Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Other Outdoor Activities, Days Out and Places to Visit 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Dumfries and Galloway Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMonks
via mobile 17/10/2020 at 1:11pm
 Location: Sheffield or my happy place
 Outfit: Coachman VIP View Monks's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monks Reply   Quote Monks Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   323
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We're thinking about booking a cottage for next Spring in Dumfries and Galloway. We have never been to this area before and are unsure what area to book.
We're traveling from South Yorkshire with two dogs, we wouldn't want to be to remote so be quite close to a small town or village to have access to shops and amenities. I'd like to be within a short drive of the coast but we also enjoy countryside walks.

I know a few of you on here have caravanned and camped in the area so just wanting recommendations.

Fingers crossed we won't still be living with restrictions and Nicola will let us in!!


Persondaveyjp
17/10/2020 at 1:54pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View daveyjp's Profile View Profile   Reply to daveyjp Reply   Quote daveyjp Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   596
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 2
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Always enjoyed that area. Its a long way from Gretna to Stranraer, so you need to decide how far you want to go along the A75.

Castle Douglas is a decent town if you don't want to go too far, Wigtown is the place if you like books and Portpatrick if you want to stay on the Rhinns.


PersonFiona W
via mobile 17/10/2020 at 7:18pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30
My go-to area. Plenty of Yorkshire folk retire there, so I’ve heard....
What do you want to do, what are your interests? Castle Douglas = food town. Wigtown = book town. Kirkcudbright = artists town. Abbeys. Castles (Caerlaverock with its most is my favourite; or take a wee boat over the river to Threave Castle). Gardens (Gardening School at Threave). Golf. Hill walking. Big hill walking. Forests. Beaches. Cliffs. Firths & inlets where the mud at low tide that reflects the sunset while you sit watching with a beer from Sullwath brewery. Mountain bike trails. Birds. Crafts. Harbours. Big skies. Dark skies full of stars.
To be serious, there are 3 NSAs (National Scenic Areas), all on the coast - Nith Estuary (down the coast from Dumfries, with Criffel to climb, Maine Forest & Sweetheart Abbey at New Abbey). I’d head to Kippford in East Stewartry Coast Coast NSA , you can radiate out from there to pretty Rockcliffe. And the subtle beauty of Fleet Valley NSA, centred on Gatehouse of Fleet. But the Machars area around Newton Stewart & Garlieston has a special feel to it. And at the far end, you have pretty Portpatrick looking over to Ireland and the impressive cliffs of the Mull of Galloway with all the sea birds.
Hope that helps.
PS keep off the A75 if you can & stay vigilant if you’re on it. Lorries are rushing for the Irish ferries & junctions are mostly at grade; it has a reputation for accidents.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonCapt Lightning
17/10/2020 at 7:58pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2376
Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5
Long ago we used to go down the A75 when it passed through all the little towns along the route. Now it bypasses nearly everywhere and the last time I was down that way, it wasn't in a great state of repair.

The area is very nice as Fiona has described, and if you manage to make it this length, drop into Gretna outlet village on the way past.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


PersonMonks
via mobile 18/10/2020 at 4:48pm
 Location: Sheffield or my happy place
 Outfit: Coachman VIP View Monks's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monks Reply   Quote Monks Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   323
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks for the advice and information. It's most helpful.


Advertisement



PersonFiona W
via mobile 18/10/2020 at 4:58pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30
Let us know where you end up booking, in case I can pass on anything else you might enjoy. I’ve been working & having holidays & day trips there for 40+ years.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


Personficklejade
18/10/2020 at 5:14pm
 Location: Isle of Mull
 Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex View ficklejade's Profile View Profile   Reply to ficklejade Reply   Quote ficklejade Quote  
Joined: 28/9/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2192
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 17/10/2020
Long ago we used to go down the A75 when it passed through all the little towns along the route. Now it bypasses nearly everywhere and the last time I was down that way, it wasn't in a great state of repair.

The area is very nice as Fiona has described, and if you manage to make it this length, drop into Gretna outlet village on the way past.


If you're interested in war memorabilia, visit the Devil's Porridge at Eastriggs - once the site of Britain's largest munitions factory. It's about 5 miles west of Gretna on the old road. Totally agree with comments on A75 - avoid if possible if you're on holiday!

-------------
" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"


PersonMonks
via mobile 18/10/2020 at 5:20pm
 Location: Sheffield or my happy place
 Outfit: Coachman VIP View Monks's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monks Reply   Quote Monks Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   323
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I've seen a cottage near Kirkcudbright which looks good. I'll definitely keep you posted.


Personbofs
via mobile 22/10/2020 at 9:06am
 Location: Cumbria
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 520 View bofs's Profile View Profile   Reply to bofs Reply   Quote bofs Quote  
Joined: 10/1/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2671
Site Reviews Total: 102
Site Reviews 2024: 5  
Site Reviews 2023: 4  
Site Reviews 2022: 11 
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 9  
Site Reviews 2019: 10 
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 22
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 24
Site Nights 2020: 36
Site Nights 2019: 55
Site Nights 2018: 47
Fingers crossed we’re heading that way next week - a couple of nights near Annan, then across to the Rhins for a few nights and a few more at Newton Stewart before heading home. We’ve not been to the area before but it looks and sounds glorious - we will be packing our wellies and waterproofs and are looking forward to a change of scene and very few neighbours!


PersonFrancais
22/10/2020 at 3:45pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0
I always make a visit to the “Cafe Royal” in Annan, to get my fix of Haggis and Chips, they also do an outstanding Fish Supper along with many other good things to choose from.

I would often pop up to Annan to visit my dad, who sadly passed away there December 2018 aged 92 years.


Advertisement



PersonFiona W
via mobile 24/10/2020 at 10:29am
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30
Autumn colour was gorgeous last week but has probably blown off now!
If you enjoy walking bofs, head up to Glentrool near Newton Stewart - lots of really good walks in the Forest Park, around Loch Trool, along the Water of Trool, up the Merrick. Beats Keilder Forest for us. Oh, it’s a good year for sloes in D&G - none in Ayrshire at all.
My one word of caution is that we noticed most shops and visitor centres were on a shorter week and shorter opening hours, presumably due to Covid because they weren’t like that last year.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


Personbofs
via mobile 29/10/2020 at 6:30pm
 Location: Cumbria
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 520 View bofs's Profile View Profile   Reply to bofs Reply   Quote bofs Quote  
Joined: 10/1/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2671
Site Reviews Total: 102
Site Reviews 2024: 5  
Site Reviews 2023: 4  
Site Reviews 2022: 11 
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 9  
Site Reviews 2019: 10 
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 22
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 24
Site Nights 2020: 36
Site Nights 2019: 55
Site Nights 2018: 47
Many thanks for the advice Fiona W - with 2 dogs, lots of walks are definitely on the agenda!



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Other Outdoor Activities, Days Out and Places to Visit - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

9682 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder