hours). Admission: Free.

76337

Striding Arches

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T: 01387 247010 www.stridingarches.com A hugely innovative artist-led project which celebrates and interprets a little-known area of Dumfries & Galloway. Andy Goldsworthyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s red sandstone arches â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;strideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; around the natural amphitheatre that is Cairnhead, deep in the Southern Uplands. In the heart of the glen, another arch springs from a disused farm building, The Byre, creating a place that is both sculpture and shelter. Admission free.

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5 CAIRNHEAD FOREST, by MONIAIVE

71562

4 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE T: 01387 264808 dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Award-winning visitor centre telling story of connections between Robert Burns and the town of Dumfries. Ä&#x161; $XGLR YLVXDO SUHVHQWDWLRQ Ä&#x161; 6FDOH WRZQ PRGHO Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ FDIÂż Ä&#x161; 6KRS

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To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 19

Places to Visit E2

Glenwhan Gardens

Thornhill DG3 4AQ T: 01848 331555 enquiries@drumlanrig.com www.drumlanrig.com Castle, gardens, country park, Scottish Bicycle Museum, adventure playground, walking, mountain biking, cycling, wildlife, events. (See display advert on page 64).

Dunragit, by Stranraer DG9 8PH T/F: 01581 400222 M: 0778 799 0702 tess@glenwhan.freeserve.co.uk www.glenwhangardens.co.uk Spectacular views in magnificent scenery. A plantsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. Moorland walks, varied wildlife, tearoom and plant centre.

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Castle: 23 Mar-31 Aug: daily, 11am-4pm (last entry). Gardens & Country Estate: 23 Mar-30 Sep: daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Visit website for 2013 charges.

Holywood, Dumfries DG2 0RP T: 01387 740426 dfs@gmthomson.co.uk www.ellislandfarm.co.uk Farmhouse and steading reflecting the poetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farming and literary life. Riverside walk, farming exhibits, heritage trail. Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ GD\ RXW

Open:

1 Apr-30 Oct: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm. (Tearooms closed end Sep but entry by honesty box.) Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Child ÂŁ1.20, Concs ÂŁ4, Family ÂŁ12. RHS Members free from 1 Aug-end Oct.

16 GARLIESTON

Gardens and Nurseries

Galloway House Gardens Garlieston, Newton Stewart DG8 8HF T: 01988 600680 info@gallowayhousegardens.co.uk www.gallowayhousegardens.co.uk An outstanding coastal spring garden including many woodland walks leading to a large sandy beach.

69919

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All year. Apr-Sep: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun 2-5pm. Oct-Mar: Tues-Sat, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ4, Child free, Concs/Bus parties ÂŁ3.

Open:

All year. 9am-5pm (Walled garden closed for 2013 season). Admission: Adult ÂŁ2, Child ÂŁ1, Concs ÂŁ1, Family ÂŁ5. Parking Meter ÂŁ2/car. Further donations at collection box.

13 By CASTLE DOUGLAS

Castles

17 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

The National Trust for Scotland 12 High Street, Kirkcudbright T: 0844 493 2246 www.nts.org.uk Enchanting garden with Japanese influences, developed behind Broughton House by EA Hornel.

63563

Broughton House & Garden

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House & Garden: 23 Mar-31 Oct: Mon-Sun, 12noon-5pm. Garden only: 1 Feb-22 Mar, Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ6.50, Concs ÂŁ5, Family ÂŁ16.50.

Threave Garden, House & Estate (NTS)

Dunskey Castle 0.5 miles south of Portpatrick. Impressive early c16th castle ruins on a dramatic cliff top setting. Dunskey Castle is located on the coastal path from Portpatrick. Please note there is no access to the castle interior. Care is needed if visiting as the cliffs here are steep and dangerous and you are advised to stay on the path. For further information contact the curator on T: 01776 705088. Admission free.

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18 KIRKCUDBRIGHT (1 mile)

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11 STRANRAER

Off A75, 1 mile west of Castle Douglas DG7 1RX T: 0844 493 2245 www.nts.org.uk Magnificent 64 acre garden for all seasons, with interest all year round. See main rooms of Threave House and explore wider estate with trails, bird hides and wildfowl sanctuary. Visitor centre with shop and restaurant. (See display advert on back cover). Ä&#x161; 0DJQLILFHQW JDUGHQ Ä&#x161; 9LVLW FRXQWU\VLGH FHQWUH Ä&#x161; 5HQRZQHG IRU GDIIRGLOV Ä&#x161; ([SORUH ZLGHU HVWDWH Ä&#x161; ,PSUHVVLYH ZDOOHG JDUGHQ Ä&#x161; (QMR\ OLFHQVHG UHVWDXUDQW Ä&#x161; 6WXQQLQJ KHUEDFHRXV ERUGHUV Ä&#x161; )DQWDVWLF KRPH EDNLQJ

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10 By PORTPATRICK

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14 CASTLE KENNEDY, STRANRAER

Elizabeth MacGregor's Nursery at Ellenbank Ellenbank, Tongland Road, Kirkcudbright DG6 4UU T: 01557 330620 M: 0794 154 6228 alasdair.macgregor@btinternet.com www.elizabethmacgregornursery.co.uk Cottage garden plant nursery with a large range of unusual hardy plants for sale, including many bred and introduced on site. Delightful half acre walled garden. Winner of many RHS Gold Medals. Ä&#x161; &RWWDJH JDUGHQ SODQWV Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ QXUVHU\ Ä&#x161; /DUJH ZDOOHG JDUGHQ Ä&#x161; %HDXWLIXO VXUURXQGLQJV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ EXVLQHVV

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Ellisland Farm

15 DUNRAGIT, by STRANRAER

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

28391

12 By THORNHILL

27160

23294

9 HOLYWOOD, by DUMFRIES

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1 Apr-31 Oct: daily, 10am-5pm. Feb-Mar: weekends only, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Child ÂŁ1.50, Concs ÂŁ3.50, Family ÂŁ11.

20 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

19 NEWTONAIRDS, by DUMFRIES Newtonairds Lodge Hostas & Garden Newtonairds Lodge, Newtonairds T: 01387 820203 jcoutts@toucansurf.com National Collection within plantsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden, topiary punctuated borders packed with unusual plantings of perennials. Some plant sales. Open:

80690

Castle Kennedy, Stranraer DG9 8SJ T: 01776 702024 F: 01776 706248 info@castlekennedygardens.co.uk www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk Historic, beautiful landscaped gardens set between two large natural lochs with year-round interest, including snowdrops, banks of spring flowers, magnificent rhododendron and magnolia displays, rare plants, a herbaceous garden and the romantic ruined Castle Kennedy. (See display advert on page 61). Ä&#x161; &KDUPLQJ WHDURRP Ä&#x161; &KDPSLRQ WUHHV Ä&#x161; *LIW VKRS Ä&#x161; 3ODQW FHQWUH Ä&#x161; 'HVLJQHG ZDONV Ä&#x161; :LOGOLIH VSRWWLQJ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ HYHQWV DQG DFWLYLWLHV Ä&#x161; *DUGHQ WRXUV Ä&#x161; %LUG KLGH

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Castle Kennedy & Gardens

Charlotte Street, Stranraer, Wigtownshire DG9 7JEJ T: 01776 705088 F: 01776 705835 stranraermuseum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Recently renovated tower-house in the centre of Stranraer which over the years has been used as a family house, a military garrison and a prison. Superb views from the castleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof. Ä&#x161; 3ULVRQ FHOO UHFRQVWUXFWLRQ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ DFWLYLWLHV Ä&#x161; )UHH DGPLVVLRQ Ä&#x161; 6KRS

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Castle of St John

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Last Sunday in May-end Aug. Sun & Mon only 11am-5pm. Groups and coaches by arrangement. Admission: Adult ÂŁ3.

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Places to Visit 20 OLD MINNIGAFF, NEWTON STEWART

22 By WHITHORN

27 DUMFRIES

A plaque on the wall at the bus stops in Burns Square, Dumfries marks the position of Grey Friars Monastery, where Robert the Bruce, in 1306, stabbed John â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Red Comynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a rival claimant to the throne of Scotland. Open all year.

28 DUMFRIES

23478

King Robert The Bruce Plaque

Claymoddie, Whithorn DG8 8LX T: 01988 500422 mary.claymoddie@aol.co.uk www.gallowayplants.co.uk Romantically landscaped all-seasons garden. Wide and exciting variety of meticulously positioned plants, old favourites and exotica from southern hemisphere and elsewhere. Vast range of plants available from Galloway Plants, all propagated from Claymoddie Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stock. Ä&#x161; ([FHOOHQW TXDOLW\ Ä&#x161; $GYLFH RQ SODQWV DQG SODQWLQJ VFKHPHV WR VXLW \RXU JDUGHQ Ä&#x161; 0DLO RUGHU DYDLODEOH

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www.facebook.com/visitscotland www.twitter.com/visitscotland

29 DUMFRIES

Historic Homes and Attractions

The Mid Steeple Dominating the High Street, the Mid Steeple was built in the early c18th and it forms the backdrop for the climax of the annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guid Nychburrisâ&#x20AC;? festival in June. View from outside only. Open all year.

30 By DUMFRIES

23478

Open: All year. Open site. Admission: Free.

80600

Claymoddie Garden & Galloway Plants

Old Minnigaff, Newton Stewart DG8 6PX T: 01671 402514 moiradavies@yahoo.co.uk www.elmleaplants.co.uk Family-run nursery specialising in herbaceous perennials and grasses. We offer a friendly, personal service and are happy to provide advice. Although our nursery is small, we offer a diverse selection of plants. Ä&#x161; 8QXVXDO SODQWV Ä&#x161; :LGH SODQW FKRLFH Ä&#x161; 5DQJH RI JUDVVHV Ä&#x161; +HUEDFHRXV SHUHQQLDOV Ä&#x161; 6PDOO DQG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ UXQ QXUVHU\ Ä&#x161; $GYLFH DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; &RQVWDQWO\ HYROYLQJ JDUGHQ

24851

Elmlea Plants

On the western outskirts of Dumfries in Abbey Lane on the A76. T: 0131 668 8600 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Remains of a collegiate church and accommodation for its canons. Founded 1389 by Archibald the Grim, 3rd Earl of Douglas. The splendid chancel, probably added by his son Archibald, the 4th Earl, houses the exquisite monumental tomb of his wife.

65408

Lincluden Collegiate Church, Historic Scotland

Situated beside B729, 400m from A76 The largest stone circle on the Scottish mainland. Park beside first road on left and walk 100m to waymarker and stile. Open all year. Admission free.

Hollows, Canonbie DG14 0XD T/F: 01387 371876 M: 0777 625 6970 ted.armclan@btinternet.com â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;First Footâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; moon. Armstrong carpet. Reiver ghost. Guided tour at 2.30pm.

Open: All year (outdoors). Admission: No charge for trail. (Charges for properties on the trail, such DV +LVWRULF 6FRWODQG SURSHUWLHV EXW WUDLO SODTXHV DUH RXWZLWK these.)

31 DUNDRENNAN

1 Apr-30 Sep. Other times by appointment. Guided tour daily at 2.30pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Child ÂŁ2.50, OAP ÂŁ2.50.

25 CARSLUITH

Open:

Feb/Mar some weekends only. Easter-Oct: daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Child (under 14) ÂŁ2, Concs ÂŁ4.20, Family ÂŁ12, Season Ticket ÂŁ15.

12 By THORNHILL

Dundrennan, A711, 6.5 miles south east of Kirkcudbright DG6 4QH T: 01557 500262 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish soil in this Cistercian abbey founded by David I. Built in c12th, the abbey stands in a small, secluded valley, its remoteness in keeping with the strict rules of the Cistercian order.

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Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns, Historic Scotland 6.5 miles south east of Creetown T: 0131 668 8600 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Dating back to about 2000 BC. Impressive remains of two chambered cairns. Open all year. Admission free.

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Dundrennan Abbey, Historic Scotland

Open:

23853

Portpatrick, Wigtownshire DG9 8TJ T: 01776 810905 info@dunskey.com www.dunskey.com Charming 18C plantsmans, walled and woodland gardens and maze; tearoom with terrace shop, plant sales.

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Gilnockie Tower

26 By CASTLE DOUGLAS

All year. 1 Apr-30 Sept: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. 1-31 Mar: Sat-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ4.50, Conc ÂŁ3.60, Child ÂŁ2.70.

32 ECCLEFECHAN

Thomas Carlyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthplace

Thornhill DG3 4AQ T: 01848 331555 enquiries@drumlanrig.com www.drumlanrig.com 40 acres of gardens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Victorian glasshouse, plant centre, Rhododendron collection, Heather houses and woodland garden. (See display advert on page 64).

A75 3 miles W of Castle Douglas DG7 1TJ T: 0771 122 3101 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Massive tower, on an island in the River Dee. Ring the bell and the custodian will ferry you over.

The National Trust for Scotland The Arched House, Ecclefechan DG11 3DG Off M74, 5.5 miles south east of Lockerbie. T: 0844 493 2247 Birthplace of the great writer, historian, and one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential thinkers. Furnished to reflect domestic life around 1795, including a collection of portraits and belongings.

Open:

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Castle: 23 Mar-31 Aug: daily, 11am-4pm (last entry). Gardens & Country Estate: 23 Mar-30 Sep: daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Visit website for 2013 charges.

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65408

Threave Castle, Historic Scotland

23294

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

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65408

Dunskey Gardens & Maze

info@brucetrust.co.uk www.brucetrust.co.uk 26 trail sites commemorating King Robert the Bruce. Leaflets & guide books at tourist outlets.

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Apr-Oct: 1 Apr-30 Sep, daily, 9.30am-5pm. Last entry 4.30pm. Oct: Daily 9.30am-4pm. Last entry 3.30pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ4.50, Child ÂŁ2.70, Conc ÂŁ3.60.

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21 PORTPATRICK

24 By CANONBIE

19437

Pop into a VisitScotland Information Centre and pick up a free copy of Dumfries & Galloway What to See & Do Guide

23478

A7, 2 miles south of Canonbie. c16th A trench and dyke, dug to mark the Border between Scotland and England at a time when feuds raged over the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Debatable Landsâ&#x20AC;?. Restricted access. Open all year. Admission free.

Montain bikers at Kirroughtree 7stanes

THROUGHOUT DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY The Robert The Bruce Commemoration Trust

Scotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dyke

60198

23 CANONBIE

23478

Twelve Apostles

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Open:

29 Mar-1 Apr; Fri-Mon, 12noon-4pm. 1 Jun-30 Sep; Fri-Mon, 12noon-4pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ3.50, Concs ÂŁ2.50, Family ÂŁ9.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 21

Places to Visit G4

Cardoness Castle

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New Abbey, 7 miles S of Dumfries DG2 8BU T: 01387 850397 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Splendid remains of Cistercian abbey founded by Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway, in memory of her husband John Balliol.

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Open:

All year. 1 Apr-30 Sep, daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. 1 Oct-31 Mar, Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Conc £3.60, Child £2.70.

47 WHITHORN

At Whithorn on the A746. DG8 8PY. T: 01988 500508 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.whithornpriorymuseum.gov.uk Founded by St Ninian in the 5th century, Whithorn is the site of Scotland’s first Christian church. A display of outstanding carved stones is housed in the refurbished museum.

Caerlaverock Castle Historic Scotland

65408

35 By GLENCAPLE, DUMFRIES

Glenwhan Gardens, Dunragit

Open: Summer only, Apr-Oct, 10.30am-5pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Child £2.25, Concs £3.

Looking for glorious gardens?

41 NEW GALLOWAY

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Open:

All year. 1 Apr-30 Sep: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. 1 Oct-31 Mar: daily, 9.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Adult £5.50, Child £3.30, Conc £4.40.

Glenluce Abbey, Historic Scotland

3 miles south of Whithorn T: 0131 668 8600 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Traditionally associated with St Ninian. Early crosses found here are housed at Whithorn Museum, but weathered crosses carved on the walls of the cave are still visible. Open all year. Admission free.

Open: Apr-Sep. 1 Apr-30 Sep: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Conc £3.60, Child £2.70.

42 RUTHWELL

Ruthwell Church www.ruthwellkirk.org.uk Magnificent 18ft stone Anglo-Saxon preaching cross; a major monument of early medieval Europe, featuring detailed figurative carvings. Open: All year, daily.

Hilltop monument to c17th Covenanters who died for their beliefs. Their gravestones are in the churchyard, and a stone shaft on the shore marks the spot where two women were drowned at the stake in 1685. Open all year.

For more information on Dumfries & Galloway www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

23478

43 SANQUHAR

A711 Kirkcudbright DG26 4JD T: 01557 331856 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Built in 1577 using stone from an adjoining ruined monastery by the then Provost, Sir Thomas MacLellan, this castellated town house has fine architectural details.

T: 01659 50596 Historic items in this c19th church include a medieval stone effigy of a monk, an early medieval cross slab and an effigy of St Nicholas, recovered from a site south of the town. Key available from session clerk. Admission free.

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65408

Sanquhar Church

44 SANQUHAR

Sanquhar – The Historic Walk T: 01659 50596 Meander through the town, following the historic plaques, taking in the c18th Tolbooth designed by William Adam, the world’s oldest working post office, Cameron Monument and Sanquhar Castle.

Open: Apr-Sep. 1 Apr-30 Sep: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Conc £3.60, Child £2.70.

39 NEW ABBEY

65408

New Abbey Corn Mill Historic Scotland

Indoor Play

23478

MacLellan’s Castle, Historic Scotland

45 By THORNHILL

23478

38 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Wigtown Martyrs’ Monument

Motte of Urr Off B794, 2.5 mls N of Dalbeattie c12th. Over 5 acres in extent, this motte and bailey earthwork castle is the most extensive in Scotland. Open all year. Admission free.

49 WIGTOWN

The Ruthwell Cross

23478

65408

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37 By HAUGH OF URR, DALBEATTIE

The National Trust for Scotland A712, 6 miles west of New Galloway T: 0844 493 2244 (Ranger Service) threave@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk This granite boulder on Moss Rapploch marks the spot where Bruce defeated the English in 1307. It is said that Bruce rested against this stone after the battle. Open all year.

50 DUMFRIES

Durisdeer Church

The Farmer’s Den

A702, 6 mls NE of Thornhill. 1699. Houses the “Queensberry Marbles” which represents the recumbent figures of the second Duke and Duchess of Queensberry (1711). In the vault below lie 29 lead coffins containing ancient remains of the Clan Douglas. The Well Path was part of a medieval pilgrimage route to Whithorn. Open all year. Admission free.

33 Glasgow Street, Dumfries DG2 9AG also at Lady Street, Annan DG12 5DA T: 01387 249100 (Dumfries) 01461 206010 (Annan) The Farmer’s Den is an indoor soft play centre suitable for children up to the age of 10 years. Sit and relax in our café whilst the children play. Situated in both Dumfries and Annan open all year round. All year. Mon-Sun, 9.30am-5pm (excl. Xmas/New Year). Admission: Adult free, Child £3.50 (under 1s free).

22 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

23478

All year. 1 Apr-30 Sep: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. 1 Oct-31 Mar: Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Child £2.70, Conc £3.60.

Open:

78807

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63563

Off A75, 2 miles north west of Glenluce DG8 0AF T: 01581 300541 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Founded by Roland, Earl of Galloway in 1192, the ruins of this Cistercian house occupy a site of great natural beauty. Visited by Robert the Bruce and James IV. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here during a royal progress.

48 By WHITHORN St Ninian’s Cave Historic Scotland

23478

36 By GLENLUCE

Bruce’s Stone

65408

www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/gardens

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Whithorn Priory & Museum, Historic Scotland

All year. 1 Apr-30 Sep: daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. 1 Oct-31 Mar: Sat-Sun, 9.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Conc £3.60, Child £2.70.

A710 7 miles south of Dumfries DG2 8BX T: 01387 850260 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places This renovated c18th water-powered mill is in full working order. Demonstrations given in summer months.

Shieldhill Road, Torthorwold DG1 3PS A709 from Dumfries, turn left just inside village T: 01387 247543 Fascinating example of early c19th thatched “but and ben” cottage, lived in until the 1960s. Carefully restored in 1990 by Solway Heritage using traditional skills and local materials. Open all year – a list of local key holders is displayed in the window of the cottage. Admission free.

Open:

B725 8 miles SE of Dumfries DG1 4RU T: 01387 770244 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places With its moat and battlements, the epitome of the medieval stronghold. Exhibition, shop, nature trail and more.

46 TORTHORWOLD, by DUMFRIES Cruck Cottage

65408

A75, 1 mile south west of Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2EH T: 01557 814427 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places A well-preserved six storey tower house of the McCullochs dating back to the 15th century. Its battlements command excellent views over Fleet Bay. Look out for the splendid fireplaces in the great and upper halls.

23478

34 By GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

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T:01671 402420 3 miles north of Ecclefechan. From about c6th B.C. A native hilltop earthwork flanked by two Roman siege camps of about c2nd A.D. Open all year. Admission free.

40 NEW ABBEY Sweetheart Abbey Historic Scotland

Burnswark

65408

33 By ECCLEFECHAN

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Places to Visit 52 ARBIGLAND, by KIRKBEAN

Museums

53 CARLISLE

Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TP T: 01228 618718 F: 01228 810249 enquiries@tulliehouse.co.uk www.tulliehouse.co.uk Family friendly museum. From fine art to interactive fun, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone.

62242

Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

Open:

All year except 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 11am-5pm. Nov-Mar: Mon-Sat, 10am5pm; Sun, 12noon-5pm. Admission: Charges apply, please visit website for details.

John Paul Jones Museum G4

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54 CREETOWN

33038

51 ANNAN

Arbigland, Kirkbean T: 01387 880613 F: 01387 265081 JohnPaulJones@dumgal.gov.uk www.jpj.demon.co.uk Signposted off A710, 13 miles south west of Dumfries. Cottage where John Paul Jones â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Father of the American Navyâ&#x20AC;? was born in 1747. (See display advert on page 67). Ä&#x161; 0XVHXP Ä&#x161; 6KRS Ä&#x161; $XGLR YLVXDO Ä&#x161; 5HIUHVKPHQWV Ä&#x161; 0DQ\ LQWHUHVWLQJ H[KLELWV Ä&#x161; $WWUDFWLYH JURXQGV Ä&#x161; 3LFQLF IDFLOLWLHV Ä&#x161; &HUWLILHG &DUDYDQ &OXE ORFDWLRQ

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Bank Street, Annan DG12 6AA T: 01461 201384 Annan.Museum@dumgal.gov.uk www.annan.org.uk Friendly local museum with a permanent exhibition on the history of Annan and a range of temporary exhibitions and special events. Ä&#x161; &KLOG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; &ORVH WR SXEOLF WUDQVSRUW Ä&#x161; /RFDO KLVWRU\ Ä&#x161; &HQWUDO ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; :KHHOFKDLU DFFHVV Ä&#x161; 6KRS

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Annan Museum

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself! www.visitscotland.com/natural

Creetown Heritage Museum 91 St John Street, Creetown, Newton Stewart DG8 7JE T: 01671 820471/820278 www.creetown-heritage-museum.com Well displayed local history of the village using photographs, artefacts, audio and video presentations together with activities for children. The museum is divided into several areas, each showing a part of Creetownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Ä&#x161; *UHDW FRPSOLPHQWV UHFHLYHG Ä&#x161; /RZ DGPLVVLRQ FRVW Ä&#x161; $ IULHQGO\ SODFH Ä&#x161; (DV\ SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; &KLOGUHQ ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; %ULQJV EDFN PHPRULHV

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1 Apr-30 Sep: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm. -XO $XJ 0RQ 6XQ DP SP Admission: Adult ÂŁ3.50, Child free, Conc ÂŁ3.

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Fishing on the River Annan. To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 23

Places to Visit F4

60 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Tolbooth Art Centre

Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE T: 01387 253374 F: 01387 265081 dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Built in 1660 into the sandstone of Devorgilla Bridge, Dumfriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oldest house is now a museum of everyday life in the town. Ä&#x161; WK FHQWXU\ QXUVHU\ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ NLWFKHQ Ä&#x161; (DUO\ GHQWLVWÄ?V VXUJHU\

High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JL T: 01557 331556 F: 01557 331643 stewartrymuseum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Set in one of Kirkcudbrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic buildings, the centre tells the story of the Kirkcudbright Artists Colony (1880-present) through an audio-visual show and permanent display of paintings. Also a programme of temporary art, craft & photographic exhibitions. Ä&#x161; 2SHQ DOO \HDU Ä&#x161; $XGLR YLVXDO VKRZ Ä&#x161; )UHH DGPLVVLRQ Ä&#x161; 3URJUDPPH RI H[KLELWLRQV Ä&#x161; 6KRS Ä&#x161; &DIÂż Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV

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Open:

Easter-Oct: Sat, Sun, 10am-5pm, Wed, Thur/Fri Jul-Aug 11am-4pm. Selected bank holidays and special appointments for coaches and school parties. Admission: Adult ÂŁ4, Child ÂŁ3, Concs ÂŁ3, Family ÂŁ12.

Open:

56 DUMFRIES

58 EASTRIGGS, by ANNAN

Dumfries Museum

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$OO \HDU 1RY $SU 0RQ 6DW DP SP 0D\ -XQ 6HS 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP -XO $XJ 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP 2FW 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP Admission: Free.

61 By LANGHOLM Clan Armstrong Trust Museum

Daleside, Butterdales Road, Eastriggs T: 01461 700021 devils-porridge@tiscali.co.uk Tells the amazing story of the 30,000 WW1 munitions women and men from HM Factory Gretna.

Lodge Walk, Castleholm, Langholm DG13 0ND T: 01387 381610 museum@armstrongclan.org.uk www.armstrongclan.org.uk The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Armstrong museum. Discover your reiving past. See the Armstrongs of the future. Arms, armour, heraldry. Archives, Hall of Fame and library. Trace the history of this formidable Borders family.

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Open: From Easter onwards (full details on website). Admission: Adults ÂŁ3.50, Concs ÂŁ2.50, Family Ticket ÂŁ8.

Open: Good Friday-Oct: Tues, Wed, Fri-Sun, 2-5pm. Admission: Free-donations welcome.

62 NEWTON STEWART

59802

$OO \HDU (DVWHU 6HS 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP 2FW 0DU 7XHV 6DW DP SP SP Admission: Free.

Open:

Easter-early Oct: Mon-Sat, 2-5pm. Sun (Jul-Sep) 2-5pm. Mon-Fri (Jul-Aug), 10am-12.30pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ2, Child 20p.

www.twitter.com/visitscotland

59 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

York Road, Wigtownshire DG8 6HH T: 01671 402472 jmclaymus@btinternet.com This museum has a considerable variety of fascinating items in its collections-nursery, tools, dairy, kitchen, smithy, textiles, local photographs, and other aspects of social history from the past 250 years in the Cree Valley.

www.facebook.com/visitscotland

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Newton Stewart Museum

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Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Porridge Exhibition

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56 DUMFRIES

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The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries DG2 7SW T: 01387 253374 F: 01387 265081 Dumfries.Museum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums A treasure house of history, telling the story of Dumfries & Galloway. Ä&#x161; )RVVLO IRRWSULQWV OHIW E\ SUHKLVWRULF UHSWLOHV Ä&#x161; 7RROV DQG ZHDSRQV RI WKH HDUOLHVW SHRSOH Ä&#x161; 6WRQH FDUYLQJV RI 6FRWODQGÄ?V ILUVW &KULVWLDQV

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Easter-30 Sep: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun 2-5pm. Admission: Free.

63 RUTHWELL

Savings Banks Museum

St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4AQ T/F: 01557 331643 StewartryMuseum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Opened in 1892 the museum has a collection of remarkable range and quality, reflecting the human and natural history of the Stewartry. The social history collections of the c18th and c19th are particularly important. Ä&#x161; )UHH DGPLVVLRQ Ä&#x161; 6RFLDO KLVWRU\ FROOHFWLRQV Ä&#x161; 6LOOHU *XQ Ä&#x161; 3URJUDPPH RI H[KLELWLRQV Ä&#x161; 6KRS Ä&#x161; 2SHQ DOO \HDU Ä&#x161; 1DWXUDO KLVWRU\ FROOHFWLRQV

Ruthwell, Dumfries DG1 4NN T: 01387 870640 enquiries@savingsbanksmuseum.co.uk www.savingsbanksmuseum.co.uk This 200-year old cottage is the birthplace of the world savings bank movement. Displays include original ledgers, a collection of money boxes and banking artefacts from around the world. Ä&#x161; )UHH DGPLVVLRQ Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH JXLGHV Ä&#x161; $ VXSHU UHVRXUFH Ä&#x161; *UHDW LQIRUPDWLYH WRXU Ä&#x161; *URXS YLVLWV ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; 'LVFRYHU +HQU\ 'XQFDQ

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Easter-30 Sep. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 2-5pm. Weather permitting. $GPLVVLRQ $GXOW Ä¨ &RQF Ä¨

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$OO \HDU 1RY $SU 0RQ 6DW DP SP 0D\ -XQ 6HS 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP -XO $XJ 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP 2FW 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ SP. Admission: Free. Open:

24 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

56575

Stewartry Museum

The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries DG2 7SW T: 01387 253374 F: 01387 265081 dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums Originally an astronomical instrument, the camera obscura provides a fascinating panoramic view of Dumfries. Ä&#x161; ,QVWDOOHG LQ Ä&#x161; $ XQLTXH H[SHULHQFH 59802

Dumfries Museum Camera Obscura

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48243

Old Bridge House

Control Tower, Heathhall, Dumfries DG1 3PH T: 01387 251623 info@dumfriesaviationmuseum.com The prime objective of the Museum is to preserve and maintain the aviation heritage of Dumfries & Galloway along with exhibits from all over the world. Visitors can have a hands on experience in various aircraft. Ä&#x161; ,PSUHVVLYH GLVSOD\ RI DUWHIDFWV Ä&#x161; /DUJH DQG HYHU H[SDQGLQJ DLUFUDIW FROOHFWLRQ

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57 DUMFRIES

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55 DUMFRIES

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Places to Visit D3

High Street, Sanquhar DG4 6BN T: 01387 253374 F: 01387 265081 dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk ww.dumgal.gov.uk/museums The townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine c18th tolbooth with displays on Sanquhar knitting, mines, miners, local literature, Sanquhar jail, archaeology and community life. Ä&#x161; 0XVHXP DFWLYLW\ WUDLO Ä&#x161; )UHH DXGLR YLVXDO

71 By CARSLUITH

The Clog and Shoe Workshop

Marrbury Smokehouse at Carsluith Castle

Old School, Balmaclellan DG7 3QE T: 01644 420465 footwear@clogandshoe.co.uk www.clogandshoe.co.uk Galloway Footwear is the last company in Scotland to still create handmade clogs.

Near Gatehouse of Fleet, Wigtownshire DG8 6RW T/F: 01671 820476 mail@visitmarrbury.co.uk www.visitmarrbury.co.uk Peoples Awards Food Champions 2010. Haven for food lovers, Vincent and Ruby Marr personally welcome guests with tastings of traditionally smoked luxury Scottish foods. Historic Castle with free entry on site. Coming soon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fantastic bistro dining.

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Open:

Easter Mon-31 Oct: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm or by appointment. Rest of the year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; open most times but make an appointment before travelling any distance. Admission: Free. Fee for guided tours.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum

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67 BALMACLELLAN, by NEW GALLOWAY

Vary according to season. Please telephone first if travelling a long distance. (Call for details of evening opening times for bistro.) Admission: Free.

72 CASTLE DOUGLAS

53040

68 BLADNOCH, by WIGTOWN

37546

20361

64 SANQUHAR

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Sulwath Brewery

Bladnoch, Wigtown DG8 9AB T: 01988 402605 F: 01988 402235 enquiries@bladnoch.co.uk www.bladnoch.co.uk Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most southerly distillery nestles on the green banks of the River Bladnoch. The Distillery Shop offers a great selection of Bladnoch Whisky and a huge variety of Scottish gifts, glassware, jewellery and woollens. Ä&#x161; ([FHOOHQW VKRS Ä&#x161; 1HDU 6FRWODQGÄ?V 1DWLRQDO %RRNWRZQ Ä&#x161; 6FHQLF ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; :RUNLQJ GLVWLOOHU\ Ä&#x161; %HDXWLIXO ULYHU ZDONV Ä&#x161; *XLGHG WRXUV Ä&#x161; *DUGHQV Ä&#x161; 3LFQLF DUHD

The Brewery, 209 King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DT T/F: 01556 504525 info@sulwathbrewers.co.uk www.sulwathbrewers.co.uk We are a small family firm where personal attention and service is assured. We take great pride in the production of our products which are brewed traditionally, with no concentrates, colourings or extract. Ä&#x161; 3XUH QDWXUDO DOHV Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ EUHZHU\ Ä&#x161; 1R FRQFHQWUDWHV Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ EHHUV Ä&#x161; &RPSOHWHO\ QDWXUDO Ä&#x161; ([WHQVLYH EHHU UDQJH Ä&#x161; 0DLQ 6WUHHW ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; :DUP IULHQGO\ DWPRVSKHUH

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Stranraer Museum

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69 CAERLAVEROCK, by DUMFRIES

14 CASTLE KENNEDY, STRANRAER

Castle Kennedy & Gardens Stranraer DG9 8SJ T: 01581 400225 info@castlekennedygardens.co.uk castlekennedygardens.co.uk Fun for all with events and activities in the beautiful gardens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bird hide, guided walks, open-air theatre, pond dipping and more. (See display advert on page 61).

56810

55 George Street, Stranraer DG9 7JP T: 01776 705088 F: 01776 705835 stranraermuseum@dumgal.gov.uk ww.dumgal.gov.uk/museums The story of Wigtownshire from earliest times with displays on archaeology, local history, costume and archives. Special events during school holidays. An exciting programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Ä&#x161; 7HPSRUDU\ H[KLELWLRQV WKURXJKRXW WKH \HDU Ä&#x161; )UHH DGPLVVLRQ Ä&#x161; 6KRS

$OO \HDU H[FO ZHHNV RYHU &KULVWPDV 1HZ <HDU Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. During Jul-Aug & Bank Holiday weekends: Sat-Sun, 11am-5pm. 3OHDVH WHOHSKRQH WR FKHFN WRXU WLPHV Admission: Adult ÂŁ3.

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Open:

All year. Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-1pm & 1.30-4pm. Admission: Free.

18437

65 STRANRAER

Bladnoch Distillery & Visitor Centre

66330

Easter-30 Sep: Tues-Sat, 10am-1pm, 2-5pm; Sun 2-5pm. Admission: Free.

65843

Open:

& Ć&#x2019;,

Open:

Gardens and Tearoom: 1 Apr-31 Oct: daily, 10am-5pm. Feb-Mar: weekends only, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Child ÂŁ1.50, Concs ÂŁ3.50, Family ÂŁ11.

WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock DG1 4RS T: 01387 770200 F: 01387 770539 info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk www.wwt.org.uk A 1,400 acre wild reserve on the Solway coast-wintering birds include thousands of Svalbard barnacle geese and Whooper swans-with summer wildflower meadows and ospreys hunting over the Solway. Ä&#x161; :LOG VZDQ IHHGV Ä&#x161; &&79 RQ 2VSUH\V Ä&#x161; 6SHFLDO HYHQWV DOO \HDU Ä&#x161; *XLGHG ZDONV

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73 CREETOWN

68394

Visitor Attractions

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70 CARSLUITH Kirkdale Sawmill

Moat Road, Annan DG12 5DE T: 01461 206901 www.lonsdalecitycinemas.co.uk Two screen reasonably-priced quality cinemas. Open seven days a week with luxury seating, Dolby Digital Projection and sound, MasterImage 3D system, air conditioning and free car parking. Shows nightly with afternoon matinees at weekends and school holidays.

Kirkdale Estate, Carsluith, Wigtownshire DG8 7EA T/F: 01557 840273 neil@hannays.com www.kirkdale-sawmill.org.uk At Cairn Holy turnoff on A75. Only waterdriven sawmill in South Scotland. Nature trail to millpond. Seasoned local hardwoods for sale.

Open: All year. 7 days a week. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5.50, Child/Concs ÂŁ4.50. (Supplement applies for 3D films.)

36358

Lonsdale Cinemas

Open:

62289

66 ANNAN

Apr-Sep, Mon 1-4pm. Groups welcome by appointment at other times. Schools free of charge. Admission: Adult ÂŁ2, Child 50p.

Creetown Gem Rock Museum Chain Road, Creetown, Wigtownshire DG8 7HJ T: 01671 820357 F: 01671 820554 enquiries@gemrock.net www.gemrock.net The Gem Rock Museum is a unique world-class, world-wide collection of gemstones, crystals, minerals and fossils. It has a quality gift shop, working silversmith/lapidary and a tea room serving home baking. (See display advert on page 64). Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ PXVHXP Ä&#x161; $PD]LQJ FU\VWDO FDYH Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; 4XDOLW\ JLIW VKRS Ä&#x161; )UHVK KRPH EDNLQJ Ä&#x161; :RUOG FODVV H[KLELWLRQ Ä&#x161; 0LQHUDOV FU\VWDOV IRVVLOV Ä&#x161; &DYH EHDU IRVVLO

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21254

$OO \HDU 2SHQ HYHU\ GD\ H[FHSW &KULVWPDV 'D\ 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ7.50, Child ÂŁ3.70, Conc ÂŁ5.70, Family ÂŁ20.20.

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To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 25

Places to Visit 74 DALTON

76 DUMFRIES

58 EASTRIGGS, by ANNAN

Dumfries VisitScotland Information Centre

oooo Visitor Attraction

77 DUMFRIES

22123

Meikle Dyke, Dalton, Dumfriesshire DG11 1DU T: 01387 840236 info@daltonpottery.com www.daltonpottery.com A family friendly attraction with bright spacious indoor and outdoor areas full of interesting art, where all ages can paint a pot or an artwork to take home while others enjoy the cafĂŠ and playpark. (See display advert on page 61). Ä&#x161; 3DLQW D SRW Ä&#x161; $OO DJHV ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; /XQFKHV KRPH EDNLQJ Ä&#x161; 2SHQ GD\V Ä&#x161; )UHH DGPLVVLRQ Ä&#x161; &KLOGUHQÄ?V SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; 1R ERRNLQJ QHFHVVDU\ Ä&#x161; *DOOHU\ JLIW VKRS

23478

Dalton Pottery Art CafĂŠ

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Hetland Garden Centre F4

Tickets from: Midsteeple Box Office, Midsteeple, High Street, Dumfries DG1 2BH M: 0779 104 7835/0791 214 5865 mostlyghostly@hotmail.co.uk www.mostlyghostly.org Ghosts, Ghouls, Murder & Witchcraft! Join Mostly Ghostly for a terrifying tour around darkest Dumfries. Dumfries & Galloway Life 2012 Tourism Champion.

90116

Dumfries Ghost Walk

Open:

Private bookings/scheduled walks all year (phone/email for info). Jul-Aug: Weekly, 9pm, from Midsteeple. Admission: Adult ÂŁ7, Child ÂŁ5, Conc ÂŁ5, Family ÂŁ19. Private group bookings from ÂŁ70.

Carrutherstown, Dumfries DG1 4JX T: 01387 840632 david@hetlandgardencentre.co.uk www.hetlandgardencentre.co.uk Friendly and family-owned. A wide range of plants available, an undercover area and lovely walks through the Dinopark. Large tearoom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all food freshly prepared. Gift shop and home hardware department. Award-winning Christmas displays. Ä&#x161; 7UXH SODQW FHQWUH Ä&#x161; /DUJH WHDURRP Ä&#x161; 7HDURRP JDUGHQ Ä&#x161; *LIW VKRS Ä&#x161; 8QGHUFRYHU DUHD Ä&#x161; 7RLOHW IDFLOLWLHV Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG IDFLOLWLHV Ä&#x161; &RDFK SDUWLHV ZHOFRPH

oooo Garden Centre Open:

All year, 7 days a week. (Dinopark opening Spring 2013.) See our advert on page 59.

Galloway Kite Trail information boards. 26 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

71776

75 DUMFRIES

Daleside, Butterdales Road, Eastriggs T: 01461 700021 devils-porridge@tiscali.co.uk This amazing exhibition tells the story of 30,000 people who came to the Solway to make munitions in WW1 in HM Factory Gretna,â&#x20AC;&#x153;the greatest factory on Earth!â&#x20AC;?. As seen on BBC Coast. Ä&#x161; 6HHQ RQ Ä?&2$67Ä&#x2018; Ä&#x161; ([SHULHQFH WKH WUHQFKHV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ WLFNHW Ä¨ Ä&#x161; $QGHUVRQ 6KHOWHU H[KLELW Ä&#x161; *UHDW VRFLDO KLVWRU\ Ä&#x161; )DQWDVWLF )RUWLHVÄ? KRXVH Ä&#x161; 7KH 'HPRQ 'ULQN Ä&#x161; )XOO RI KXPRXU

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Ć&#x2019;

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Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Porridge Exhibition

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself! www.visitscotland.com/natural

64 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS T: 01387 253862 dumfriestic@visitscotland.com www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk An out of the ordinary Information Centre with a series of public artworks within the building and garden patio area. Range of local art and craftwork on display and available for sale. Agent for National Express, Citylink, Stena Line ferries to Ireland. Agent for local event tickets, fishing permits and Gateway to Golf Passes. Open all year. Admission free.

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Places to Visit 78 ESKDALEMUIR

17 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

85 LOCKERBIE

12 High Street, Kirkcudbright T: 0844 493 2246 www.nts.org.uk Home and studio of artist EA Horne; features many renowned paintings and amazing Japanese-style garden.

