Things to do
Rowan Cottage really is the ideal base for exploring Dumfries and Galloway. There are so many interesting places to visit and things to do in south-west Scotland.
From mountain-biking to canyoning, wild swimming to golf, there’s a plethora of activities here as well.
Both Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright are a short, scenic drive away. These thriving towns both have a selection of independent shops, restaurants, cafes, a castle and a swimming pool. Castle Douglas is also home to the Fullerton Theatre; whilst the artist’s town, Kirkcudbright, has galleries and a museum as well.
With so much to choose from, you’ll want to start planning. This is by no means a conclusive list of all the things there are to do here. But we’ve got a few suggestions to help you get started.
Food & Drink
Just a short walk from Rowan Cottage is the Cat Strand Café (it’s licensed too). Other places to eat out whilst you’re here include:
The Clachan Inn, Dalry
Mr Pooks Kitchen, Castle Douglas
Carlo’s Restaurant, Castle Douglas
The Olive Retreat, Castle Douglas
Gather at Laggan, Gatehouse of Fleet
Distilleries
No trip to Scotland would be complete without a distillery tour. We are very lucky to have an outstanding selection nearby:
Dark Art Distillery, Kirkcudbright
Crafty Distillery, Newton Stewart
Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch
Annandale Distillery, Annan
Walking & Cycling
Our idyllic location on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park means there are lots of walks, runs or bike rides straight from the door. In addition to the circular river walk straight from the end of the garden, there’s a lovely walk (or run) through the woods by New Galloway Golf Course.
There are various cycle routes as well. You could head off from the cottage up past the doctors onto The Queen’s Way, then after about 6 miles take a left onto the Raiders Road (just past Clatteringshaws Loch). This takes you past the Otter Pool along the forest road and comes out just before Mossdale. There you turn left and ride along Loch Ken back onto New Galloway. It’s approx. 15 miles. There are so many more routes to choose from though.
Here are some other places to explore either on foot or two wheels:
Southern Upland Way, Britain’s first official coast to coast long distance path
Cairnsmore of Fleet
Five of the world-famous 7stanes cycle trails are all within easy reach. They have coloured routes to cover all levels of riding experience.
Kirroughtree, 7stanes
Dalbeattie, 7stanes
Mabie, 7stanes
Forest of Ae, 7stanes
Glentrool, 7stanes
Water Sports & Outdoor Activities
If you like getting active outdoors during your holiday, you’ll be spoiled for choice during your time at Rowan Cottage:
Galloway Activity Centre
New Galloway Golf Club
Forrest Estate Experiences
Brighouse Bay Trekking
Galloway Canyoning
Fishing on Loch Ken (permits can be bought at New Galloway Community Shop)
Nature & Wildlife
You should be lucky enough to spot some wildlife even whilst sitting in the garden at Rowan Cottage. We are so fortunate to see red squirrels in the surrounding trees and red kites soaring in the skies above. There are plenty more opportunities to spot these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats nearby too:
Red Kite Feeding Centre
Red Deer Range
Wild Goat Park
Mersehead Nature Reserve
Ken Dee Marshes
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
Family Fun
New Galloway has its own park and playing field with goal posts. So children of all ages don’t have far to go to have some fun. Or if you’re interested in finding out all about life on the farm, you can book an Upper Hardland Farm Tour Experience in nearby Balmaclellan. When you do want to head off a little further, here are some favourites:
The Cocoabean Company
Cream O’ Galloway
Ernespie Farm
Moat Brae, Birthplace of Peter Pan
Dalscone Farm Fun
Mabie Farm Park
Beaches
There are plenty of beautiful beaches to discover along the stunning coastline of Dumfries and Galloway. Some just a 30-minute drive away.
Dhoon Beach, Kirkcudbright
Brighouse Bay
Carrick Bay
Rockcliffe
Sandyhills
Southerness
Art Galleries
The Gallery at Laurieston
Kirkcudbright Galleries
Harbour Cottage Gallery
Kirkcudbright Tollbooth
William Neal
Photo courtesy of The Gallery at Laurieston
Castles & Historic Landmarks
Kenmure Castle is just a short walk from Rowan Cottage. It’s just one of many historic sites in the region to discover along with nearby:
Threave Castle
Orchardton Tower
Caerlaverock Castle
Sweetheart Abbey
Cardoness Castle
Museums
An area this rich in history and culture (and the birthplace of Robert Burns) doesn’t fall short in the museums to visit:
Gem Rock Museum
Robert Burns House
Stewartry Museum
Dark Space Planetarium
Gardens
All within driving distance (some a little closer than others) are some spectacular gardens with breathtaking displays to discover whilst you’re here:
Logan Botanic Garden
Threave Garden
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Cally Gardens
The Crichton Trust