Dumfries and Galloway has a wonderful coastline of rocky shores and sandy beaches and inland, there are acres of forest, green spaces and many lochs large and small. With all this outdoor space there are also amazing night skies with some of the darkest skies in the world.
Dumfries and Galloway has a wonderful coastline of rocky shores and sandy beaches and inland, there are acres of forest, green spaces and many lochs large and small. With all this outdoor space there are also amazing night skies with some of the darkest skies in the world.
This makes for a great place for all outdoor activities. We can in no way list all of them here but below are a few highlights. Why not go to Visit Scotland for a more comprehensive list.
Red Deer Range
Situated on the A712 between New Galloway and Newton Stewart there’s no better place to get up close with one of the largest deer breeds than at the Red Deer Range. If you are lucky enough you may be able to feed a deer so remember to take some carrots with you. Admission is free and the kids will love being this close to deer. There are usually baby calves in the park during the summer months.
Raiders road and otter pool
This forest drive links the A712 and A762 and is an easy way to see more of the Park’s woods and wildlife. The road is 10 miles long and is open to vehicles between April and October and for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders all year. There is a fee of £2. About half way along the Raiders Road the Otter Pool car park is a perfect riverside picnic spot.
In the cafe, we serve a Raiders Road Biscuit, made with Tunnocks Caramel Wafers and Scottish Shortbread.
Galloway Activity Centre
There is lots to do at the Activity Centre on the shore of Loch Ken, both wet and dry, serene or more adventurous. Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, climbing wall, zip wire and archery are just a few of the things available.
Castle Douglas High Street
Thankfully we still have a thriving high street in Castle Douglas with lots of independent shops and an amazing choice of butchers an artisan bakery and gift shops.