63563

Broughton House The National Trust for Scotland

oooo Historic House

Ă&#x;

Open:

House & Garden: 23 Mar-31 Oct: Mon-Sun, 12noon-5pm. Garden only: 1 Feb-22 Mar: Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ6.50, Concs ÂŁ5, Family ÂŁ16.50.

oo Visitor Attraction

Dryfesdale Lodge Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Centre Dryfesdale Cemetery Lodge, Dumfries Road, Lockerbie DG11 1HZ T: 01576 205962 trustees@dlvc.demon.co.uk www.dryfesdalelodge.org.uk There are two exhibition rooms and the Dryfesdale Room for visitors to reflect. A permanent exhibition room displays history panels depicting Lockerbieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique past from its pre-historic origins to 1988â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrorist attack and beyond. Other varying exhibitions are of local arts and crafts. Ä&#x161; )UHH SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV

52932

Eskdalemuir, Langholm, Dumfries & Galloway DG13 0QL T: 01387 373232 F: 01387 373223 reception@samyeling.org www.samyeling.org A place beyond imagination, stunning Tibetan Buddhist Temple in traditional style. Also Victory Stupa, Prayer Wheel House, Butterlamp House, Liberation Gate, Peace Garden, Shop and Tibetan Tea Rooms. Ä&#x161; 7LEHWDQ %XGGKLVW 7HPSOH Ä&#x161; 7LEHWDQ 3HDFH *DUGHQ Ä&#x161; 7LEHWDQ 7HD 5RRPV

Open:

All year. Apr-Sep: Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm. Oct-Mar: 9am-4pm. Admission: Suggested donations: Adult ÂŁ5, Child ÂŁ3.

79 GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

23369

Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

Open:

End of March-30 Sep: daily, 10am-4pm. Oct: 11am-3pm (closed Wed). Week prior to 21 Dec. $GPLVVLRQ )UHH

82 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

86 MABIE, by DUMFRIES

oooo Visitor Attraction

Ć&#x2019;

Open: All year: Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm. Admission: Adult Free, Child ÂŁ12, Play only ÂŁ4.

Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway

oooo Visitor Attraction

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)HE 1RY )HE 0RQ 6XQ DP SP 0DU 1RY 0RQ 6XQ DP SP (DVWHU :KLWVXQ -XO $XJ 0RQ 6XQ DP SP $GPLVVLRQ $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG Ä¨ $GGLWLRQDO FKDUJH IRU HYHQWV and rides. Open:

Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park

38369

oooo Visitor Attraction Open: Apr-Oct: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm. Admission: Free (donations welcome).

2SHQ )HE 1RY DP SP VXPPHU SP $GPLVVLRQ $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG \UV Ä¨ Senior Citizen ÂŁ6.50, )DPLO\ DGXOWV FKLOGUHQ Ä¨ (See display advert on page 60).

84 LEADHILLS

Gretna Green DG16 5EA T: 01461 338441 F: 01461 338442 info@gretnagreen.com www.gretnagreen.com Gretna Green Story Exhibition, quaint cottage-style buildings revealing an array of shopping experiences. Restaurant, Courtship Maze, play-park.

The Station, Station Road, Leadhills ML12 6XP T: 01555 662963 info@leadhillsrailway.co.uk www.leadhillsrailway.co.uk A touristic railway, Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest adhesion railway, passing through the industrial heritage of Leadhills.

25608

The Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway

Open:

Â&#x203A;

All year. Daily, all year round from 9am. Open until late in Summer (closed Christmas Day). Admission: (Exhibition): Adult ÂŁ3.50, Child Free, Conc ÂŁ2.75, (Children under 12 free). (See display advert on page 64).

oo Visitor Attraction Open:

Mull Of Galloway Experience E2

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

oooo Visitor Attraction

87 MULL OF GALLOWAY

ooo Visitor Attraction &

81 GRETNA GREEN

Lochfergus Plantation, Kirkcudbright DG6 4XX T: 01557 331645 info@gallowaywildlife.co.uk www.gallowaywildlife.org.uk The wild animal conservation centre of Southern Scotland. A varied collection of over 150 animals from all over the world can be seen within the peaceful and natural settings of the woodland. Close Animal Encounters. Ä&#x161; &KLOGUHQÄ?V SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; $QLPDO DGRSWLRQ DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; &DIÂż Ä&#x161; 1DWXUH WUDLO Ä&#x161; *LIW VKRS Ä&#x161; )UHH FDU SDUN Ä&#x161; 3LFQLF DUHD Ä&#x161; (QGDQJHUHG VSHFLHV FRQVHUYDWLRQ

36037

Mill on the Fleet Stranraer DG9 8SJ T/F: 01557 814099 millonthefleet@btopenworld.com Exhibition Centre in restored 18th century mill. Tourist Information Centre, Shop, CafĂŠ, Riverside Terrace.

Open: For opening times see website. $GPLVVLRQ )RU DGPLVVLRQ SULFHV VHH ZHEVLWH

Drummore, Stranraer DG9 9HP T: 01776 840554 info@mull-of-galloway.co.uk www.mull-of-galloway.co.uk Climb the 26m lighthouse tower or visit the exhibition. See the original foghorn engines. Watch the many DVDs to learn about the life of a lighthouse keeper. View the many artefacts on show. Ä&#x161; $ZH LQVSLULQJ YLHZV Ä&#x161; (GXFDWLRQDO DQG LQWHUHVWLQJ Ä&#x161; +LVWRULFDO DUWHIDFWV GLVSOD\HG Ä&#x161;,QWHUDFWLYH GLVSOD\V Ä&#x161; &KLOG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH VWDII Ä&#x161; 'RJ IULHQGO\ UHVWULFWLRQV Ä&#x161; ([KLELWLRQ ZKHHOFKDLU IULHQGO\

oooo Visitor Attraction

35112

80 GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

Burnside Farm, Mabie, Dumfries DG2 8EZ T: 01387 259666 www.mabiefarmpark.co.uk Fun for all the family with over 5000sq ft of indoor play area, plus dirt buggies, boats, astroslide grass sledging. Lots of animals, tearoom serving snacks and a large Toy Shop. Ä&#x161; $QLPDO IHHGLQJ Ä&#x161; &OLPELQJ ZDOO Ä&#x161; 'RQNH\ ULGHV Ä&#x161; 5LGH RQ WUDFWRUVÄ? Ä&#x161; %RDWLQJ SRQG Ä&#x161; 7HDURRP VKRS Ä&#x161; 4XDG ELNHV

Easter-end Sep: Weekends and Bank Holidays. See website for details of monthly special events. Admission: Adult ÂŁ4, Concs ÂŁ3, Child (3+) ÂŁ2, Family ÂŁ10.

46571

oooo Visitor Attraction

83 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Mabie Farm Park

21202

Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2DR T: 01557 815222 F: 0808 280 2162 info@creamogalloway.co.uk www.creamogalloway.co.uk Visit the home of Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway. Meet the dairy cows on our farm tour. Work up an appetite in our fabulous adventure playground â&#x20AC;&#x201C; great for adults and children, and indulge in luxury ice cream. (See display advert on inside back cover). Ä&#x161; /X[XU\ LFH FUHDP Ä&#x161; 6HDVRQDO ZLOGOLIH HYHQWV Ä&#x161; 'RJ ZDON Ä&#x161; $GYHQWXUH SOD\JURXQG Ä&#x161; ,QVLGH RXWGRRU SOD\ Ä&#x161; &\FOH WUDFNV Ä&#x161; 7UDFWRU WUDLOHU WRXUV Ä&#x161; 1DWXUH WUDLOV

16972

Ashland, Twynholm, Kirkcudbright DG6 4NP T: 01557 860608 sales@thecocoabeancompany.com www.thecocoabeancompany.com Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chocolate making workshops, indoor & outdoor play, cafĂŠ, chocolate factory & shop, online shop.

75314

The Cocoa Bean Company

*RRG )ULGD\ ODVW 6XQ LQ 2FW 7RZHU 6DW 6XQ %DQN +ROLGD\V DGGLWLRQDO 0RQGD\V LQ -XO\ $XJ DP SP ([KLELWLRQ 'DLO\ 0D\ 6HS DP SP 6DW 6XQ RQO\ 0DU $SU 2FW $GPLVVLRQ $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG Ä¨ XQGHU \UV IUHH ([KLELWLRQ RU WRZHU RQO\ $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG Ä¨ XQGHU \UV IUHH Open:

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 27

Places to Visit 91 WANLOCKHEAD

Hidden Treasures Museum of Lead Mining

Port Logan, Stranraer DG9 9ND T: 01776 860231 logan@rbge.org.uk www.rbge.org.uk/logan Discover â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scotlands most exotic gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; famed for its spectacular collection of southern hemisphere plants which flourish under the influence of the Gulf Stream â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the atmosphere on a sunny day is truly tropical. Ä&#x161; 2YHU H[RWLF VSHFLHV Ä&#x161; )DPRXV WHQGHU FROOHFWLRQV Ä&#x161; %DFNGURS WR Ä&#x17D;7KH :LFNHUPDQÄ? Ä&#x161; 3ODQW VDOHV Ä&#x161; 6KRS FDIÂż Ä&#x161; 5HJXODU IDPLO\ HYHQWV Ä&#x161; 'LJLWDO DXGLR JXLGHV

Wanlockhead, Lanarkshire ML12 6UT T: 01659 74387 F: 01659 74481 miningmuseum@hotmail.com leadminingmuseum.co.uk Experience the thrill of an underground tour of an historic lead mine, period cottages and minersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; library. Discover rocks, minerals and local artefacts in the museum. During July & August you can pan for REAL gold. Ä&#x161; +LVWRULF OHDG PLQH Ä&#x161; 0XVHXP Ä&#x161; 3HULRG FRWWDJHV Ä&#x161; )XOO\ JXLGHG WRXUV Ä&#x161; 0LQHUVÄ? /LEUDU\ Ä&#x161; *ROG SDQQLQJ Ä&#x161; 9LVLWRU FHQWUH Ä&#x161; 6FRWODQGÄ?V KLJKHVW YLOODJH

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36223

Logan Botanic Garden

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0DU 2FW GDLO\ DP SP )HE 6XQ DP SP $GPLVVLRQ $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG Ä¨ &RQF Ä¨ )DPLO\ Ä¨ (See display advert on page 62).

89 RINGFORD

95 CAERLAVEROCK, by DUMFRIES

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92 WHITHORN

Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

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Wildlife and Nature

Scottish Natural Heritage, 55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries DG1 1NP southern_scotland@snh.gov.uk www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Caerlaverock NNR is a vast expanse of mudflats and saltmarsh that attracts thousands of wildfowl and waders and is home to the rare natterjack toad. Reserve facilities include wildlife watching hides, viewing platform and footpaths. Reserve open all year.

53703

46683

88 PORT LOGAN, by STRANRAER (14 miles)

69 CAERLAVEROCK, by DUMFRIES

oooo Visitor Attraction Barstobrick Visitors Centre and Farm Shop

93 WIGTOWN

County Buildings, Wigtown T: 01988 402673/01988 402401 www.dgcommunity.net/wblnr Amazing panoramic views over the Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve. Information about the LNR and the local environment combined with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ospreys are back in Gallowayâ&#x20AC;? project. A live CCTV link gives you a chance to see the Local Nature Reserve and Castle Field Wetland and some of its wildlife before going out to see it for real.

ooo Wildlife Experience

All year. Mar-Oct: daily, 10am-6pm. Nov-Feb: Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-4pm.

29160

ooo Visitor Attraction

94 WIGTOWN

96 CAIRNSMORE OF FLEET, by NEWTON STEWART C4

$OO \HDU 2SHQ HYHU\ GD\ H[FHSW &KULVWPDV 'D\ 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ7.50, Child ÂŁ3.70, Conc ÂŁ5.70, Family ÂŁ20.20.

91910

Scottish Natural Heritage, Reserve Office, Dromore Farm, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2BP T: 01577 814435 nnr@snh.gov.uk www.nnr-scotland.org.uk This Reserve is a paradise for walkers. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find peace and tranquillity here amongst heather moorland, peatlands and dramatic scenery. Facilities include a small information centre, farm walk, toilets, picnic area and parking. Reserve open all year.

Ć&#x2019; Open:

All year. Times by appointment.

Wigtown Book Festival 12 By THORNHILL

ooooo Castle

97 CASTLE DOUGLAS

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Open:

Castle: 23 Mar-31 Aug: daily, 11am-4pm (last entry). Gardens & Country Estate: 23 Mar-30 Sep: daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Visit website for 2013 charges.

28 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Carlingwark Loch

64163

Thornhill DG3 4AQ T: 01848 331555 enquiries@drumlanrig.com www.drumlanrig.com One of the most iconic attractions in Dumfries & Galloway. Tour the castle & explore the grounds. (See display advert on page 64).

23294

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 9JH T: 01988 402036 M: 0783 469 3420 anne@wigtownbookfestival.com www.wigtownbookfestival.com Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Book Town since 1997, Wigtown is home to more than 15 book shops and book-related businesses. (See display advert on page 67). Ä&#x161; 6FRWODQGÄ?V %RRN 7RZQ Ä&#x161; &UHDWLYH 3ODFH DZDUG Ä&#x161; ,QGHSHQGHQW ERRN VKRSV Ä&#x161; )DLU 7UDGH WRZQ Ä&#x161; %ODGQRFK 'LVWLOOHU\ Ä&#x161; :LJWRZQ %RRN )HVWLYDO

53703

Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

Leeming and Paterson Photography Glenhoul Brae, Dalry, Castle Douglas DG7 3UB T: 01644 430004 M: 0791 710 2693 moragleeming@me.com www.leemingpaterson.com Landscape photography gallery run by Ted Leeming and Morag Paterson. Workshops and professional tuition offered.

2SHQ

All year. Mon, Thurs, Sat: 10am-5pm. Tues, Wed, Fri: 10am-7.30pm. Sun 2-5pm. Admission: Free, donations welcome.

ooo Wildlife Experience

Open:

90 By ST JOHNS TOWN OF DALRY (4 miles)

Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock DG1 4RS T: 01387 770200 F: 01387 770539 info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk www.wwt.org.uk A 1,400 acre wild reserve on the Solway coast-wintering birds include thousands of Svalbard barnacle geese and Whooper swans-with summer wildflower meadows and ospreys hunting over the Solway. Ä&#x161; :LOG VZDQ IHHGV Ä&#x161; &&79 RQ 2VSUH\V Ä&#x161; 6SHFLDO HYHQWV DOO \HDU Ä&#x161; *XLGHG ZDONV

Castle Douglas T: 01556 505479 Freshwater loch is well known for its population of mute swans. Enjoy views and excellent wildlife watching from the 3.5 mile circular path around the loch through willow and alder carr. Guided walks by ranger service. Open all year.

81128

Open:

WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre

Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve Visitor Room

77316

Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk 1 mile off A75 at Ringford. 5 miles west of Castle Douglas. Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop. Farm Shop. Heritage. Wildlife walks. Red Kite trail. Farm tours. Fishing. Cycling. Horses. Family games and play area. Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V &RIIHH 6KRS Ä&#x161; )DUP VKRS Ä&#x161; :LOGOLIH ZDONV Ä&#x161; )DUP WRXUV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ JDPHV SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; 6HOI FDWHULQJ DFFRPPRGDWLRQ Ä&#x161; /RGJHV IRU VDOH

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Open: Apr-Oct: Mon-Sun, 10.30am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ4.50, Child ÂŁ2.25, Concs ÂŁ3, Family ÂŁ12. (See display advert on page 62).

68394

45-47 George Street, Whithorn DG8 8NS T: 01988 500508 enquiries@whithorn.com www.whithorn.com The museum tells the story of Whithorn, the ancient pilgrimage site associated with St Ninian.

43635

The Whithorn Story

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Places to Visit 98 By CASTLE DOUGLAS (4 miles)

79 GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

104 By LOCKERBIE

ÂŠ Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)

Applegarthtown Farm, Lockerbie DG11 1SX T: 01576 203153 M: 0771 985 7677 mike.libera@thecrownestate.co.uk www.thecrownestate.co.uk Discreet wetland habitat, renowned for its sand martin artificial nesting banks. Viewing hide provided.

oo Wildlife Experience

101 GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

Open: All year. Mon-Sun. Admission: Free.

Venniehill

Ă&#x;$

102 AROUND LOCH KEN (circular route)

Castle Kennedy & Gardens

18437

Castle Kennedy, Stranraer DG9 8SJ T: 01581 400225 F: 01776 706248 info@castlekennedygardens.co.uk www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk Historic and beautiful gardens bordering a wildfowl refuge on the White Loch. Visitors can view birds such as Greylag geese, great crested and little grebes and occasionally otters and other species from the Loch shores. (See display advert on page 61).

oooo Garden

& Ć&#x2019;,

RSPB Scotland (Mull of Galloway Experience)

Feeding Station: Bellymack Hill Farm, Laurieston, Castle Douglas DG7 2PJ T: 01556 670464 calum.murray@rspb.org.uk www.gallowaykitetrail.com Stunning views of red kites year round. Viewpoints and walks with idyllic scenery. See a close-up, feeding-frenzy of kites at the feeding station. Lots of places to enjoy local countryside, history and wildlife. Ä&#x161; /RFKVLGH VFHQHU\ Ä&#x161; 6SHFWDFXODU UHG NLWHV Ä&#x161; &DU F\FOH WRXULQJ Ä&#x161; 6HFUHW &DJHV Ä&#x161; 'DLO\ NLWH IHHGV Ä&#x161; 3OHWKRUD RI ZLOGOLIH Ä&#x161; :RRGODQG ZDONV Ä&#x161; $FFRPPRGDWLRQ IRRG DOH

5 miles (8km) south of Drummore (follow brown tourist signs from Drummore). T: 01776 840539 (Mull of Galloway VC), T: 01988 402130 (RSPB Wigtown) andrew.bielinski@rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/mullofgalloway/index.aspx Discover life on the edge at Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southernmost nature reserve. Watch the daily drama from thousands of nesting seabirds live on CCTV in our visitor centre, or take a walk amongst stunning cliff-top flowers. Ä&#x161; 6SHFWDFXODU VHDELUGV Ä&#x161; /LYH &&79 Ä&#x161; &RORXUIXO VSULQJ IORZHUV Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH VWDII Ä&#x161; 6FRWODQGÄ?V VRXWKHUQPRVW SRLQW Ä&#x161; *XLGHG ZDONV Ä&#x161; 6WXQQLQJ YLHZV Ä&#x161; %HDXWLIXO EXWWHUIOLHV

Gardens and Tearoom: 1 Apr-31 Oct: daily, 10am-5pm. Feb-Mar: weekends only, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Child ÂŁ1.50, Concs ÂŁ3.50, Family ÂŁ11.

$OO \HDU 7UDLO RSHQ DW DOO WLPHV Ć&#x2019;, Feeding station all year: 12 noon-4pm (kites fed at 2pm). $GPLVVLRQ )HHGLQJ VWDWLRQ $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOGUHQ )UHH

100 By DALBEATIE

103 LOCHMABEN

Open: Easter-31 Oct: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm. Admission: Donations welcome.

108 By NEW ABBEY

Kirkconnell Flow National Nature Reserve

Castle Loch Local Nature Reserve Lochmaben T: 01387 273986 Large freshwater loch, winter home to roosting pink footed and greylag geese, many ducks and waders. Around Lochmaben Castle: footpaths, picnic tables and a bird watching hide. In summer, you might see kingfishers, willow tits, reed warblers, variable damselfly and other fascinating butterflies and moths. Information points. Guided walks by ranger service. Excellent views from the fishing piers for disabled visitors off A709 and B7020. Open all year. Admission free.

Scottish Natural Heritage, 55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries DG1 1NP southern_scotland@snh.gov.uk www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Kirkconnell Flow NNR gives a sense of remote wilderness among the surrounding fields. The sodden surface of the peat bog is a palette of green, purple and red shades of sphagnum mosses and wet-loving plants. Reserve facilities include a network of marked trails, a car park and picnic benches. Reserve open all year. 53703

63563

The National Trust for Scotland Off A710, 7 miles south of Dalbeattie. T: 0844 493 2244 (Ranger Service) threave@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk Pretty stretch of coastline with variety of birds, flowers and butterflies throughout the year. To avoid disturbance, please avoid the bird sanctuary, Rough Island, during May and June. Open all year. Admission free.

ÂŠ NTS/Brian & Nina Chapple

2SHQ

81127

Open:

Rockcliffe

Galloway Kite Trail (RSPB Scotland)

79885

www.visitscotland.com/natural 14 CASTLE KENNEDY, STRANRAER

107 MULL OF GALLOWAY

ÂŠ David Henderson

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself!

ÂŠ NTS/Mike Bolam

ÂŠ NTS/Craig Easton

Open: Estate: All year. Mon-Sun. Admission: Free. (See display advert on outside back cover).

The National Trust for Scotland Off A708 10 miles north east of Moffat DG10 9DP T: 0844 493 2244 (Ranger Service) information@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk Spectacular 200ft waterfall in dramatic moorland setting below White Coombe (2,696ft). Area rich in wild flowers, upland birds and geological interest; herd of feral goats. Please heed warning notices and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for mountainous terrain. Open all year. Admission free.

46571

oooo Garden

Grey Mareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tail Nature Reserve

63563

The National Trust for Scotland Gatehouse of Fleet T: 0844 493 2244 (Ranger Service) threave@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk 3.5 acre field, great for wildflowers and butterflies, with a hilltop viewpoint at the west end of the main street. Open all year.

