This area is a veritable paradise for walkers. The Sandyhills to Rockcliffe cliff path is a must and enjoys breathtaking views across the Solway to the Cumbrian Fells. The ascent of nearby Criffel is highly recommended and the stunning 360 degree panorama from its summit makes the climb well worth the effort. On a really clear day the summit provides a vista that includes Ireland. Mersehead Reserve is renowned for the thousands of barnacle geese which arrive from the end of September and is truly a spectacle; a myriad of wings a mass of black and white and a cacophony of sound.
It’s official, the Galloway Forest Park has just achieved an award as one of only four places in the world to view the night sky so clearly and if you have never seen the Milky Way then this is a magnificent sight.
As the bicycle was invented in the tiny hamlet of Keir Mill then this area is the home of the bicycle and the county is fast becoming one of the best places to cycle in the UK. For mountain bikers we can offer some of the world’s best venues at a choice of the 7Stanes set in stunning locations and Dalbeattie Forests is close by. For mere mortals we have mile after mile of quiet country roads.
Many of the local towns have achieved a personality of their own. The granite town of Dalbeattie, the food town of Castle Douglas where you can savour the flavours of our locally produced food and the pretty fishing town of Kirkcudbright with its historic and colourful High Street.
Next door to the ‘village’ is the Bainloch Deer Park where you can take a tour to see the deer up close.
There is fishing on offer locally at Barend Loch which you can see from part of the ‘village’ and whether your preference is for freshwater or sea fishing the choice is endless. Golfers and spoilt for choice with numerous Golf Courses within the area and Southerness is home to a championship course.