The Galloway Heartland
Police Close in Kirkcudbright
the main street through Gatehouse of Fleet
Kippford
Auchencairn
Explore this magnificent part of Dumfries & Galloway which boasts the Galloway Red Kite Trail, Castle Douglas Food Town and The Colvend Coast.
Situated on the banks of the River Dee and close to the Solway coast, the charming town of Kirkcudbright boasts an attractive town centre. You will find a colourful combination of medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings, along with a fine harbour overlooked by the 16th century MacLellan’s Castle.
Also known as the Artists’ Town, Kirkcudbright boasts connections with the Glasgow Boys and is a magnet for Scottish art-lovers, with a range of galleries and studios to explore.
Castle Douglas, a great place for independently owned and unique shops, is actually designated Dumfries & Galloway’s Food Town due to its market and farming traditions and fine range of local butchers, delis and cafes. Don’t miss nearby Threave Gardens and Threave Castle.
Dalbeattie provides an excellent base for exploring the great outdoors. Internationally famous 7stanes mountain biking trail is nearby and there are many opportunities to enjoy golf, fishing or birdwatching. Head up Loch Ken following the Galloway Kite Trail and you’ll find New Galloway, the smallest royal burgh in Scotland, which is also an excellent spot for those looking to enjoy a range of activities such as watersports. Nearby St John’s town of Dalry gives you easy access to The Southern Upland Way.
Visit Gatehouse of Fleet, an attractive little town steeped in history, once a thriving industrial centre with cotton mills and shipbuilding industry. Like Kirkcudbright, the town and surroundings also features in film and literature with connections to The Wickerman, and Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L. Sayers.
Joining the Solway Coast Heritage Trail, explore more of the fantastic coastline at Auchencairn, which was once a hotbed for smuggling. On the Colvend Coast, the village of Kippford is a great place to sit outdoors and enjoy a meal or tackle a variety of outdoor activities such as sailing and walking. Take the scenic footpath to the neighbouring village of Rockcliffe and enjoy a spot of beach combing before you return.
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