106 By MOFFAT

63563

c/o MDCI, 1 Ladyknowe, Moffat DG10 9DY T: 01683 220227 info@visitmoffat.co.uk www.visitmoffat.co.uk Just off the A701, the former quarry has been transformed into a nature reserve: including a small loch, seasonally flooded meadow, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bugs and beastiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trail and all abilities bird watching hide. Ample parking.

89413

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Threave

Moffat & District Community Nature Reserve

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99 By CASTLE DOUGLAS The National Trust for Scotland Off A75, 1 mile west of Castle Douglas T: 0844 493 2245 www.nts.org.uk Threave Estate is a renowned wildfowl sanctuary with walks, nature trails and a countryside centre.

oooo Visitor Attraction

105 ANNAN

21202

Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2DR T: 01557 815222 F: 0808 280 2162 info@creamogalloway.co.uk www.creamogalloway.co.uk Daily farm tours plus seasonal wildlife events (please book). Explore miles of nature trails encompassing organic farmland, woodland, wildlife ponds, cycle trails and dedicated dog walk. Indulge in our luxury ice cream in the tearoom. (See display advert on inside back cover). Ä&#x161; +HGJHURZ VDIDUL HYHQWV Ä&#x161; $GYHQWXUH SOD\JURXQG Ä&#x161; 'RJ ZDON Ä&#x161; 3RQG GLSSLQJ Ä&#x161; 'DZQ FKRUXV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IXQ Ä&#x161; %DW QLJKW Ä&#x161; 1DWXUH WUDLOV 79885

Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway

Castle Douglas DG7 2LY (NW of Castle Douglas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; turn off B795 at Glenlochar). (Or contact Galloway Reserves Office, 26 South Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9EH. T: 01988 402130.) www.rspb.org.uk/kendeemarshes With stunning views across both the River Dee and Loch Ken, Ken-Dee Marshes is a nature reserve to enjoy all year round, whether you are looking for wildlife or just a quiet woodland walk. Ä&#x161; 5DUH ELUGV Ä&#x161; 5HG VTXLUUHOV Ä&#x161; KLGHV Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV Ä&#x161; 6XPPHU EXWWHUILHV All year. All day, every day.

Open: All year. Mon-Sun 24 hours. Admission: Free.

Ken-Dee Marshes (RSPB Scotland)

Open:

91298

Applegarthtown Wildlife Sanctuary

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 29

Places to Visit D4

89 RINGFORD

12 By THORNHILL Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

9 mile long loch, created through the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme, now an important scenic and recreational resource, with watersports, coarse fishing and birdwatching including The Galloway Kite Trail. Open all year.

Thornhill DG3 4AQ T: 01848 331555 enquiries@drumlanrig.com www.drumlanrig.com Uncover the wealth of wildlife on a Ranger led walk, Landrover tour or way marked trail. (See display advert on page 64).

ooooo Castle

Silver Flowe National Nature Reserve Scottish Natural Heritage, 55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries DG1 1NP southern_scotland@snh.gov.uk www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Forestry Commission Scotland, Galloway Forest District, Creebridge, Newton Stewart DG6 6AJ T: 01671 402420 www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland Silver Flowe NNR is a complex of seven peat bogs crammed into the floor of the glen. In just one site, you can explore bogs with features that are normally separated by hundreds of miles. Reserve open all year.

Ă&#x;ÂŞ&

Open:

Castle: 23 Mar-31 Aug: daily, 11am-4pm (last entry). Gardens & Country Estate: 23 Mar-30 Sep: daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Visit website for 2013 charges.

Countryside and Wildlife @ Barstobrick Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk Walk to Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monument and viewpoint. Abundant wildlife. Ponds, Red Kites, ducks, butterflies, dragonflies, horses. Farm tours. Fishing. Our own beef and lamb used in Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop and sold in the farm shop. Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V PRQXPHQW YLHZSRLQW Ä&#x161; :LOGOLIH ZDONV Ä&#x161; 5HG .LWHV Ä&#x161; 3RQ\ WUHNNLQJ Ä&#x161; )DUP WRXUV Ä&#x161; )DUP VKRS Ä&#x161; &\FOLQJ DQG ILVKLQJ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ JDPHV SOD\ DUHD

Connect with us...

115 WIGTOWN

Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve

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Open:

www.facebook.com/visitscotland

77316

ooo Visitor Attraction

County Buildings, Wigtown T: 01988 402673/01988 402401 www.dgcommunity.net/wblnr This facility has an amazing panoramic view over the Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve. There is information about the LNR and the rest of the local environment so well worth a visit especially as it s combined with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ospreys are back in Gallowayâ&#x20AC;? project. A live CCTV link gives you a chance to see the Local Nature Reserve and Castle Field Wetland and some of its wildlife before going out to see it for real.

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29160

110 By NEW GALLOWAY

23478

Loch Ken

23294

109 By NEW GALLOWAY

All year. All year. Mon, Thurs, Sat: 10am-5pm. Tues, Wed, Fri: 10am-7.30pm. Sun: 2-5pm. Admission: Free, donations welcome.

www.twitter.com/visitscotland

116 WIGTOWN

C5 ÂŠ Chris Gomersall (RSPB-images.com)

113 SOUTHWICK, by DUMFRIES (15 miles)

County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 9JH (or contact Galloway Reserves Office, T: 01988 402673/402130) www.wigtownbayospreys.co.uk The best place in Dumfries & Galloway for close-up views of ospreys. Head to the Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre in the County Building for dramatic CCTV footage of these spectacular birds. Ä&#x161; %ULOOLDQW YLHZV Ä&#x161; &&79 IRRWDJH Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ VWDII Ä&#x161; *UHDW LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ HYHQWV Ä&#x161; /HDUQ DERXW ZLOGOLIH

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Open:

Mar-Oct. Variable on 6 days per week (closed on Sundays). $GPLVVLRQ )UHH

117 By WIGTOWN (4 miles)

ÂŠ Paul Tarling

ÂŠ Andy Hay (RSPB-images.com)

112 By NEWTON STEWART (4 miles)

oooo Wildlife Experience

79885

Wigtown Osprey Project (RSPB Scotland)

RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, Dumfries DA2 8AH (off A710 near Southwick). T: 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Mersehead offers something different to see every season. Enjoy peaceful walks, family events, playing on the beach. Visitor Centre with toilets and baby changing facilities and refreshments available. Accessible trails. Ä&#x161; 6WXQQLQJ YLHZV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; :LQWHU ELUG VSHFWDFOH Ä&#x161; )DQWDVWLF EHDFK Ä&#x161; *XLGHG ZDONV Ä&#x161; 6SULQJ ZDGHUV ZLOGOLIH Ä&#x161; 5HIUHVKPHQWV DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; :RQGHUIXO ZDONV

79885

Mersehead (RSPB Scotland)

Forestry Commission Scotland, Galloway Forest Park, near Newton Stewart T: 01671 402420 galloway@forestry.gsi.gov.uk www.forestry.gov.uk/wildlifescotland Red deer are the largest land mammal in Scotland. Visit all year round; however, from mid-September to the end of October, when the annual stag rut gets underway, you can experience this animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full glory. Ä&#x161; /DUJHVW ODQG PDPPDO Ä&#x161; 5DQJHU OHG ZDONV Ä&#x161; $QQXDO VWDJ UXW 69677

Galloway Red Deer Range & Wild Goat Park

Wood of Cree (RSPB Scotland)

Crook of Baldoon Nature Reserve (RSPB Scotland)

Newton Stewart DG8 6SN (Or contact Galloway Reserves Office, 26 South Main Street, Wigtown DG8 9EH, T: 01988 402130) www.rspb.org.uk/woodofcree A wooded wonderland. This is the largest ancient oak woodland in southern Scotland. It is home to a wealth of special wildlife and beautiful scenery. Ä&#x161; &DUSHWV RI EOXHEHOOV Ä&#x161; 6SULQJ ELUGVRQJ Ä&#x161; 7XPEOLQJ ZDWHUIDOOV Ä&#x161; :RQGHUIXO ZRRGODQG Ä&#x161; $QFLHQW DUFKDHRORJ\ Ä&#x161; 1DWXUH WUDLOV Ä&#x161; :DWFK IRU RWWHUV Ä&#x161; :RQGHUIXO YLHZV

Off the A714 south of Wigtown. (Or contact RSPB, 26 South Main Street, Wigtown DG8 9EH, T: 01988 402130) paul.tarling@rspb.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/crookofbaldoon/index.aspx The view is breathtaking. The Galloway Hills form a backdrop to wild saltmarsh and mudflats. In winter, waders wheel in the sky creating a mesmerizing display. In summer, breeding skylark and linnet can be seen. Ä&#x161; %UHDWKWDNLQJ ODQGVFDSH YLHZV Ä&#x161; *XLGHG ZDONV Ä&#x161; :LOGOLIH Ä&#x161; %LUGZDWFKLQJ Ä&#x161; /HYHO ZDONLQJ Ä&#x161; 2VSUH\ ILVKLQJ Ä&#x161; 3LFQLF DUHD Ä&#x161; 7KRXVDQGV RI JHHVH

114 By STRANRAER

79885

Stranraer/Wig Bay Superb enclosed sea loch with mudflats and a shingle spit at Wig Bay. Plenty to see all year and especially in winter with wintering divers, grebes, waders and wildfowl including Scaup and Brent geese. WWII flying boats were based at Wig Bay and there are still signs to see both here and in other places around the Loch. Open all year.

Ć&#x2019;,

All year, all day, everyday.

Open: All year. All day. Admission: Free. 81129

Open:

Loch Ryan

30 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

79885

ÂŠ RSPB Mersehead

111 By NEWTON STEWART

Great days out – Places to Visit Beaches

BRIGHOUSE BAY BEACH

Map Ref: D5

By KIRKCUDBRIGHT. B727 Safe, long ﬂat sandy beach with rock pools.

CARDONESS BEACH

Coastal fun With 200 miles of coastline, Dumfries & Galloway has a great mix of beaches to choose from. On sunny days the sparkling stretches of golden sand become popular with people enjoying the fresh sea breezes, and many have good facilities to help you spend a full day at the shore. Craggy beaches are fun to explore with children, clamouring over rocks hunting sea life in rock pools and inlets. While pebble beaches and small hidden coves are perfect for those seeking solitude along the coastline.

Important Safety Notice The shores of the Solway Firth are swept by very fast incoming tides. Every summer coastguards are kept busy when people find themselves in difficulties on the coast. Please take care. It is dangerous to walk over stretches of sand to meet incoming tides as you can easily be cut off. Instead be prepared and find out local tide times from any VisitScotland Information Centre.

POWILLIMOUNT BEACH D5

ROCKCLIFFE BEACH E5

SANDGREEN BEACH D5

SANDHEAD BEACH E5

By DALBEATTIE. A710 Sand, shingle and rocks with a 1/2 mile walk to the beach.

MONREITH BEACH

SANDYHILLS BEACH

SOUTHERNESS BEACH

By DUMFRIES. A710 Large sandy beach. D5

STAIRHAVEN BEACH

By GATEHOUSE OF FLEET. A75 Sandy beach with rocky surroundings.

PORT LOGAN BEACH

By STRANRAER. A715 Sandy beach, stretching for more than a mile. By DALBEATTIE. A710 Large sandy beach.

By WHITHORN. A747 Long sandy beach backed by pebbles.

MOSSYARD BEACH

By GATEHOUSE OF FLEET. A75 Sandy beach with rocks.

By KIRKCUDBRIGHT. B727 Very safe, ﬂat and sandy.

KIPPFORD BEACH

By DALBEATTIE. A710 Small sandy beach with rocks.

Rockcliffe, by DALBEATTIE. A710 Sand and rocks. 1 mile footpath to beach.

THE DHOON BEACH

Arbigland, By DUMFRIES. A710 Sandy beach with rocks and shingle.

By GATEHOUSE OF FLEET. B727 Sandy beach with surrounding rocks.

CASTLE POINT BEACH

Map Ref: G4

By ANNAN. B724 Small area of sand and shingle, suitable for paddling.

By GATEHOUSE OF FLEET. A75 A series of small sandy beaches.

CARRICK SHORE BEACH

POWFOOT BEACH

By GLENLUCE. A75/A747 Small beach. A5

By STRANRAER. B7065 Long sandy bay.

The Dhoon Beach by Kirkcudbright. To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 31

Cyclist at the Heart Stane, Dalbeattie 7stanes.

Historic Caerlaverock Castle, the only triangular castle in Britain.

Dumfries & Galloway is home to around 20% of Scottish red squirrels.

Main image: Walker on the Southern Upland Way by Loch Trool, Galloway Forest Park.

Scotland’s spectacular landscapes have been shaped by history and the elements throughout the centuries. Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Dumfries & Galloway’s natural heritage; take part in exciting outdoor activities whether on land, sea or in the air, savour our delicious local produce and encounter rare and beautiful wildlife. The journey doesn’t stop there, plan your trip and experience it for yourself! www.visitscotland.com/natural

Great days out – Events & Festivals 120 LANGHOLM

Venues

The Buccleuch Centre Buccleuch Square, Langholm, Dumfriesshire DG13 OAW T: 01387 381196 info@buccleuchcentre.com www.buccleuchcentre.com A vibrant arts and community centre offering a wide ranging programme of performances and activities throughout the year. Coffee shop and bar.

oooo Arts Venue

93361

Events & Festivals

Open:

All Year. Mon-Fri, 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-12 noon, plus during events. Admission: Tickets for events.

118 DUMFRIES

119 DUMFRIES

121 NEW GALLOWAY

High Street, New Galloway Castle Douglas DG7 3RN T: 01644 420374 info@catstrand.com www.catstrand.com Arts & Visitor Centre with year round live events programme. Arts, crafts, café, exhibition and free internet.

79036

The Catstrand

oooo Arts Venue

Open:

oooo Leisure Centre 2SHQ

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123 STRANRAER

$ Open: All year. Admission: Please see www.cairndalehotel.co.uk/ entertainment for details.

Ryan Centre Theatre Fairhurst Road, Stranraer DG9 7AP T: 01776 703535 www.dumgal.gov.uk/ryancentretheatre The theatre offers a year round eclectic programme of quality Arts and entertainment events including drama, dance and music. The theatre shows are complemented by a fortnightly cinema programme of current mainstream films. Find us on facebook.

52696

English Street, Dumfries DG1 2DF T: 01387 254111 F:01387 240288 sales@cairndalehotel.co.uk www.cairndalehotel.co.uk/entertainment Regular weekend entertainment at the Cairndale Hotel and Park House Venue in Dumfries, including tribute nights, The Comedy Club, Dumfries Soul Club and popular free ceilidh for holiday visitors every Sunday night in July and August. Ě &HLOLGK Ě &RPHG\ &OXE Ě 7ULEXWH 17415

Park House Venue, Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club

Hoods Loaning, Dumfries DG1 2HT T: 01387 243550 F: 01387 263809 dgone@dumgal.gov.uk South-west Scotland’s premier leisure & entertainment venue. Excellent line-up of comedy, cultural events, theatre, top music, ballet, children’s shows, family entertainment and, of course, the BIGGEST pantomime in south-west Scotland. Ě 1HDU WRZQ FHQWUH Ě )DPLO\ IULHQGO\ EXLOGLQJ Ě $FFHVVLEOH E\ URDG UDLO Ě &DI¿ IDFLOLWLHV Ě )UHH FDU SDUNLQJ Ě VHDWHU YHQXH Ě )XOO\ OLFHQFHG EDU Ě 3UHPLHU HQWHUWDLQPHQW YHQXH

23501

DG One

All year. Apr-Sep: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. Oct-Mar: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm. Sat: 10am-4pm. Sun: 12noon-4pm. Admission: Free entry-event prices vary.

v Open:

All Year. Dependant on activity, please call for information. Admission: Varies depending on activity.

Spring Fling – Andy Priestman’s Studio, near Newton Stewart. To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 33

Dumfries & Galloway

Great outdoor adventures

Did you know? The Galloway Forest Park is around 300 square miles of lush green forest, heather-clad hills and tranquil valleys.

Dumfries & Galloway is the perfect region for adventure in the countryside, with a variety of activities to suit all abilities. Discover walks along the Solway Coast or make the most of the area’s mountain biking centres.

The region boasts five of the 7stanes centres where you can race through scenic landscapes and challenge yourself with technical mountain bike features. Whatever your skill level, whether you want exciting tricks or gentle rides, you’ll find a waymarked trail at one of the centres. A coastal setting awaits at Dalbeattie, where you can test your abilities on some of the red and black graded trails. North of Dumfries, Ae is set within beautiful forestry and you will find a great selection of routes.

To the south, Mabie has wonderful views across the Solway Firth and the Nith Estuary and you can practice in the dedicated skills area.

34 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

7stane g reat fo s centres – r family cycling too

Capture your desire for exciting adventure and take advantage of the two 7stanes mountain biking centres based within the Galloway Forest Park. Glentrool and Kirroughtree are both fantastic areas with different graded trails and tracks suitable for both seasoned cyclists and beginners. You don’t need to bring your bike – you can hire one to head out onto the trails at Mabie Bike and at Kirroughtree. If you want to spend another day in the wild beauty of Galloway Forest Park, you can simply follow one of the waymarked routes through Britain’s largest park to see the wildlife.

Great outdoor adventures

Don’t miss... Q The Southern Upland Way, Scotland’s

longest coast to coast walking route. Q The Merrick, southern Scotland’s

highest hill at 2,765 ft. Q The RSAC Scottish Rally in June. Q Dalbeattie Walking Festival in August. Q Loch Ken Water Ski and

Wakeboard School. Q Barstobrick Visitor Centre, which

offers cycling, walking, fishing and pony trekking.

• Enjoy horse riding at Lochhill Equestrian Farm and Trekking Centre near Castle Douglas or at Brighouse Bay Trekking Centre. Keen riders can try endurance riding and beautiful scenic hacks while beginners can enjoy a leisurely ride.

Soak up the fresh countryside air and enjoy outdoor activities at Drumlanrig Castle and estate, by Thornhill. Follow two Victorian pathways, the original 19th century tracks around the estate or tackle the mountain bike trails.

• Spend a day fishing on the River Nith, one of Scotland’s most productive rivers for both salmon and sea trout.

For adventure on the water, learn to sail at Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, or try out their outdoor laser quest which offers all the fun without any pain. Continue the thrills on the Leap of Faith, when you climb a high tower and jump off while attached to a safety wire.

• Loch Ken is a beautiful spot of still water which offers quality coarse fishing with pike, perch, roach, rudd, bream, carp and ruffe. • The 55-mile Annandale Way is popular with walkers keen to enjoy the views across the wide River Annan, over a ruined castle on a loch and out onto the heather-clad hills. For more information on locations check out the map on page 70.

Visit Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre, Gatehouse of Fleet, for a day of exciting fun from clay pigeon shooting to grass sledging. Roll down the hill in an inflatable ball and bring a towel if you fancy water-balling – not only do you head down the slope in a 12 ft ball, but there’s water in there with you. Once you’ve got your balance back, try out the UK’s longest zip wire, which spans 820 m. You can even take part with a friend and race each other down two parallel lines as you gaze out over the whole centre.

01 02 03 04 05 06

Enjoy a hack at Brighouse Bay, by Kirkcudbright. Southern Upland Way sign near St John’s Town of Dalry. Red Deer Range, Galloway Forest Park. Galloway Activity Centre iceberg – new for 2013. Salmon fishing on the River Nith. Dalbeattie 7stanes Red Trail.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 35

Dumfries & Galloway

Your Gateway to Golf With two passes and three trails, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spoilt for choice when it comes to golf in Dumfries & Galloway. Expect stunning views, well-kept greens and a warm welcome at the clubhouse at every course.

Did you know? Southerness Golf Course was designed by Mackenzie Ross, the same architect who restored the famous Ailsa course at Turnberry.

36 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Golf

Your Gateway to Golf Try it now Q Wigtownshire County, a classic

links course. Q Thornhill, a mixture of parkland

and heathland. Q Colvend bills itself as ‘Scotland’s

friendliest club’. 02

Q GolfCross, with an oval ball and

a goal, at Solway Links. Q Dumfries and County, a parkland

course in Dumfries. Q Visiting Golfers’ Welcome courses

offer additional facilities.

01 02 03 04

• New Galloway Golf Course is great fun and will also keep you on your toes.

Experience as many of the exciting courses in the region as possible with a Gateway to Golf Pass. Choose between the 6-round and 3-round passes, both valid for 5 consecutive days on 26 courses. These great value passes start at £80 for 3 rounds, and from £120 for a 6 round pass.

• The special feature of the Newton Stewart Golf Course is the 5 par 3s from holes 3 to 8 – Houlit’s Nest, Doocot, Gushet, Soup Plate and Punchbowl – which all provide their own particular demands.

If you’re after a true test of your golfing skills, take on the mighty Tiger Tail, made up of the region’s six most demanding courses.

• Try out the Dumfries & Galloway Golf Course and experience a fine parkland course with short tree-lined avenues. Enjoy the variety of this fine course which challenges you at all 18 holes.

Portpatrick offers two courses – the 18-hole Dunskey Course, described by Golf World as ‘the best holiday course in the south of Scotland’ and the 9-hole, par 3 Dinvin Course, ideal for beginners.

• The Powfoot Golf Course offers a winning mix of links and parkland and was designed by James Braid.

Play a round on the Stranraer course and take in the stunning landscapes as you enjoy the tests of the last course created by designer James Braid. This gem is set on the North Rhinns peninsula with views out across the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig.

• Solway Links Golf Course near Dalbeattie prides itself on being a family-friendly venue.

13th Hole, Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club. Wigtownshire County Golf Club. Thornhill Golf Club. Newton Stewart Golf Club.

The Challenge Trail is perfect for those looking to improve their skills and experience a memorable game of golf. Brighouse Bay is another regional highlight with a remarkable clifftop setting, while the Lochmaben course occupies a historic area around the attractive Kirk Loch. The tee shot of the 2nd hole takes you on to the site of Bruce Castle, while at the 3rd hole you’ll notice the huge defensive ditch which helped to protect the site around the castle. The signature hole of the par 70 course is the 8th, which requires a tee shot across the corner of the loch itself.

Don’t miss To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway’s 32 courses, pick up a Dumfries & Galloway golf brochure at a nearby VisitScotland Information Centre.

Beginners, or those simply looking for a leisurely game with time to enjoy the views, should take on the Little Gems Trail. The nine holes of the Gatehouse of Fleet course present a good test of golfing skill, while in the far east of the region you can play nine holes at Langholm, where the course is laid out on the lower slopes of Whita Hill. 04

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 37

Leisure Activities 128 CASTLE DOUGLAS

Activities

THROUGHOUT DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Summerhill, Abercromby Place, Castle Douglas DG7 1GA T/F: 01556 502979 M: 0797 481 4172 mail@gallowayholidays.co.uk www.gallowayholidays.co.uk Cycling, walking and other tailor made holidays arranged with accommodation, bag transfers and pickups.

27142

Galloway Holidays

Open: All year. Contact at any time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see details. Admission: See website.

124 AE

129 DALBEATTIE

T: (Recreation Ranger) 01387 860247 www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland www.7stanesmountainbiking.com The shortest place name in the UK, but Ae offers a wide variety of walks, 7stanes mountain biking trails, a cafĂŠ and bike shop. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a collection of old farm machinery! The forest is also one of the largest in Britain, at over 10,000 hectares.

Off the A710, just south of Dalbeattie T: (Recreation Ranger) 01387 860247 www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland www.7stanesmountainbiking.com Walking trails from the Town Wood end of the forest, 7stanes mountain biking from the Richorn car park; a great wee forest to explore. Why not come along to one of our events to find out more about the forest? From wildlife walks to den building, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone!

125 By ANNAN (GRETNA GREEN 4 miles)

Open: All year. Admission: Free, but modest car parking charge applies. 69677

Dalbeattie Forest Forestry Commission Scotland

69677

Forest of Ae Forestry Commission Scotland

7stanes Community Interest Company T: 01387 702228 info@7stanesmountainbiking.com www.7stanesmountainbiking.com Experience some of the most scenic landscape Scotland has to offer whilst riding the 7stanes. Trails for beginners to expert mountain bikers, for all ages and abilities. Enjoy gentle off-road cycling, flowing single track or challenging climbs and drop-offs with technical jumps. Ä&#x161; :D\PDUNHG WUDLOV Ä&#x161; &URVV &RXQWU\ Ä&#x161; 'RZQKLOO Ä&#x161; %LNH +LUH Ä&#x161; &DIÂżV Ä&#x161; )UHHULGH

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130 DUMFRIES

79 GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

The Broats Moss, Annan DG12 6RS T: 01461 800274 info@westlands-activities.co.uk www.westlands-activities.co.uk Quad safari, go-karting, paintballing, assault course and clay pigeon shooting on a 70-acre site.

90685

Westlands Activity Centre

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126 By BORGUE, KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway

Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1SE T: 01387 254445 (shop) F: 01387 254949 www.dalscone@btconnect.com Dalscone is a family adventure farm and toy shop located in Dumfries, Scotland. Attractions include a soft play area, a coffee shop and a farm park including trampolines, pedal karts, lots of animals and much more! (See display advert on page 62). Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IXQ GD\ Ä&#x161; $GYHQWXUH IDUP SDUN Ä&#x161; 6RIW SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; $QLPDO )DUPDUL Ä&#x161; &RIIHH VKRS Ä&#x161; 7UDPSROLQHV Ä&#x161; /DUJH WR\ VKRS

Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2DR T: 01557 815222 F: 0808 280 2162 info@creamogalloway.co.uk www.creamogalloway.co.uk Hire bikes or bring your own and enjoy free access to our cycle trails. Ideal for families, choose the gentle or challenging route. Burn off steam on the multi storey pedal kart tracks. Ice cream to finish! (See display advert on inside back cover). Ä&#x161; /X[XU\ LFH FUHDP Ä&#x161; 3HGDO NDUWV Ä&#x161; $GYHQWXUH SOD\JURXQG Ä&#x161; %LNH VNLOOV WUDFN Ä&#x161; ,QVLGH RXWGRRU SOD\ Ä&#x161; &\FOH WUDLOV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IXQ Ä&#x161; 1DWXUH WUDLOV

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$OO \HDU 0RQ 6DW DP SP &ORVHG 6XQ Outdoor Farm Park open Easter-end Oct. Soft play area, coffee shop and toy shop open all year. Admission: Admission charges apply.

Brighouse Bay Trekking Centre

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Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Borgue DG6 4TS T: 01557 870267 info@gillespie-leisure.co.uk www.gillespie-leisure.co.uk Next to Family Holiday Park with bar and bistro, 18 & 9 hole golf courses, indoor pool with Jacuzzi and toddlers pool, quad bikes, bowling green, boating pond and nature trails. Ä&#x161; 7566 $SSURYHG Ä&#x161; 7UHNV IRU EHJLQQHUV Ä&#x161; %HDFK KDFNV DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; 7XLWLRQ DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; [ P RXWGRRU DUHQD

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Off the A710, 4 miles south of Dumfries T: 01387 860247 www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland www.7stanesmountainbiking.com Lots of walking trails, excellent 7stanes mountain biking trails, cafĂŠ, bike shop and butterfly reserve. One of the most popular destinations in the area for outdoor recreation, offering something for everyone, from world-class mountain bike trails to quiet picnic areas and stunning viewpoints. Walks for all abilities. All routes start from the main car park and cross the Mabie Burn towards the Old Sawmill where picnic areas, barbecues and toilets can be found.

38 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Laggan, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2ES T: 01557 840217 duncan@lagganoutdoor.co.uk www.lagganoutdoor.co.uk Laggan Outdoor Activity centre offer first class activities for all the family. Choose from Archery, The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest Zip wire, Segway Adventures & Clay Shooting or Grass Sledging, Zorbing, Mountain Boarding and Reverse Steer Jeep driving. (See display advert on page 68). Ä&#x161; 2SHQ DOO \HDU Ä&#x161; ,QGRRU RXWGRRU Ä&#x161; 6RPHWKLQJ IRU HYHU\RQH Ä&#x161; *URXS GLVFRXQWV DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; 6WXQQLQJ FRDVWDO ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; %RRNLQJ HVVHQWLDO Ä&#x161; )LUVW FODVV LQVWUXFWLRQ Ä&#x161; 5HVWULFWLRQV DSSO\

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131 By DUMFRIES (4 miles) Mabie Forest Forestry Commission Scotland

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Castle Douglas Cycle Centre 11 Church Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1EA T/F: 01556 504542 info@cdbikes.co.uk www.cdbikes.co.uk Friendly service for any type of cycle enquiry. New bikes, repairs, servicing, spare parts & accessories.

Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre

86016

127 CASTLE DOUGLAS

www.twitter.com/visitscotland

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leisure Activities 133 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

137 By NEWTON STEWART

89 RINGFORD

Kirkcudbright Marina

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself! www.visitscotland.com/natural

Horse Riding @ Barstobrick Visitor Centre

Balminnoch, Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart DG8 0EP T: 01671 830304 threelochs@holker.co.uk www.3lochs.co.uk Our holiday park and estate offers beautiful scenery and the chance to relax in our self-catering accommodation, as well as camping and touring facilities. Everyone welcome to come and enjoy all our activities. Ä&#x161; 3RQ\ WUHNNLQJ FHQWUH Ä&#x161; )LVKLQJ FRDUVH IO\ Ä&#x161; 3LWFK SXWW Ä&#x161; $UFKHU\ DLUJXQ Ä&#x161; &OD\ SLJHRQ VKRRWLQJ Ä&#x161; 6ZLPPLQJ SRRO Ä&#x161; 0RXQWDLQ ELNH KLUH Ä&#x161; :DONLQJ ELNLQJ WUDFNV

Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk Trekking for all abilities daily. Miles of tracks. Indoor arena. Tuition available. Bring your horse on holiday. Stabling with individual tack rooms. Livery available. Ä&#x161; 3RQ\ WUHNNLQJ Ä&#x161; 0LOHV RI WUDFNV Ä&#x161; ,QGRRU DUHQD Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V &RIIHH 6KRS Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ JDPHV SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; :LOGOLIH ZDONV Ä&#x161; /RGJHV IRU VDOH 61043

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Galloway Activity Centre 138 PARTON

139 RINGFORD

27166

Parton, Loch Ken, Castle Douglas DG7 3NQ T/F: 01644 420626 gac@lochken.co.uk www.lochken.co.uk We offer a range of instructor led activities, run in a fun and safe environment. Choose from sailing/kayaking/windsurfing/ archery/mountain biking/climbing tower/zip wire/leap of faith/ fishing and outdoor laser quest. NEW FOR 2013: Iceberg/ inflatable water park Ä&#x161; )XQ IRU DOO Ä&#x161; ,QVWUXFWRU OHG DFWLYLWLHV Ä&#x161; $FWLYLWLHV IURP Ä¨ Ä&#x161; (TXLSPHQW KLUH Ä&#x161; /RFK VLGH VHWWLQJ Ä&#x161; &DIÂż Ä&#x161; $FFRPPRGDWLRQ FDPSLQJ Ä&#x161; 2SHQ DOO \HDU

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Castledykes Road, Kirkcudbright T: 01557 331135 (Harbourmasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office for bookings) kirkcudbright.harbour@dumgal.gov.uk Floating pontoon providing shore access for both visiting yachts and permanent moorings. CCTV, power water and shower facilities available. Open all year.

Cycling event through Dumfries

For a list of exciting events taking place throughout Dumfries & Galloway see pages 54-55 135 MOFFAT

Loch Ken Water Ski and Wakeboard School

Lochill Equestrian and Trekking Centre

Loch Ken Marina, Parton, Castle Douglas DG7 3NF T: 01644 470333 skilochken@hotmail.com www.skilochken.co.uk Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate water-ski and wakeboard site! Set in the beautiful Galloway hills offering a huge selection of water sports and fun activities to choose from including waterskiing, wakeboarding, Banana Boat and boat rides. Ä&#x161; &XWWLQJ HGJH HTXLSPHQW Ä&#x161; $FWLYLWLHV IRU DOO DJHV Ä&#x161; ([FHSWLRQDO OHYHO RI WXLWLRQ Ä&#x161; *ODVV\ FDOP FRQGLWLRQV Ä&#x161; +LJKO\ WUDLQHG SURIHVVLRQDO WHDP Ä&#x161; %ULWLVK :DWHU 6NL DIILOLDWHG Ä&#x161; $OO HTXLSPHQW SURYLGHG Ä&#x161; \HDUV H[SHULHQFH

Lochhill Farm, Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AR T: 01557 820225 M: 0788 516 8093 lochhill@tiscali.co.uk www.lochhill.net Registered BHS trekking and riding school in the heart of Galloway countryside. Enjoy hacks for the experienced or enjoyable treks for the beginner in fabulous scenery. Private and group lessons, Loan a Pony. Liveries also available. Ä&#x161; %+6 UHJLVWHUHG Ä&#x161; )DEXORXV YLHZV Ä&#x161; 3URIHVVLRQDO VHUYLFH Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ UXQ Ä&#x161; 2II URDG KDFNLQJ WUHNV Ä&#x161; &DUULDJH ULGHV Ä&#x161; 2XWGRRU IORRGOLJKW DUHQD Ä&#x161; 9LVLW6FRWODQG DFFUHGLWHG

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The Green Frog

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The Green Frog, Hammerlands, Moffat DG10 9QL T: 01683 221220 M: 0777 973 4448 www.thegreenfrogmoffat.co.uk Family friendly, cafĂŠ, fishery, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play activities, small animals to visit and small garden centre. Low cost family day out.

136 MOFFAT

1 Ladyknowe, Moffat DG10 9DY T: 01683 220 227 info@visitmoffat.co.uk www.visitmoffat.co.uk Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Walkers are Welcomeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Town, a haven for walkers, mid-point on the Southern Upland Way and start point for Annandale Way. Outstanding conservation town with excellent accommodation, cafĂŠs, restaurants and shops. Free parking in town centre. Open: All year. Admission: Free.

38747

Moffat and District Community Initiative

Fishing @ Barstobrick Visitor Centre

Walking @ Barstobrick Visitor Centre

Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk On site coarse fishing in still water ponds (Carp, Tench, Roach, Bream, Chub). Permits available at Visitor Centre. Coaching available by arrangement. Meals or picnics available from Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop. Ä&#x161; &RDUVH ILVKLQJ Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V &RIIHH 6KRS Ä&#x161; )DUP VKRS Ä&#x161; 6HOI FDWHULQJ DFFRPPRGDWLRQ Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ JDPHV SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; /RGJHV IRU VDOH Ä&#x161; :LOGOLIH ZDONV Ä&#x161; &\FOLQJ SRQ\ WUHNNLQJ

Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk Walks to Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monument. Miles of tracks and paths. All ability walks around a network of ponds. Free walking map. Red kites, ducks, butterflies, dragonflies. Ample parking. Meals available at Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop. Ä&#x161; )UHH ZDONLQJ PDS Ä&#x161; 7UDFNV DQG SDWKV Ä&#x161; $OO DELOLW\ ZDONV Ä&#x161; &\FOLQJ SRQ\ WUHNNLQJ Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V &RIIHH 6KRS Ä&#x161; )DUP VKRS Ä&#x161; 6HOI FDWHULQJ DFFRPRGDWLRQ Ä&#x161; /RGJHV IRU VDOH

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77316

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All year. Mar-Oct: daily, 10am-6pm. Nov-Feb: Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-4pm.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 39

Leisure Activities 140 By ST JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOWN OF DALRY

111 By NEWTON STEWART

Galloway Forest Park

Red Deer Range Forestry Commission Scotland

69677

On A712 between New Galloway and Newton Stewart. T: 01671 402420 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark The ideal place to look for Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest land mammal. Good all year round, magnificent during October rutting!

Open: Jun-Sep: 10am-12 noon. Admission: Adult ÂŁ3.50, Child ÂŁ2.50, Conc ÂŁ2.50, Family ÂŁ10.

2SHQ

142 CLATTERINGSHAWS, by NEW GALLOWAY D3

146 NEWTON STEWART TO NEW GALLOWAY C4-D3

Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre Forestry Commission Scotland

Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way Tourist Route

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Open:

1 Apr-3 Jul: 10.30am-4.30pm. 4 Jul-4 Sep: 10.30am-5.30pm. 5 Sep-30 Oct: 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Free. Parking ÂŁ3 per car, per day.

143 GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

Golf

69677

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself!

Looking for glorious gardens? www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/ gardens

Cally Woods Forestry Commission Scotland Gatehouse of Fleet T: 01671 402420 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark In this tranquil woodland, the cares of the world seem to drop away as you become immersed in its peaceful beauty. The bluebells are wonderful in the spring! There are three superb waymarked trails to follow of varying lengths from one to three miles.

23478

A712 Newton Stewart to New Galloway Road T: 01671 402420 Get the Galloway Forest Park experience and see the Wild Goat Park, the Red Deer Range and Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monument. Access to artworks and Glen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Bar viewpoint.

Clatteringshaws, 6 miles west of New Galloway T: 01644 420285 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark In the heart of Galloway Forest Park and on the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way. Walks, fishing sites, cafĂŠ, small shop, wildlife room. Near the start of the Raidersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Road forest drive.

69677

St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town of Dalry, nr Castle Douglas DG7 3XS T: 01644 430015 M: 0774 769 1447 andrew@casesport.com www.forrestestateexperiences.com Forrest Estate specialises in providing access and education for a range of country sports including clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, fly fishing and game shooting on a breathtaking estate in the heart of Galloway. Ä&#x161; 4XDOLILHG $36, ,QVWUXFWRUV Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ LQVWUXFWLRQ Ä&#x161; ([FHOOHQW IDFLOLWLHV Ä&#x161; 6XSHUE VHWWLQJ Ä&#x161; 6XSHUE VSRUWLQJ OD\RXW Ä&#x161; 1RYLFHV ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; *URXSV FDWHUHG IRU Ä&#x161; 3DFNDJHV DYDLODEOH

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www.visitscotland.com/natural 144 GLENTROOL

All year. 1 Mar-31 Oct: 10am-11pm. 1 Nov-1 Mar: restricted hours. Admission: Please contact leisure club for prices.

21 Mar-3 Jul: 10.30am-4.30pm. 4 Jul-4 Sep: 10.30am-5.30pm. 5 Sep-30 Oct: 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Free. Parking ÂŁ3 per car, per day.

145 By NEW GALLOWAY (8 miles)

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Castle: 23 Mar-31 Aug, Mon-Sun, 11am-4pm (last entry). Gardens & Country Estate: 23 Mar-30 Sep: daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Visit website for 2013 charges.

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147 By NEWTON STEWART

ooo Visitor Attraction Open:

21 Mar-3 Jul: 10.30am-4.30pm. 4 Jul-4 Sep: 10.30am-5.30pm. 5 Sep-30 Oct: 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission: Free. Parking ÂŁ3 per car, per day.

40 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

DUMFRIES

Dumfries & County Golf Club

&Ć&#x2019;

69677

Off A75 at Palnure, 3 miles east of Newton Stewart. T: 01671 402420 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark www.7stanesmountainbiking.com Southern gateway to Galloway Forest Park, home to great walks, 7stanes mountain biking trails, cafĂŠ and bike shop. Gift shop, adventure play area, picnic areas.

23294

Thornhill DG3 4AQ T: 01848 331555 enquiries@drumlanrig.com www.drumlanrig.com Many kilometres of cycle tracks and off road mountain bike trails to suit all abilities. (See display advert on page 64).

Colvend, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie DG5 4PY T: 01556 630398 F: 01556 630495 secretary@colvendgolfclub.co.uk www.colvendgolfclub.co.uk 18 challenging holes on picturesque course with superb views over the Galloway Hills and Solway Firth.

Kirroughtree Visitor Centre Forestry Commission Scotland

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

COLVEND Colvend Golf Club

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Wild Goat Park Forestry Commission Scotland On A712, approximately half way between New Galloway and Newton Stewart. T: 01671 402420 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark Our wild goats are great to watch, as they wander the hillside of the forest park. The goats do come up to the fence and they are partial to a sandwich or two, so watch out!

Brighouse Bay DG6 4TS T: 01557 870409 (club) 01557 870509 (Golf office) enquiries@brighousebay-golfclub.co.uk www.brighousebay-golfclub.co.uk Superb 1200 acre coastal location 18-hole, 6501 yard, par 73 golf course. 9-hole family course, driving range, practice area, indoor swimming pool with toddlers pool, Jacuzzi, games room, bar and bistro. Golfing breaks available. Open:

Open:

Sandyhills, Dalbeattie DG5 4NU T: 01387 780533 M: 0774 609 5248 Sandyhills just off A710. Treks and lessons for all abilities, starting with weenie rides (free rosette) for 4 years and over. Family run with exceptional routes through Dalbeattie Forest and surrounding countryside. Ä&#x161; %HDXWLIXO VFHQHU\ Ä&#x161; )UHH NLGV URVHWWHV Ä&#x161; 4XLHW ULGHV Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ H[SHULHQFHG VWDII Ä&#x161; &KDOOHQJLQJ OHVVRQV Ä&#x161; &RPSHWLWYH UDWHV Ä&#x161; )DVW KDFNV Ä&#x161; 8QIRUJHWWDEOH H[SHULHQFH

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Off A714 at Bargrennan, 12 miles north of Newton Stewart. T: 01671 840302 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark www.7stanesmountainbiking.com Gateway to the Galloway Hills. Waymarked trails, cycle routes, picnic areas, small shop and cafĂŠ, amidst the highest hills of south Scotland. Maps and information on hill ranges available.

Barend Riding Centre

By BORGUE, KIRKCUDBRIGHT Brighouse Bay Golf & Leisure Club

Glentrool Visitor Centre Forestry Commission Scotland

Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JX T: 01387 253585 admin@thecounty.co.uk www.thecounty.org.uk Beautifully mature parkland course with USGA Standard greens. A challenge to all levels of golfer. 23471

20074

141 SANDYHILLS

Open: All year. Admission: See website for green fee deals.

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leisure Activities GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

NEW GALLOWAY

Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2BE T: 01557 814766 info@gatehousegolfclub.com www.gatehousegolfclub.com A little gem of a course set in the beautiful Fleet Valley.

