Out & about - nearby

The Machars

The Machars is the spectacular peninsula of rich green, softly rolling pastures, located in the South-West of Galloway. Its quiet country roads and breathtaking scenery are perfect for exploring. For the angler there are numerous lochs and rivers for coarse fish, trout and salmon, and also sea fishing. http://www.fishgalloway.co.uk/ for more information on fishing.

Whithorn & Isle of Whithorn

Where St. Ninian brought Christianity to Scotland. Whithorn Museum houses a remarkable collection of Christian crosses and the nearby Isle of Whithorn with its pretty harbour, is the site of the ruins of St Ninian's Chapel. Visit St Ninian's Cave via a beautiful walk down through the woods to the shore from Glasserton. Visit the Isle of Whithorn and walk from the harbour up the hill towards the cairn where you will see great views to the Isle of Man.

Around Wigtown

Scotland's National Book Town, many book businesses and with the usual shops, inns, and cafes. Bookshops line the sreets of Scotland's National Book Town, Spend a day browsing your way through the shelves. The former County Building is newly restored and has a viewing room where nesting Ospreys can be seen on CCTV. Visit Torhousekie Stone Circle nearby built 4,000 years ago, with views over the Machars. There is a book fair in May and a literary festival in autumn.

Bladnoch Distillery & visitor centre

Close to Wigtown, is Scotland's most southerly distillery, with a gift shop and open to visitors for whisky tours. There is also an attractive walk along the banks of the river and a picnic area. The distillery dates from 1817 and the buildings are of fine stone and slate.

The nature reserve

Our cottages overlook Wigtown Bay which is designated a Nature Reserve. Many bird species are to be seen including thousands of wintering wild geese. A bird hide and new wetland has been successful in attracting new species. There is a pleasant walk from the cottages to Wigtown harbour.

Other attractions

There are Beaches at Monreith beyond the golf course and Rigg Bay near Garlieston harbour. A walk to Rigg bay takes you through the gardens of Galloway House to the beach. As well as Monreith golf course there is a pretty 9 hole golf course in Wigtown itself, and also an 18 hole course at Newton Stewart close by.

Further walks along the coast to Cruggleton Castle and cliffs. Kilsture Forest on the road to Garlieston - many forest trails, alive with wild flowers especially bluebells in spring. Also see our links to other local attractions page here