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Subject Topic: Dumfries and Galloway Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMonks
via mobile 17/10/2020 at 1:11pm
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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
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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
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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.

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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
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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.

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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
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Thanks for the advice and information. It's most helpful.


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PersonFiona W
via mobile 18/10/2020 at 4:58pm
 Location: Ayrshire
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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.

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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
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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!

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" 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
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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
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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
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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.


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PersonFiona W
via mobile 24/10/2020 at 10:29am
 Location: Ayrshire
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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.

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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
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Many thanks for the advice Fiona W - with 2 dogs, lots of walks are definitely on the agenda!



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