High Street, New Galloway DG7 3RN T: 01644 420737 brown@nggc.co.uk www.nggc.co.uk A delightful 9-hole golf course which is a gem among rural courses in Scotland.

Leisure Centres/ Swimming Pools

Open: All year. Green fees: 'DLO\ *UHHQ )HH Ä¨ :HHNO\ *UHHQ )HH Ä¨ Buggies for hire.

7RQJODQG .LUNFXGEULJKW '* /8 T: 01556 680226 info@tonglandgolf.co.uk www.tonglandgolf.co.uk Family Golf Centre offering par 3 course, covered driving range plus grass tees, putting area, tuition, club and trolly hire and small pro shop and cafĂŠ. All ages and abilities welcomed.

PORTPATRICK

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Golf Course Road, Portpatrick, Stranraer DG9 8TB T: 01776 810273 enquiries@portpatrickgolfclub.com www.portpatrickgolfclub.com Superbly presented clifftop golf courses overlooking Irish coastline. Fabulous greens. A warm welcome awaits you!

All year. Apr-Oct, Mon-Sun, 9.30am-8pm. Nov-Mar, Mon-Sun, 9.30am-6pm. Admission: KROHV $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG Ä¨ KROHV $GXOW Ä¨ &KLOG Ä¨

POWFOOT, by ANNAN

149 CASTLE DOUGLAS

Market Street, Castle Douglas T: 01556 502745 swimming@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk Main pool and sauna. Pool has 4 lanes and is 15.75m long. Profiles+ Fitness Suite with air conditioning and satellite TV. Variety of sessions including swimming lessons, public and lane swimming, aqua aerobics, fun sessions and 50+ activities.

ooo Leisure Centre

Cummertrees, Annan DG12 5QE T: 01461 204100 F: 01461 204111 info@powfootgolfclub.com www.powfootgolfclub.com Designed by the legendary James Braid in 1903 and set in breathtaking scenery in Dumfriessshire, Powfoot Golf Course presents a mixture of both links and parkland golf of the highest standard.

All year. Phone for details or see www.dumgal.gov.uk or swimming@dumgal.gov.uk Admission: Admission cost varies depending on activity.

50314

Open:

Open: All year. Admission: :HHNGD\ URXQG Ä¨ GD\ WLFNHW Ä¨ :HHNHQG URXQG Ä¨ GD\ WLFNHW Ä¨

150 CASTLE DOUGLAS AND NEWTON STEWART E4-C4 Carlingwark and Stronord Outdoor Centres Carlingwark, Castle Douglas T: 01556 504146 Stronord, Newton Stewart T: 01671 402185 www.dumgal.gov.uk/outdooractivities We can provide exhilarating and safe outdoor activity sessions that help you attain your aims for your group as part of a residential experience or on a non-residential basis. Activities we provide include, sailing, canoeing, mountain biking, climbing, orienteering and hillwalking.

Langholm Golf Course

151 DALBEATTIE

34886

:KLWDVLGH /DQJKROP '* -5 M: 0772 487 5151 langholmgolf@freenetname.co.uk www.langholmgolfclub.co.uk Picturesque hillside course with spectacular views. Signature hole is short par 4 over a gully but with gully in front of green and out of bounds behind-a 4 is a good score.

Castle Douglas Swimming Pool & Fitness Suite

Powfoot Golf Club

LANGHOLM

Dunmuir Road, Castle Douglas. At Castle Douglas High School T: 07731 658 781 Four court games hall and gymnasium for multi sport activities with a two court floodlit outdoor multi use games area.

Open: All year. Admission: 'XQVNH\ $GXOW Ä¨ 0RQ )UL Ä¨ 6DW 6XQ 'LQYLQ $GXOW Ä¨ KROHV Ä¨ KROHV Junior (under 18) half stated price.

Open:

CASTLE DOUGLAS Castle Douglas Sports Centre

Portpatrick (Dunskey & Dinvin) Golf Club

49194

Tongland Family Golf Centre

50214

KIRKCUDBRIGHT (3 miles)

18419

Open: All year. Admission: $GXOW Ä¨ SHU KROHV Ä¨ SHU KROHV &KLOG Ä¨ RU KROHV

ooo Activity Centre

47166

New Galloway Golf Club

37619

Gatehouse Golf Club

Dalbeattie Sports Centre

Open: All year. Daylight hours. Admission: 'D\ WLFNHW Ä¨

Haugh Road, Dalbeattie At Dalbeattie High School T: 01556 611365 Four court games hall and gymnasium for multi sport activities.

LOCKERBIE

119 DUMFRIES

Lockerbie Golf Club

Thornhill Golf Club 36195

Pop into a VisitScotland Information Centre and pick up a free copy of the

MONREITH

Dumfries & Galloway Golf Guide C5

SOUTHERNESS Southerness Golf Club

Monreith, Newton Stewart DG8 8NJ T: 01988 700358 mail@stmedangolfclub.com www.stmedangolfclub.com Friendly 9-hole course with 18 tees on WKH VKRUHV RI /XFH %D\ LQ VRXWK ZHVW Scotland.

Southerness, Dumfries DG2 8AZ T: 01387 880677 southernessgc@btconnect.com www.southernessgolfclub.com Superb Championship links course on Solway coast with magnificent views of Cumbrian and Kirkcudbrightshire hills.

Open:

55996

St Medan Golf Club

All year. Clubhouse: Mar-Oct, daily. Course: daylight hours. Admission: See website.

Barracuda Club, Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club English Street, Dumfries DG1 2DF T: 01387 254111 F: 01387 240288 sales@cairndalehotel.co.uk www.cairndalehotel.co.uk Located within the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries, the Barracuda Club offers 14m heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot spa bath and gym. Limited number of day passes. Ä&#x161; 'D\ SDVVHV DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; 2SHQ GD\V Ä&#x161; )RUXP FDIÂż EDU 17415

Open: All year, all day. Admission: :HHNGD\ 5RXQG 'D\ Ä¨ Ä¨ 6DWXUGD\ 5RXQG 'D\ Ä¨ Ä¨ 6XQGD\ 5RXQG Ä¨

55347

&RUULH 5RDG /RFNHUELH '* 1' T: 01576 203363 enquiries@lockerbiegolf.com www.lockerbiegolf.co.uk 18-hole parkland golf course (5,463 yards) with stunning views of the Solway and WKH /DNH 'LVWULFW

Open: All year. Admission: :HHNGD\ URXQG Ä¨ GD\ WLFNHW Ä¨ :HHNHQG URXQG Ä¨ GD\ WLFNHW Ä¨

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All year. Sun-Fri: 7am-10pm (last entry 9.30pm). Sat: 7am-8pm (last entry 7.30pm). Please note that FKLOGUHQ DUH UHTXHVWHG WR YDFDWH WKH FOXE E\ SP. Admission: Adult day pass ÂŁ10, Child day pass ÂŁ5, monthly PHPEHUVKLS DYDLODEOH

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 41

Leisure Activities 152 DUMFRIES

155 KELLOHOLM, by SANQUHAR

David Keswick Athletic Centre

Hillview Leisure Centre and Multi Play Area

Marchmount, Dumfries T: 01387 269423 A 400m all-weather surface, 8 lane all weather athletics running track, five-court sports hall, two gyms and Profiles+ Fitness Suite with 15 fitness stations, Strength and Conditioning suite. The facility provides fitness classes, basketball, badminton, football, Sports Saturday club and many more childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities.

Kirkland Drive, Kelloholm T: 01659 67777 Profiles+ Fitness Suite with 11 fitness stations and full size indoor sports hall with pool and entertainment room as well as a multiuse outdoor astro pitch.

157 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Parks and Play Areas

Kirkcudbright Sports Centre St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wynd, Kirkcudbright At Kirkcudbright Academy T: 01557 331281 Four-court games hall and gymnasium for multi sport activities.

157 KIRKCUDBRIGHT

Castle Douglas 7DNH WLPH RXW LQ /RFKVLGH 3DUN VWUROOLQJ E\ WKH ORFK RU MXVW VLWWLQJ enjoying the views. This park has two childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play areas, pedalo boats, rowing boats and putting.

158 NEWTON STEWART

23501

Open:

Paddle boats and putting: Apr-Sep. Early season: Sat-Sun only. Jul-Aug: daily. Admission: Free.

All year. Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm. Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm. N.B. This facility is utilised by the school during term-time, therefore there is restricted access to facilities. Please check prior to your visit.

DUMFRIES

The Fun Pool & Fitness Suite

Dock & Castledykes Park Multi Play Area

Blackaddie Road, Sanquhar DG4 6AD T: 01659 58018 mary.clapperton@dumgal.gov.uk Situated in the grounds of Buccleuch Estate The Funpool hosts a 16.7m main pool and a 8m training pool. Health suite and an 18 piece gym to keep you busy. Every Wednesday 11.45-12.30pm and 7.15-8pm we have water aerobics. The facility also has excellent disabled access.

Dumfries T: 01387 265825 Have a great time in two of Dumfriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best known parks. You can take part in activities such as tennis, bowling, putting and trampolining in Dock Park. Both of these picturesque parks have childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play areas. Admission free.

Open:

All year. 12.30-9pm most days, please see timetable. Admission: Adult ÂŁ2.95, Child ÂŁ1.75, Conc ÂŁ1.55.

Connect with us...

Dumfries Ice Bowl King Street, Dumfries DG2 9AN T: 01387 251300 icebowl@dumgal.gov.uk Situated in central Dumfries. Perfect for all your ice sport needs. Please call for details on activities and programmes. Skating, curling and ice hockey.

MOFFAT Station Park, Moffat T: 01683 220912 Interactive water play feature with fountains of fun for everyone. Also boating lake, putting green, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area and picnic benches.

23488

www.twitter.com/visitscotland

160 SANQUHAR

Lorimer Park Athletics Track and Play Area

Sep-Mar: Mon-Thur, 10am-11.30pm; Fri, 7am-11.30pm; Sat, 6am-11.30pm; Sun, 8am-11.30pm. Mar-May: Mon-Thur, 9am-10pm; Fri, 8am-11pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm. Phone 01387 251300 for skating & curling session times.

Open: Apr-Sep. Mon-Sun, weather depending. Admission: Free.

Sanquhar T: 01659 50347 Four lane athletics track, long jump pit, playing fields, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play equipment, putting and trampolines.

123 STRANRAER

Moffatasia

www.facebook.com/visitscotland

oooo Leisure Centre

154 DUMFRIES

oooo Leisure Centre

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Open:

DALBEATTIE

Dalbeattie Enjoy spending time in Colliston Park either strolling or enjoying a seat overlooking the pond. Features include the iron latticework bridge and the bandstand constructed with gas light columns from Glasgow.

159 SANQUHAR

2SHQ

153 DUMFRIES

Crosbie Road, Newton Stewart DG8 6JQ T: 01671 404301 merrickleisurecentre@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/merrick Offers quality leisure facilitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;including a 3-court games hall and fitness suite. It has a 25 metre swimming pool, used for a combination of lane swimming and more sociable water activities as well as a spa and sauna. Find us on Facebook.

DG One

Park-All year. Activities seasonal. Open: Apr-Sep. Early season; Sat-Sun only, Jul-Aug; daily. Admission: Free.

Colliston Park

Open:

oooo Leisure Centre

Open:

Merrick Leisure Centre

ooo Leisure Centre

Hoods Loaning, Dumfries DG1 2HT T: 01387 243550 F: 01387 263809 dgone@dumgal.gov.uk Enjoy three separate swimming pool areas including leisure water. Benefit from our fitness suite. Try our great range of sports in the biggest sports hall in the whole region. See our Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Guide. Ä&#x161; 1HDU WRZQ FHQWUH Ä&#x161; )UHH FDU SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; 3RROVLGH FDIÂż Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IULHQGO\ EXLOGLQJ Ä&#x161; +HDOWK VXLWH IDFLOLWLHV Ä&#x161; $FFHVVLEOH E\ URDG UDLO Ä&#x161; $FFUHGLWHG ILWQHVV HTXLSPHQW Ä&#x161; 3UHPLHU HQWHUWDLQPHQW YHQXH

Open: All year. Admission: Contact pool for opening times and prices.

38138

118 DUMFRIES

DG6 4AW T: 01557 331881 www.kbtpool.co.uk Clean, safe & friendly. Built & run by the community. 20m pool, well-equipped gym, including PowerPlate. Charity No. SCO 04144.

72348

www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/golf

Lochside Park

oooo Leisure Centre

Tee off at fantastic golf courses

CASTLE DOUGLAS

34296

Southerness Golf Club

Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool

STRANRAER

Ryan Centre

Agnew Park

Glasgow Road, Dumfries T: 01387 248218 www.dumgal.gov.uk This complex comprises a full size, floodlit synthetic football pitch and multi-park area with three tennis courts. The facility provides a Profiles+ Fitness Suite with air conditioning and Sky TV. Showers and changing available.

Fairhurst Road, Stranraer DG9 7AP T: 01776 703535 ryancentre@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/ryancentre Swimming pool including 25m 4 lane main pool, leisure water and flumes. Games hall, movement room, Profiles+ Fitness and Health Suite. Dedicated under 16s fitness suite. CafĂŠ, soft play area. Theatre, cinema, lounge bar and conference facilities. Find us on Facebook â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Ryan Centre and Theatre.

Stranraer T: 01776 703535 /DUJH ERDWLQJ ODNH ZLWK IHDWXUH LVODQG DQG ZDWHU SOD\ HTXLSPHQW Putting greens, educational play area, miniature railway, mini car racing circuit, pavilion/cafĂŠ. Pleasant walkways through gardens. Opening hours variable. Admission free.

52695

King George V All Weather Complex

oooo Leisure Centre Open:

All year. Mon-Fri, 8am-10.30pm. Sat & Sun, 8am-5pm.

oo Visitor Attraction 42 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

S cotland is

a stunningLet’sdestination! keep it that way

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The Green Tourism Business Scheme

By using businesses that participate in The Green Tourism Business Scheme you are helping to maintain Scotland’s unique natural heritage for generations to come. Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 and enjoy our greatest asset and celebrate our reputation as a land of outstanding beauty. Businesses that work in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way are awarded Bronze , Silver ß, or Gold ©. For more information visit www.green-business.co.uk

Dumfries & Galloway

Savour the flavours

Did you know? Gallie Craig Coffee House was custom built into the cliff edge, giving it a grass roof and a terrace with amazing views.

Dumfries & Galloway produces a stunning array of delicious produce, from smoked fish to award-winning meat, and mature cheeses to refreshing ice creams. Spend a peaceful few hours enjoying homebaking in a café, dine in an exquisite restaurant or visit one of the producers to see how the fresh local ingredients go from farm to table. You can attend a number of great food events which take place across the region, promoting the excellent produce and talented local chefs. Celebrate Dumfries & Galloway’s delicious local food and drink at Flavour Fortnight in September. Pick up some local produce at one of the 12 farmers’ markets throughout the region including Dumfries Farmers’ Market, which has around 30 stalls with meat, game, cheeses, fish, home grown vegetables, breads and baking for sale, along with many other items.

Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious in Castle Douglas is just one of the region’s stores which offer a whole host of foodie delights, working closely with many Scottish producers to sell eggs, meats, cheeses and more, alongside arts and crafts gifts. Kilnford Barns Farm Shop, west of Dumfries, has a top quality butcher, deli and larder offering a range of foods, wine and beer alongside beautiful local crafts and gifts. The Loch Arthur Creamery and Farm Shop, 6 miles from Dumfries, offers hand-made, organic cheeses, which have been winning major accolades for almost 20 years. A new farm shop and café opened in 2012.

44 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

• Taste real local ale from the region and learn the secrets of preparing the traditional tipple at Sulwath Brewers in Castle Douglas. • For regional fish, you can visit one of the smokehouses such as Marrbury Smokehouse near Carsluith, and the Galloway Smokehouse, on the A75 between Gatehouse of Fleet and Newton Stewart, to see the traditional smoking process for Scottish salmon. • The region is also famed for its tasty ice cream, such as Glen Urr, who also make ice cream cakes, and Cream o’ Galloway, which produces around 30 award-winning flavours with natural ingredients and organic milk from their own farm near Gatehouse of Fleet.

Savour the ﬂavours

Don’t miss... Q Flavour Fortnight, showcasing great

local produce from 31st August to 15th September. Q Castle Douglas, Dumfries &

Galloway’s Food Town. Q Farmers’ markets throughout

the region.

There are a number of fantastic cafés and restaurants throughout the region where you can try delicious local produce. Try local Galloway beef steaks and Wigtownshire lamb at Campbell’s restaurant in Portpatrick.

Drummuir F over 20 arm ice cream – ﬂavours a each da vailable y

The Del Amitri Restaurant in Annan is a traditional style restaurant which produces fantastic dishes with Scottish and European influences, using the finest local produce where possible. Enjoy a delicious range of cakes and tray bakes at Neilson’s Coffee Shop, open all year round at Barstobrick Visitor Centre. On the green banks of River Bladnoch you’ll find Scotland’s most southerly distillery, where you can spend the morning on a guided tour. At Bladnoch Distillery you can see the whisky-making process right the way from the grain to the cask, by wandering through the warehouses filled with

maturing whisky and inhale the heady vapours of the Tun Room. Continue on through the distillery gardens before the tour finishes in the Dramming Room where you can enjoy a dram of Bladnoch’s finest single malt whisky.

01 02 03 04

Artisan cheese making at Loch Arthur Creamery, Beeswing. The wash still, Bladnoch Distillery. Afternoon tea at Abbey Cottage, New Abbey. Sulwath beer, produced in Castle Douglas.

Thistle ‘B’ Scrumptious – 2012 winner of Thistle Award for Best Shopping Experience.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 45

Food & Drink DUMFRIES

CafĂŠs

Garden Wise Plant and Garden Centre C5

oooo Garden Centre

Luce Bay

27239

â&#x20AC;°

2SHQ

$OO \HDU 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ IURP 10am). Coffee shop closes 4.30pm. $GPLVVLRQ )UHH (See display advert on page 61).

Marrbury Smokehouse at Carsluith Castle

Vary according to season. Please telephone first if travelling a long distance. (Call for details of evening opening times for bistro.) Admission: Free.

12 Queensberry Street, Dumfries DG1 4EX T: 01387 254444 www.kingsonline.co.uk ,QGHSHQGHQW FRIIHH VKRS VHUYLQJ speciality coffee and teas in a relaxed atmosphere. With breakfast and lunch PHQXV &KULVWLDQ ERRNV DQG FDUGV LWÄ?V well worth a visit. Open:

oooo Tourist Shop &Ć&#x2019;,

www.twitter.com/visitscotland

Feb-Mar: Weekends only, 10am-5pm. Apr-Oct: Daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult ÂŁ5, Concs ÂŁ3.50, Child ÂŁ3.50, Family ÂŁ11. Discount for groups. (See display advert on page 61).

Ć&#x2019;E Mar-Dec. Open weekends Mar: 10.30am-5.30pm.

DUMFRIES

$â&#x20AC;°

All year. Mon-Sat, 8am-5.30pm. Sun, 10am-4pm.

GATEHOUSE OF FLEET

Pumpernickel

Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway

)ULDUV 9HQQHO 'XPIULHV '* 5/ 7 ) clarkjames@aol.com www.pumpernickelcatering.co.uk CafĂŠ serving tasty wholesome food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy snacks such as filled rolls, toasties, baguettes, paninis, baked potatoes and home baking or enjoy a main meal from our extensive menu and daily VSHFLDOV 6SHFLDOLW\ TXDOLW\ WHDV DQG FRIIHHV 'LVDEOHG DQG child friendly. Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ UXQ Ä&#x161; *UHDW SODFH WR HDW Ä&#x161; )UHVK ZKROHVRPH IRRG Ä&#x161; ([FHOOHQW DPELHQFH VHUYLFH Ä&#x161; &KLOG )DPLO\ IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; 1LFH DQG FOHDQ Ä&#x161; 2XWVLGH FDWHULQJ DYDLODEOH

Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2DR T: 01557 815222 F: 0808 280 2162 info@creamogalloway.co.uk www.creamogalloway.co.uk Visit the home of Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway luxury ice cream for the most scrumptious flavours. Indulge in an ice cream sundae or book the ice cream tasting event to sample 10 of the 30 flavours. (See display advert on inside back cover). Ä&#x161; /X[XU\ LFH FUHDP Ä&#x161; 7DVWLQJ HYHQWV Ä&#x161; $GYHQWXUH SOD\JURXQG Ä&#x161; +RPHPDGH EXUJHUV Ä&#x161; 0HHW WKH FRZV Ä&#x161; 'HOLFLRXV FDNHV Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IXQ Ä&#x161; 1DWXUH WUDLOV

Open:

All year. Summer opening times: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Winter opening times: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Apr-Sep: daily, 10.30am-5.30pm.

Oct-Christmas: weekends, 10.30am-4.30pm.

