Western Kirkcudbrightshire – Places to Visit
Borgue, Knockbrex, and Brighouse Bay
South west of Gatehouse of Fleet, the partial peninsula formed between the Water of Fleet and the River Dee offers the visitor both rugged and sandy stretches of coastline, dotted with places of interest to see. The quirky late-Victorian ‘medievalist’ estate of Knockbrex comprises numerous structures – from a castle-like dairy (the ‘Coo Palace’) to a fortalice-styled boathouse with harbour (pictured) – which can be found along the shore heading west between Kirkandrews and Carrick Bay. Here you will also discover the restored Iron Age ‘Dun’ (fort) of Castle Haven, with further historic sites to be encountered on the rocky coast east to the holiday park of Brighouse Bay and its beach, and also on the stretch north passing The Dhoon Beach to the bridge over to Kirkcudbright. In the centre of the area is the lovely village of Borgue – an ideal base from where to explore the surrounds by bicycle – and just to the north that of Twynholm, each graced by old churches and their accompanying graveyards.
Creetown
At the far western end of the historic county of Kirkcudbright, an existing village at Creetown developed into the centre of a renowned quarry industry – the granite from which was shipped across the Solway to build places such as Liverpool docks. Visit the Creetown Heritage Museum, view the old Cassencarie (renamed ‘Castle Cary’) House within the holiday park, and take the scenic back road to Gatehouse of Fleet (ideal for cyclists) in passing the huge disused Victorian railway viaduct of ‘Big Water of Fleet’. Alternatively, follow the coast road east to Gatehouse in passing by the historic towers of feuding local families at Carsluith and Barholm, and divert up a country road to the prehistoric stones at Cairn Holy. The road west quickly leads to Newton Stewart, with the Machars area to the south offering a wealth of visiting options amidst impressive scenery.
Galloway Forest Park
The A712 road from Newton Stewart (see our Machars area guide) to New Galloway takes the explorer through the centre of the Galloway Forest Park, with options in abundance for walking, wildlife spotting, picnic spots, and even a forest drive in the form of the ‘Raiders’ Road’. Watch (and even feed) Red Deer and Wild Goats at their respective and nearby ranges. Climb up to Murray’s Monument, stop off at the tranquil Clatteringshaws Loch, then head on to New Galloway itself.
Glentrool and Loch Trool
A tranquil spot at the heart of Galloway Forest Park. Discover the lively waters that meet at picturesque Loch Trool on scenic trails beneath the mighty Merrick. This area’s history is also written into the landscape – look out for Bruce’s Stone, overlooking the site of the Battle of Glen Trool, and a moving monument to 17th century Covenanters who were slain for their religious beliefs. Follow the circular walk around the loch, or take one of the 7stanes mountain biking trails. The Southern Upland Way also passes through Glentrool, although car access is from the west via the A714 north of Newton Stewart, then signposted minor roads from Bargrennan. (text: Forestry and Land Scotland).
Gatehouse of Fleet
On the edge of Galloway Forest Park, the picturesque small town of Gatehouse of Fleet is an ideal place to explore the surrounding area. Visit the historic ‘Mill on the Fleet’ centre, view nearby Cardoness Castle, and follow one of the numerous local walks through places like the Fleet Valley, the Cally Estate, or up to Trusty’s Hill with its Pictish stones and Rutherford’s Monument. The town itself offers an artisan shopping experience and in general good food and accommodation options. (image credit: Mill on the Fleet). Just west of Gatehouse, accessible via minor roads from the town or directly from the A75, is the haunting ruin of the Old Anwoth Kirk with its surrounding graveyard – used for scenes in the cult horror movie ‘The Wicker Man’.
Carrick Bay and Ardwall Isle
The Carrick Shore with its two beaches has been rightly described as ‘a haven of peace and tranquility’ and a place of unspoilt natural beauty. If the tide times are carefully observed, visitors can walk across to – and of course back from – the heritage-rich Ardwall Isle, or simply stroll along the coast and minor roads in either direction.
New Galloway (Glenkens and Loch Ken)
At the head of Loch Ken, on the west side of the serene Water of Ken, the small historic town of New Galloway is another good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Walk or cycle (or drive between April and October) the Raiders’ Road Trail into the Forest Park, view the majestic ruin of Kenmure Castle (exterior only – pictured), and walk along the riverbank towards St John’s Town of Dalry. Historic sites are plentiful in this part of the region, as are opportunities for leisure activities – such as the Kayaking and Canoeing at the Galloway Activity Centre on the other side of Loch Ken. In New Galloway itself visit the Glenkens cultural hub of the CatStrand (local information, café, shop).
