Dumfries and Galloway

I would recommend spending a holiday in Dumfries, it has some stunning coastline and many hidden gems.  To make your holiday social and good value I would recommend making use of the scattering of hostel and bunkhouse accommodation in Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries for Cyclists

If you’re a cyclist, how about a trip to Keir Mill to visit the grave of Kirkpatrick MacMillan, inventor of the bicycle. There is a plaque on the wall of the old smithy on the lane leading up to it and a visit to the Joseph Thomson Local Heritage Centre will tell you all about it.  Visit Penpont Tea Room (combined with the Post Office) for anything from a cup of tea and a cake to a hearty decent breakfast, without getting charged through the nose! In the same area, you can see some of the works of sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, including a strange pine-cone shaped one on the approach to Penpont village. There’s also the historic Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens, with loads of woodland walks, cycle routes, visitor centre, artist studios and a cycle museum.

For the more adventurous in Dumfries and Galloway there are the 7 Stanes mountain bike trails. In fact there are several levels so you don’t all have to do the full-on black routes, the family can do some of the easier ones!

A little further south in Dumfries

A little further south in Dumfries, a little known attraction can be found by doing a walk from Rockcliffe to Kippford on the Jubilee path or Muckle Walk, it’s a lovely walk with nice views of the coastline, but the biggest attraction, in my opinion, is the collection of objects that people have made from driftwood and stones, they’re just fascinating.

All in all, you don’t need to spend much money to have a good time in Dumfries, there are a number of hostels and bunkhouses, the people are very friendly, I would highly recommend a stay at  MARTHROWN OF MABIE BUNKHOUSE.  If your looking for group accommodation the WELL ROAD CENTRE GROUP ACCOMMODATION is ideal.

Text from Jan Davies