46 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

50658

23323

Drummuir Farm Ice Cream Clarencefield Road, Collin, Dumfries DG1 4PX 7 ) HQTXLULHV#GUXPPXLUIDUP FR XN www.drummuirfarm.co.uk Home made ice cream, light lunches and home baking. Enjoy a freshly made coffee whilst the children play outside, or the wee ones have fun in our indoor toddler area. We are just 2 miles from the A75, with ample parking and situated in beautiful countryside. Ä&#x161; 1R DGPLVVLRQ FKDUJH Ä&#x161; 'HOLFLRXV LFH FUHDP DQG IRRG Ä&#x161; ,QGRRU WRGGOHU DUHD Ä&#x161; 2XWGRRU SDUN Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG IDFLOLWLHV Ä&#x161; 0RWRUF\FOLVWV ZHOFRPH

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18437

www.facebook.com/visitscotland

Open:

/RFNHUELH 5RDG 'XPIULHV 'XPIULHV *DOORZD\ '* 3) T: 01387 261661 F: 01387 240184 kevin.wilson@tarfftownandcountry.co.uk A one-stop shop for the horse and small animal lover, alongside innovative ranges that include giftware, clothing and local foods. Relax and enjoy the freshly-brewed tea, coffee and delicious home baking in our Coffee Shop. Ä&#x161; /RFDO DUWV FUDIW Ä&#x161; VWDU UDWLQJ Ä&#x161; )UHH SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; /RFDOO\ SURGXFHG IRRG Ä&#x161; &RIIHH VKRS Ä&#x161; 1LFH DQG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV Ä&#x161; ,GHDO ORFDWLRQ

COLLIN, by DUMFRIES

All year.

Connect with us...

oooo Garden

DUMFRIES

Tarff Valley Ltd

Castle Kennedy & Gardens Castle Kennedy, Stranraer DG9 8SJ T: 01581 400225 F:01776 706248 marketing@castlekennedygardens.co.uk www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk Enjoy delicious home-baking and light lunches in our charming tearoom (free entry) overlooking the gardens and gift shop.

Kings

Open:

CASTLE KENNEDY, STRANRAER

www.visitscotland.com/natural

34028

oooo Visitor Attraction

DUMFRIES

37546

Near Gatehouse of Fleet, Wigtownshire DG8 6RW T/F: 01671 820476 mail@visitmarrbury.co.uk www.visitmarrbury.co.uk Peoples Awards Food Champions 2010. Highly acclaimed Marrbury Smokehouse shop and luxury cafĂŠ. Haven for food lovers, Vincent and Ruby Marr personally welcome guests with tastings of traditionally smoked luxury Scottish foods. Historic Castle with free entry on site. Ä&#x161; 6WDUV RI ,79Ä?V &RXQWU\ZLVH .LWFKHQ Ä&#x161; 6PRNHKRXVH VKRS Ä&#x161; /X[XU\ FDIÂż Ä&#x161; &RPLQJ VRRQ Ä&#x2DC; IDQWDVWLF ELVWUR GLQLQJ

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage, plan your trip and experience it for yourself!

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Castle Douglas Road, Dumfries DG2 8PP T: 01387 262654 F:01387 263663 info@gardenwise-dumfries.co.uk gardenwise-dumfries.co.uk One of the largest independently-owned garden centres in Scotland. Wide selection of healthy plants, garden sundries. Superb coffee shop: all food home-made on the premises and simply delicious. Enjoy a leisurely visit no matter how bad the weather. Ä&#x161; +HDOWK\ SODQWV Ä&#x161; 3HWHU 3DQ VWDWXH Ä&#x161; 6XSHU FRIIHH VKRS Ä&#x161; ,QGHSHQGHQWO\ RZQHG Ä&#x161; )UHH FDU SDUN Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; $LU FRQGLWLRQHG WKURXJKRXW Ä&#x161; P IURP $

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Food & Drink D5

LOCH KEN, CASTLE DOUGLAS

MULL OF GALLOWAY, DRUMMORE

Gallie Craig Coffee House

Shirmers Bridge, Loch Ken, Parton, Castle Douglas DG7 3NQ T/F: 01644 420626 gac@lochken.co.uk www.lochken.co.uk New Waterfront CafĂŠ serving a range of delicious homemade soups, freshly baked treats and freshly prepared hot and cold food. The cafĂŠ is within the activity centre and has fantastic views across Loch Ken. Relax and enjoy the great views while watching some of the activities on offer. Ä&#x161; )DQWDVWLF VHWWLQJ Ä&#x161; *UHDW KRPH EDNLQJ Ä&#x161; )UHVKO\ SUHSDUHG IRRG Ä&#x161; $FWLYLWLHV RQ RIIHU Ä&#x161; 9LHZV RI 5HG .LWHV Ä&#x161; 'HFNLQJ RQ ZDWHUIURQW Ä&#x161; )XQFWLRQ KLUH RQ UHTXHVW

0XOO RI *DOORZD\ 'UXPPRUH 6WUDQUDHU '* +3 7 HQTXLULHV#JDOOLHFUDLJ FR XN www.galliecraig.co.uk Visit the award-winning Gallie Craig coffee shop/restaurant perched on the cliff edge with breathtaking panoramic YLHZV DW 6FRWODQGÄ?V PRVW VRXWKHUO\ SRLQW ZKLOVW VDPSOLQJ the delicious freshly-prepared food and home baking. Ä&#x161; 7XUI URRI Ä&#x161; %UHDWKWDNLQJ SDQRUDPLF YLHZV Ä&#x161; &OLII WRS WHUUDFH Ä&#x161; 'HOLFLRXV KRPH EDNLQJ Ä&#x161; ([WHQVLYH JLIW VKRS Ä&#x161; $PSOH IUHH SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; &RDFK SDUWLHV ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV

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$OO \HDU H[FHSW 'HF -DQ 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ DP SP (last orders in cafe 4.30pm every day).

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27166

Galloway Activity Centre

Fleetvale, High Street, Gatehouse Of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2HR T: 01557 814001 F: 01557 814005 info@gallowaylodge.co.uk www.gallowaylodge.co.uk Award-winning producers of the finest preserves. Visit our beautiful coffee house and gift shop, if you are looking for WKDW XQLTXH JLIW RXU VSHFLDOLVW WHDP ZLOO PDNH D JLIW KDPSHU to suit all budgets. Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ VHUYLFH Ä&#x161; /X[XU\ JLIWV Ä&#x161; +DQGPDGH SURGXFH Ä&#x161; +RPHEDNLQJ Ä&#x161; 4XDOLW\ KDPSHU VHUYLFH Ä&#x161; 6SHFLDOLW\ IRRGV Ä&#x161; /LFHQVHG

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Feb-Nov. Apr-end Oct: daily, 10am-5.30pm. Winter hours (Nov, Feb, Mar): open 5 days (closed 7KXUV )UL DP SP &ORVHG 'HF DQG -DQ

NEW ABBEY

26 Main Street, New Abbey, Dumfries DG2 8BY T: 01387 850377 F: 01848 200536 morag@abbeycottagetearoom.com www.abbeycottagetearoom.com Cottage Restaurant, beside Sweetheart Abbey, serving coffees, teas and light meals throughout the day. Guild of Tea Shops â&#x20AC;&#x153;Award of Excellenceâ&#x20AC;? 2012. Past Winner of Ä?%HVW 7HDURRPÄ&#x2018; IURP 7DVWH RI 6FRWODQG ,QFOXGHV TXDOLW\ gift shop. Ä&#x161; 7DEOH VHUYLFH Ä&#x161; $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ UHVWDXUDQW Ä&#x161; )RRG DOOHUJ\ PHQX Ä&#x161; &DU SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; *DUGHQ PHDOV Ä&#x161; 'RJV ZHOFRPH LQ JDUGHQ 2SHQ

10620

Abbey Cottage Coffees & Crafts

)HE 'HF )HE 0DU :HG 6XQ DP SP 1 Apr-31 Oct: Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm. 1RY 'HF :HG 6XQ DP SP

NEWTON STEWART

73-75 Victoria Street, 1HZWRQ 6WHZDUW '* 1/ T: 01387 254444 cinnamon.ltd@btconnect.com www.cinnamon-online.co.uk A wheelchair/pram friendly cafĂŠ, gifts and Christian book shop. Take away. See website. Open:

83868

Cinnamon 2007 Ltd

All year. 0RQ 6DW DP SP Will open evenings for groups.

Ć&#x2019;E

Sharing an ice cream at Cream oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Galloway. To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 47

Food & Drink D4

DUMFRIES

Restaurants

Brasserie 59 The Aston Hotel, Bankend Road, The Crichton, Dumfries DG1 4ZZ T: 01387 272410 reception@astonhoteldumfries.co.uk www.astonhotels.co.uk A first-class experience: traditional cuisine, extensive wine list, contemporary design. Special dietary UHTXLUHPHQWV FDWHUHG IRU. Open:

58714

RINGFORD

All year. 0RQ )UL DP SP 6DW 6XQ DP SP

Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop @ Barstobrick Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk Home made food using local ingredients. Warm welcome. Friendly service. Breakfast, morning Coffee, lunches and afternoon tea available. Ample parking. Watch the horses in the indoor arena through the viewing window while you have lunch. Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V &RIIHH 6KRS Ä&#x161; )DUP VKRS Ä&#x161; :DONLQJ DQG F\FOLQJ Ä&#x161; $EXQGDQW ZLOGOLIH Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ JDPHV SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; /RGJHV IRU VDOH Ä&#x161; )LVKLQJ SRQ\ WUHNNLQJ Ä&#x161; 6HOI FDWHULQJ DFFRPPRGDWLRQ

DUMFRIES

77316

AUCHENCAIRN, CASTLE DOUGLAS

ooo Visitor Attraction

*HRUJH 6WUHHW 6WUDQUDHU '* -3 7 This welcoming coffee shop offers a fabulous range of homemade soups and sandwiches, sumptuous salads and a wide selction of PRXWK ZDWHULQJ FDNHV ZLWK D YLHZ GRZQ /RFK 5\DQ WKH SHUIHFW place to stop.

Open:

All year. Mon-Sat, 10am-4.30pm.

1XQKROP 5RDG 'XPIULHV '* -: 7 mail@casamiadumfries.co.uk www.casamiadumfries.co.uk Casa Mia has earned a reputation as one of Dumfries *DOORZD\Ä?V WRS UHVWDXUDQWV 2SHQ VHYHQ GD\V D ZHHN situated minutes from Town Centre, this delightful place is set in a secluded corner on the banks of the River Nith. Ä&#x161; (OHJDQW Ä&#x161; 2SHQ GD\V Ä&#x161; 5HOD[LQJ Ä&#x161; /XQFK DQG GLQQHU Ä&#x161; ([FHSWLRQDO Ä&#x161; (DUO\ HYHQLQJ PHQX Ä&#x161; /XQFK 3URPRWLRQ

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CREETOWN

Farm Shop/CafĂŠ

Open:

Castle Cary Holiday Park, Creetown, Newton Stewart DG8 7DQ T: 01671 820361 info@thelairdsinn.co.uk www.thelairdsinn.co.uk Country inn in beautiful surroundings serving locally sourced food expertly SUHVHQWHG E\ &KHI -RKQ +HQU\

All year. GD\V D ZHHN SP DQG SP /DWH

The Lairdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inn

Open:

By DUMFRIES

â&#x20AC;°

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Connect with us... www.facebook.com/visitscotland

$SU 'HF $SU 2FW /XQFK QRRQ SP 'LQQHU SP 6XQ QRRQ SP &ORVHG DOO GD\ 0RQ 7XHV /XQFK H[FHSW -XO $XJ Nov-Dec: weekends only.

CROCKETFORD

www.twitter.com/visitscotland

DUMFRIES

Courtyard Bistro at the Best Western Station Hotel

Crocketford DG2 8RA 7 ) info@gallowayarmshotel.co.uk www.gallowayarmshotel.co.uk +HULWDJH OLVWHG TXDOLW\ EHGURRP YLOODJH KRWHO ZLWK UHVWDXUDQW ELVWUR EDU DQG EHHU JDUGHQ MXVW PLOHV IURP 'XPIULHV )RRG VHUYHG GDLO\ IURP DP SP ZLWK PRUH IRUPDO GLQLQJ LQ 0F.QLJKWÄ?V 5HVWDXUDQW IURP SP GDLO\ Ä&#x161; 9LOODJH KRWHO Ä&#x161; )RRG VHUYHG GDLO\Ä&#x161; %HHU JDUGHQ Ä&#x161; )RRG DP SP Ä&#x161; 'XPIULHV PLOHV

/RYHUV :DON 'XPIULHV '* /7 T: 01387 254316 www.stationhoteldumfries.co.uk Choose from our Ă la carte menu or our seasonal Daily Specials for a simple supper or special occasion dinner. Exciting variety of traditional and contemporary homecooked dishes from Haggis, Tatties and Neeps to Tempura Prawns. Friendly service in a relaxing atmosphere. Ä&#x161; &KLOGUHQÄ?V PHQX SRUWLRQV Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV IURP +RWHO Ä&#x161; 9HJHWDULDQ YHJDQ FRHOLDF RSWLRQV DOZD\V DYDLODEOH Ä&#x161; *LIW YRXFKHUV Ä&#x161; 0HQX VHUYHG LQ +RWHO /RXQJH %DU 6XQGD\V

oooo Tourist Shop 2SHQ

27134

Galloway Arms Hotel

The Glen, Dumfries DG2 8PT T: 01387 253087 info@kilnford.co.uk www.kilnford.co.uk Ä?.QRZ \RXU IDUPHU .QRZ \RXU IRRG Ä&#x2018; 7KHUH LV PRUH WR .LOQIRUG WKDQ RXU IDQWDVWLF IDUPVKRS HQMR\ RXU PRGHUQ )DUP .LWFKHQ &DIÂż YLVLW RXU EXWFKHU\ GLVFRYHU ORFDO FUDIWV gifts, enjoy the play area and nature trail. Ä&#x161; ([FHOOHQFH LQ IRRG Ä&#x161; +RPH UHDUHG EHHI Ä&#x161; 6XSHU GHOL Ä&#x161; )UHVK ILVK FRXQWHU Ä&#x161; )DUP .LWFKHQ &DIÂż Ä&#x161; *DUGHQ SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; %HDXWLIXO QDWXUH WUDLO Ä&#x161; )XOO RI VXUSULVHV

84606

Kilnford Barns Farm Shop

â&#x20AC;°

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Open:

All year. $SU 6HS DP PLGQLJKW 2FW 0DU DP SP

48 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Â&#x203A;Â§ Open:

All year. 0RQ 6DW RUGHUV WDNHQ SP &ORVHG 6XQGD\V 'HF DQG -DQ

20716

Stir-it

Casa Mia

Auchencairn, Shore Road, Castle Douglas DG7 1QZ T: 01556 640217 reservations@balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk www.balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk Award-winning cuisine, based on local Scottish fare with a classic French influence. Bistro-style lunch menu available seven days a week; Sunday lunch offers a three-course meal in our restaurant. Dinner menu changes daily. Non-residents welcome. (See display advert on page 60). Ä&#x161; (DW6FRWODQG DFFUHGLWHG Ä&#x161; ([WHQVLYH ZLQH OLVW Ä&#x161; )LQH GLQLQJ Ä&#x161; $$ 5RVHWWHV IRU IRRG Ä&#x161; 6HFOXGHG HQFKDQWHG ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; 2Q WKH ZDWHUÄ?V HGJH Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG IULHQGO\

13881

STRANRAER

Balcary Bay Hotel Restaurant

18351

All year. Mar-Oct: daily, 10am-6pm. Nov-Feb: Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-4pm.

Open:

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Food & Drink RINGFORD

CASTLE DOUGLAS

Castle Douglas Food Town stephengroome@btinternet.com www.cd-foodtown.org )RU D XQLTXH VKRSSLQJ H[SHULHQFH FRPH and visit around 50 independent shops and cafĂŠs/restaurants. 78672

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself! www.visitscotland.com/natural

Open:

CASTLE DOUGLAS

Feb-Dec. DP SP FORVHG :HG H[FHSW -XO $XJ

207 King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DT T: 01556 504006 M: 0799 956 2644 thistlebscrumptious@gmail.com www.thistlebscrumptious.co.uk Some of the best produce Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s larder has to offer. Scottish Thistle Award National winner, Best Shopping Experience 2012.

oooo Tourist Shop Open:

Selkirk Arms Hotel +LJK 6WUHHW .LUNFXGEULJKW '* -* 7 ) reception@selkirkarmshotel.co.uk The award winning Selkirk Arms Hotel offers either casual dining for both lunch and dinner in the Bistro and al-fresco in the garden or a more formal dining experience in Artistas restaurant. Superb choice of ales, wines and malts. Ä&#x161; )UHVK ORFDO SURGXFH Ä&#x161; 3XE JUXE Ä&#x161; 3RVK QRVK Ä&#x161; )UHH :L)L Ä&#x161; &DVXDO GLQLQJ Ä&#x161; $O IUHVFR GLQLQJ

SANQUHAR

Open:

80530

%ODFNDGGLH 5RDG 6DQTXKDU '* -7 ) ian@blackaddiehotel.co.uk www.blackaddiehotel.co.uk Award-winning food in a beautiful country house on the banks of the river Nith.

Open:

Campbellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant 6RXWK &UHVFHQW 3RUWSDWULFN '* -5 7 dianeecampbell@campbellsrestaurant.co.uk www.campbellsrestaurant.co.uk 5HQRZQHG TXDOLW\ VHDIRRG UHVWDXUDQW RIIHULQJ D ZLGH YDULHW\ of local fresh produce. Set amidst a prime location overlooking Portpatrick Bay. Offering friendly service and select wines in relaxing surroundings.

Ă?

All year. QRRQ SP DQG SP IRU IRRG LQ WKH ELVWUR SP IRU $UWLVWDV UHVWDXUDQW

PORTPATRICK

Feb-Dec. Feb-Mar: 10am-3.30pm. Apr-Dec: 10am 4.30pm. (See display advert on page 68).

Blackaddie House Hotel

78102

Open:

Thistle â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Scrumptious

91030

5LQJIRUG &DVWOH 'RXJODV '* $/ T: 01557 820250 schoolhouseringford@tiscali.co.uk www.schoolhouseringford.com The Schoolhouse is a light airy restaurant. Created from a former school. Everything is prepared on the premises by the owners from the finest and where possible local ingredients. Great food and a friendly welcome. Ä&#x161; 5HDO IUHVK IRRG Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; /RFDOO\ VRXUFHG Ä&#x161; /LFHQVHG Ä&#x161; 1R SDFNHW PL[HV Ä&#x161; 0HDOV DQG VQDFNV Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; 7UDGLWLRQDO +LJK 7HDV

48364

KIRKCUDBRIGHT

The School House

All year. QRRQ SP /XQFK SP 'LQQHU

Retail

17804

Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio during Spring Fling

For a list of exciting events taking place throughout Dumfries & Galloway

7XHV 6DW QRRQ SP SP 6XQ SP SP &ORVHG 0RQ DQG HQG RI -DQ EHJLQQLQJ RI )HE

see pages 54-55 PORTPATRICK

BEESWING

CASTLE DOUGLAS

.LQJ 6WUHHW &DVWOH 'RXJODV '* /= 7 jane@glenurr.co.uk &RQIHFWLRQHU\ KHDYHQ )XOO RI GHOLFLRXV chocolates, traditional boilings, H[WHQVLYH GLDEHWLF UDQJH *OHQ 8UU ,FH &UHDPV 6RUEHWV Open:

2SHQ

$OO \HDU 6XPPHU 0RQ 6XQ %UHDNIDVW DP /XQFK 'LQQHU QRRQ SP :LQWHU 0RQ 6XQ %UHDNIDVW DP /XQFK QRRQ SP 'LQQHU SP

ooo Tourist Shop Open:

All year. 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ QRRQ SP

DUMFRIES

T.B. Watson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Specialist Wine & Spirit Merchant 11/17 English Street, Dumfries DG1 2BU T: 01387 256601 M: 0771 356 6222 F: 01387 256601 karen@tbwatson.co.uk www.drambusters.com Independent specialist with over 800 whiskies, plus other spirits, wines, crystal and great gift ideas.

57464

1HZ $EEH\ 5RDG %HHVZLQJ 'XPIULHV '* -4 7 FUHDPHU\#ORFKDUWKXU RUJ XN www.locharthur.org.uk Award-winning organic farmhouse cheeses, fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs and freshly baked breads, cakes, biscuits and pies, produced on our own farm or sourced as locally as possible. Plus an extensive range of fine foods, baskets, pottery and crafts. Relax in our new cafĂŠ, serving simple home-made fare in a truly beautiful setting.

80042

Loch Arthur Creamery, Farm Shop and CafĂŠ

1RUWK &UHVFHQW 3RUWSDWULFN '* 6; T: 01776 810800 F: 01776 810850 info@waterfronthotel.co.uk www.waterfronthotel.com Situated in the scenic village of Portpatrick with stunning harbour and sea views. Comprehensive choice of freshly cooked food, mostly from local produce, with particular emphasis on a wide array of seafood including locally FDXJKW OREVWHU FUDE Ä&#x161; +DUERXU YLOODJH ORFDWLRQ Ä&#x161; 3DQRUDPLF VHD YLHZV Ä&#x161; ([FHOOHQW VHDIRRG UHVWDXUDQW Ä&#x161; 6W\OLVK KRWHO GHFRU Ä&#x161; )ULHQGO\ KHOSIXO VWDII Ä&#x161; *ROI SDUWLHV ZHOFRPH Ä&#x161; *UHDW JROI GHDOV Ä&#x161; :RQGHUIXO JDUGHQV ORFDOO\

63361

The Waterfront Hotel & Restaurant

The Toffee Shop

%Ć&#x2019;E

All year. 0RQ )UL DP SP 6DW DP SP Closed Sundays.

, Open:

All year. Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm. Sat, 9.30am-5.30pm. (No alcohol sales prior to 10am on any day.) (See display advert on page 67).

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 49

Shopping Antiques

Arts

NEW ABBEY, by DUMFRIES

Crafts

CASTLE DOUGLAS

DUMFRIES

The Old Garage, 54 Main Street, New Abbey DG2 8BY T: 01387 257757 admirableantiques@hotmail.co.uk www.admirableantiques.co.uk Antique and quality reproduction furniture, fine art, silverware, glassware, ceramics, collectables and garden ornaments.

231 King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DT T: 01556 502468 zoe@mcgillduncangallery.com www.mcgillduncangallery.com Selling works by national and international artists, and Scottish paintings from the 19th century onwards.

E Open:

Open:

All year. Mon-Sat,10am-5pm.

Apr-Oct: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun & Bank Holidays 11am-4pm. Nov-Mar: Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun & Bank Holidays 11am-4pm.

23478

Dumfries VisitScotland Information Centre

84216

McGill Duncan Gallery

92776

Admirable Antiques

DUMFRIES

Strands Gallery Shop

56789

30 Great King Street, Dumfries DG1 1BD T: 01387 266666 contact@strands-dumfries.eclipse.co.uk We make our own unique range of jewellery, 'Slate & Silver', slate inlaid with silver. We also stock a superb selection of exceptional jewellery, glass and craft by British designer-makers and craftspeople. Individual and distinctive gifts.

Open: All year. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. Admission: Free.

SANQUHAR

8-12 High Street, Sanquhar DG4 6BL T: 01659 50514 M: 0778 713 4368 contact@all-the-airts.com www.all-the-airts.com Upper Nithsdale’s vibrant Community Arts Centre: retail outlet, specialising in locally produced arts and crafts, including Sanquhar Pattern items; gallery with rolling exhibitions of artwork; theatre; community cinema; Café Airtisans provides refreshments and tasty snacks.

91919

A’ The Airts

Open:

All year. Mon-Sun, 10am-4pm, plus evening performances. Admission: Shop and Gallery free. Theatre and Cinema charged individually.

Shops

CARSLUITH

Carsluith, Newton Stewart DG8 7DN T: 01671 820354 allan@gallowaysmokehouse.co.uk For the very best in home smoked foods, freshly landed fish and shellfish cooked daily.

ooo Tourist Shop Open:

Shopping at Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop. 50 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

All year. 9am-5.30pm.

27168

Galloway Smokehouse

Great days out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shopping E4

DUMFRIES

Castle Douglas Gem Shop

11/17 English Street, Dumfries DG1 2BU T: 01387 256601 M: 0771 356 6222 F: 01387 256601 karen@tbwatson.co.uk www.drambusters.com Independent specialist with over 800 whiskies, plus other spirits, wines, crystal and great gift ideas.

All year. Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm. Open:

James Kirk & Sons

Open:

32508

198 King Street, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 1DB T: 01556 502672 kirkshoes@btopenworld.com www.kirkshoes.co.uk Shoe fitting specialists stocking AA-EEEE fittings. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes ranging from sizes 2-10, gentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from 5-13. Stockists of Ecco, Van Dal and Rieker. Outdoor clothing, handbags and leather goods. (See display advert on page 62).

oooo Garden Centre

â&#x20AC;°

2SHQ

$OO \HDU 0RQ 6DW DP SP 6XQ IURP DP Coffee shop closes 4.30pm. $GPLVVLRQ )UHH (See display advert on page 61).

All year. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm.

DUMFRIES

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village Glasgow Road, Gretna DG16 5GG T: 01461 339028 info@gretnagateway.co.uk www.gretnagateway.com Right on the Scottish border, 1 minute from Gretna exit M74/ M6/A75, Gretna Gateway has 50 shops and 5 cafĂŠs selling big brands at fantastic outlet prices, every time you visit! (See display advert on page 67). Ä&#x161; 0 6 1LNH *DS (:0 :KLVN\ 6KRS $UUDQ $URPDWLFV Ä&#x161; )UHH SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; 7RLOHWV EDE\ FKDQJH Ä&#x161; 3OD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG IDFLOLWLHV

Open:

Looking for glorious gardens?

oooo Garden Centre

Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan

GRETNA

Hetland Garden Centre

71776

CASTLE DOUGLAS

27239

Garden Wise Plant and Garden Centre

All year. Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm. Sat, 9.30am-5.30pm. (No alcohol sales prior to 10am on any day.) (See display advert on page 67).

29084

Open:

T.B. Watson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Specialist Wine & Spirit Merchant

89317

King Street, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 1LU T: 01556 503254 www.outbackyarns.co.uk Fantastic, unique, art and craft shop with gem stones and jewellery, wool and paint, craft materials and fabrics. Amazing selection of all sorts. Well worth a visit.

DUMFRIES

57464

CASTLE DOUGLAS

ooooo Tourist Shop

Open:

All year, 7 days a week. (Dinopark opening Spring 2013.) See our advert on page 59.

All year. 10am-6pm, 7 days a week.

www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/gardens F3

DUMFRIES

RINGFORD

Farm Shop @ Barstobrick Visitor Centre

Lockerbie Road, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 3PF T: 01387 261661 F: 01387 240184 kevin.wilson@tarfftownandcountry.co.uk A one-stop shop for the horse and small animal lover, alongside innovative ranges that include giftware, clothing and local foods. Relax and enjoy the freshly-brewed tea, coffee and delicious home baking in our Coffee Shop. Ä&#x161; /RFDO DUWV FUDIW Ä&#x161; VWDU UDWLQJ Ä&#x161; )UHH SDUNLQJ Ä&#x161; /RFDOO\ SURGXFHG IRRG Ä&#x161; &RIIHH VKRS Ä&#x161; 1LFH DQG IULHQGO\ Ä&#x161; 'LVDEOHG DFFHVV Ä&#x161; ,GHDO ORFDWLRQ

Ringford, Castle Douglas DG7 2AU T/F: 01557 820112 info@barstobrick.co.uk www.barstobrick.co.uk Next to Neilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop. Beef and lamb from our own family farms. Ready meals and home baking available to purchase. Range of local foods and crafts on display. Ample parking. Ä&#x161; +RPH JURZQ PHDW Ä&#x161; 5HDG\ PHDOV Ä&#x161; +RPH EDNLQJ Ä&#x161; /RFDO IRRGV Ä&#x161; /RFDO FUDIWV Ä&#x161; 1HLOVRQÄ?V &RIIHH 6KRS Ä&#x161; :DONV DQG ZLOGOLIH Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ JDPHV SOD\ DUHD

oooo Visitor Attraction

oooo Tourist Shop

2SHQ

Open:

$OO \HDU 0RQ 6DW DP SP &ORVHG 6XQ 2XWGRRU )DUP 3DUN RSHQ (DVWHU HQG 2FW 6RIW SOD\ area, coffee shop and toy shop open all year. Admission: Admission charges apply.

All year. Mon-Sat, 8am-5.30pm. Sun, 10am-4pm.

$â&#x20AC;°

88719

Tarff Valley Ltd

Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1SE T: 01387 254445 (shop) www.dalscone@btconnect.com Dalscone is a family adventure farm and toy shop located in Dumfries, Scotland. Attractions include a soft play area, a coffee shop and a farm park including trampolines, pedal karts, lots of animals and much more! (See display advert on page 62). Ä&#x161; )DPLO\ IXQ GD\ Ä&#x161; $GYHQWXUH IDUP SDUN Ä&#x161; 6RIW SOD\ DUHD Ä&#x161; $QLPDO )DUPDUL Ä&#x161; &RIIHH VKRS Ä&#x161; 7UDPSROLQHV Ä&#x161; /DUJH WR\ VKRS

22112

Dalscone Farm Fun & Toys

77316

DUMFRIES

ooo Visitor Attraction Open:

All year. Mar-Oct: daily, 10am-6pm. Nov-Feb: Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-4pm.

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 51

Dumfries & Galloway

Travel tips

There are a number of ways to travel around Dumfries & Galloway, making it easy for you to take in as much as you can while visiting the region. Take one of the local buses or drive along the peaceful country roads between the many attractions, museums and activity centres. By road You can travel around using one of the three tourist routes. The Galloway Tourist Route takes you from the motorway at Gretna along the scenic Solway Coast through beautifully charming villages, market towns and alongside the Galloway Forest Park. The Burns Heritage Trail takes you on a journey through Robert Burns’ life in Dumfries & Galloway from Sanquhar to Dumfries, Dalbeattie to Kirkcudbright, and Gatehouse of Fleet to Newton Stewart – allowing you the chance to visit the museums and visitor centres spread throughout the region.

To admire the coastline, take the Solway Coast Heritage Trail which runs between the vast tidal flats of the Solway Firth at Annan and the towering sea cliffs of the Rhinns, to Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway. By bus A very convenient local bus service connects all the little villages and main towns, making it easy to visit the attractions, restaurants and shops. By rail Trains run in the east side of the region from Gretna Green through Annan, Dumfries, Sanquhar and Kirkconnell, whilst in the west, you can go from Stranraer through to Glasgow.

01 Local bus service, Dumfries town centre.

52 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

Where to find out more Find all you want to do in Dumfries & Galloway in one place. At a VisitScotland Information Centre we’ll tell you everything there is to see and do and help with everything else you’ll need for your visit. Our friendly experts can offer advice and inspiration on all things local as well as sharing their wider knowledge of Scotland. Please refer to the list of VisitScotland Information Centres on page 16.

Great days out – Local Services

Tours

Genealogy

CARLISLE (5 miles)

DUMFRIES

Health and Beauty

DUMFRIES Jacquies Beauty

Hangar 30, Carlisle Airport, Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 4NW T: 01228 573490 info@borderairtraining.com www.borderair.co.uk Scenic flight tours of Southern Scotland and the Borders.

Archive Centre, 33 Burns Street, Dumfries T: 01387 269254 libarchive@dumgal.gov.uk www.dumgal.gov.uk/lia For family or historical research. Offers council, court and kirk records of Dumfries from c16th on as well as papers of local families, firms, societies. Fee based research service available.

34 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS T: 01387 269077 reception@jacquiesbeauty.co.uk www.jacquiesbeauty.co.uk Scottish Beauty Salon of the year 2011. Specialist treatments available for men, women and teenagers.

ƒ Open: All year. Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm. Admission: For ticket prices see website.

12438

Dumfries & Galloway Libraries

88267

Border Air Tours

Open:

All year. Tues-Wed, Fri: 11am-1pm, 2-5pm. Thurs: 6-9pm. Admission: Free.

DUMFRIES

Open:

91412

Tours

All year. Tues & Wed: 9am-6pm. Thurs: 9am-8pm. Fri: 9am-6pm. Sat: 9am-4pm.

Join us in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 as we celebrate Scotland’s natural heritage. Plan your trip and experience it for yourself! www.visitscotland.com/natural

Catherine Street, Dumfries T: 01387 253820 dumgal.gov.uk/lia A large collection of local studies material, including genealogical sources. Lending facilities available for visitors on proof of identity. A cybercentre offers free access to the internet and e-mail. Fee-based research service available. Open:

All year. Mon-Wed, Fri 9.15am-7.30pm. Thur & Sat, 9.15am-5pm. Admission: Free.

12438

Ewart Public Library

Drumlanrig Castle

For more information on Dumfries & Galloway www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

Transport

DUMFRIES

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental

Open:

12916

T: 0844 875 9756 rental.reservations@arnoldclark.co.uk www.arnoldclarkrental.com The largest Scottish rental company, with an extensive range of vehicles, from small cars to people carriers, 4x4’s, estates and automatics. Prices from £25 per day. One-way hire available. Extras include child seats and sat nav’s. Professional and easy to use service. All year.

DUMFRIES

c/o Palmerston Furniture, 36 Terregles Street, Dumfries DG2 9AN T: 01387 248191 M: 0785 074 5191 bookings@solwaymotorhomes.co.uk www.solwaymotorhomes.co.uk Motorhome hire situated in Dumfries, south west Scotland near the Solway Coast, it’s an ideal starting point if you wish to tour the beauty of the Solway Coast or a tour of Scotland. Open:

88709

Solway MotorHome Hire

All year.

Local bus at Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village. To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 53

Dumfries & Galloway

What’s on

Key

Did you know? You can sample around 150 whiskies at the Drambusters Whisky Festival in Dumfries on 30 November.

Map Reference (See map on pages 70-71)

Family Food and Drink Great Outdoors Highland Games Local Shows and Galas Music, Arts and Culture Sports

January 25 – 27 Big Burns Supper Various venues, Dumfries www.bigburnssupper.com

February 2 – 17 Mar Snowdrop Festival Throughout Dumfries & Galloway www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop

March 29 – 31 May Wild Spring Various venues across Dumfries & Galloway www.wildspringfestival.com 01

Whether you would like to admire classic cars, browse art or take in some jazz, Dumfries & Galloway is the perfect place to visit all year round. Discover a host of activities and entertainment throughout the towns and villages. The best chance to spot some of the region’s fantastic wildlife is from the end of March when the Wild Spring festival starts with over 90 events about species including geese, badgers and the graceful red kites. Explore Dumfries & Galloway’s stunning countryside on foot at one of four walking festivals – Newton Stewart and Langholm in May, Dalbeattie in August and Moffat in October.

Don’t miss... Q Big Burns Supper in January. Q Spring Fling in May. Q Moffat Classic Car Rally in June. Q Galloway Country Fair in August. Q Flavour Fortnight in September. Q Lockerbie Jazz Festival in September.

Embrace the region’s tradition at a selection of Riding of the Marches events which are held in Lockerbie in June, Annan in July and Sanquhar in August. Kirkcudbright is home to the popular Summer Festivities, a programme of events from May to August, which includes traditional Scottish entertainment and family events in venues throughout the town. The grand finale, The Tattoo, takes place in the shadow of the castle with special guests entertaining at the end of August. At the end of July every year the innovative and family-friendly weekend event, the Wickerman Festival, takes place. Partly themed around the famous cult movie, the festival features a variety of music from established and new talent, with previous acts such as Texas and Scissor Sisters, on a farm near Kirkcudbright. For books and literature events, enjoy the Wigtown Book Festival when 100 activities take place to celebrate the written word.

54 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com

April 6 Feed the Red Kites Open Day Kite Feeding Station, Bellymack Hill Farm, Laurieston www.gallowaykitetrail.com

27 Royal Burgh of Dumfries Tattoo County Buildings Car Park, Newall Terrace, Dumfries www.facebook.com

May 10 – 12 Moniaive Folk Festival Moniaive Village www.moniaivefolkfestival.co.uk

10 – 16 Newton Stewart Walking Festival Locations around Newton Stewart www.newtonstewartwalkfest.com

17 – 19 Muckle Toon Outdoor Festival

H3 Langholm Rugby Football Ground www.muckletoonadventurefestival.co.uk

23 – 26 World Ceilidh Knockengorroch, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas www.knockengorroch.org.uk

25 – 26 British and Scottish Gold Panning Championships Hidden Treasures, Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk

What’s on

What’s on 25 – 27 Spring Fling

31 Stranraer Show

Studios throughout Dumfries & Galloway www.spring-fling.co.uk

London Road Playing Fields, Stranraer www.stranraershow.co.uk

June

August

Throughout Dumfries & Galloway www.dayoftheregion.co.uk

1–9 World Oceans Week

1 Stewartry Show

Main events will take place in Rockcliffe and Port William www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk

Stewartry Rugby Club Ground, Greenlaw, Castle Douglas www.stewartryshow.co.uk

5–6 Dalbeattie Hardrock Challenge

7–9 Eden Festival

2–5 Tenth Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail

Raehills Meadows, St Anns, Moffat www.edenfestival.co.uk

8 Castle Douglas Food Town Day King Street, Castle Douglas www.cd-foodtown.org

9 – 15 Guid Nychburris Dumfries www.guidnychburris.co.uk

13 – 16 Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival Various venues in Kirkcudbright www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk

28 – 29 RSAC Scottish Rally Dumfries Ice Bowl and surrounding area www.scottishrally.co.uk

29 – 30 Moffat Classic Car Rally Moffat Showground, Moffat www.sre-scot.co.uk

29 – 26 Aug Kirkcudbright 2000 Summer Art Exhibition Kirkcudbright Town Hall www.artiststown.org.uk

30 New Abbey Garden Safari Start from New Abbey Village Hall

In and around Kirkcudbright www.artandcraftstrail.co.uk E4

The Showfield, Park Farm, Dumfries www.dumfriesshow.co.uk F4

Annan www.annan.org.uk/rom

21 – 27 Castle Douglas Civic Week Castle Douglas www.castle-douglas.com

F3/4

27 – 28 Raptor Weekend County Buildings, Wigtown www.rspb.org.uk/crookofbaldoon

17 – 18 Galloway Country Fair Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk

23 – 24 Stranraer RNLI Park Fest Agnew Park, Stranraer www.lifeboatparkfest.co.uk

October 4–6 Day of the Region

E4 Richorn Trailhead, Dalbeattie Forest www.dalbeattiehardrockchallenge.org

26 – 27 Feed the Red Kites Open Day D5

Kite Feeding Station, Bellymack Hill Farm, Laurieston www.gallowaykitetrail.com

31 Halloween Ghost walk F4

Meet at Plainstanes, Midsteeple, Dumfries www.mostlyghostly.org

November 30 Drambusters Whisky Festival Easterbrook hall, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries www.drambusters.com

Across the year E2

Countryside Events Throughout Dumfries & Galloway www.dumgal.gov.uk/rangers

Farmers’ Markets A4

Throughout Dumfries & Galloway www.savourtheflavours.co.uk

Twice daily from October to April Wild Swan Feeds

31 – 15 Sep Flavour Fortnight

WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock

Various across Dumfries & Galloway www.flavourfortnight.co.uk

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Apr – Sep Mull of Galloway Guided Walks

September

RSPB Visitor Centre, Mull of Galloway www.rspb.org.uk/mullofgalloway

15 – 22 (regional stage tbc) The Tour of Britain

Dumfries & Galloway www.tourofbritain.co.uk G4

27 – 29 Lockerbie Jazz Festival Various venues in Lockerbie including The Town Hall, Queens Hotel, Dryfesdale Hotel, Somerton Hotel, Lockerbie Academy www.lockerbiejazz.com

27 – 29 Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival A4

26 – 27 The Wickerman Festival East Kirkcarswell Farm, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

16 – 18 Dalbeattie Walking Festival Various venues around Dalbeattie www.dalbeattiematters.co.uk

26 Open Air Theatre: Romeo and Juliet Castle Kennedy & Gardens, Rephad, near Stranraer www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk

7 Wigtown Show Bladnoch Park, Wigtown www.wigtownshow.org.uk

July 6 Annan Riding of the Marches

3 Dumfries Agricultural Show

Memorial Institute, Chapel St, Moniaive www.moniaivebluegrass.co.uk

27 – 6 Oct Wigtown Book Festival E5

Various venues in Wigtown. Box office: County Buildings, Wigtown www.wigtownbookfestival.com

01 Big Burns Supper, Dumfries. 02 Balloons to celebrate The Day of the Region.

This list highlights just a selection of events taking place in Dumfries & Galloway in 2013. The information contained in this publication is as supplied to VisitScotland and to the best of VisitScotland’s knowledge was correct at the time of going to press. VisitScotland can accept no responsibility for any errors. Events can be subject to change, we recommend you check details with a local VisitScotland Information Centre before travelling (see page 16).

To find out more about Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 55

Family Fun 73 CREETOWN

Westlands Activity Centre

Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

Creetown Gem Rock Museum

The Broats Moss, Annan DG12 6RS T: 01461 800274 info@westlands-activities.co.uk www.westlands-activities.co.uk Enjoy an action-packed day out at this fabulous outdoor activity centre just outside Annan. Picturesque rural setting, heart-racing outdoor activities. Quad safari, go-karting, paintballing, assault course and clay pigeon shooting. 70-acre site.

Scottish Natural Heritage, Reserve Office, Dromore Farm, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2BP T: 01577 814435 nnr@snh.gov.uk www.nnr-scotland.org.uk This Reserve is a paradise for walkers. You’ll find peace and tranquillity here amongst heather moorland, peatlands and dramatic scenery. Reserve open all year.

Chain Road, Creetown, Wigtownshire DG8 7HJ T: 01671 820357 enquiries@gemrock.net www.gemrock.net A beautiful collection of the earth’s treasures. Fantastic crystals, gems and fossils. Interactive quizzes and rock activity bench. Discover the crystal cave, Olga the amazing cave bear fossil and professors study audio visual display. Natural giftshop, home baking in the prospectors pantry.

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