Is there enough to do at Arduaine to stay for a few days?
Absolutely, and for much longer! Often, guests, who come for only a day or two, are disappointed to have to move on because they realise that there is so much more to see in the area. There is easily enough for you to explore to stay a week or two. Have a look at our touring pages to get an idea of where you can explore from Arduaine. We offer car tours for guests to allow you to make the most of your time in the area. Simply let us know at the time of booking that you would like to take advantage of this service. We also have a comprehensive collection of great walks and maps for you and we are happy to suggest tailor made itineraries to make sure you make the best use of your time in the area. – And when back at ‘base’ you can relax outside on the patio or make yourself comfortable in the guest lounge.

Sightseeing & To Do - Events - Links

• An extensive folder with leaflets and information on events and on what to do and see awaits you in your bedroom. There are also cycle maps. Ordnance Survey Maps for walking or touring may be borrowed.

Sightseeing & To Do (all distances are approximate)

Wigtown Book Town & Osprey watch & Nature Reserve
Wigtown, an old county town with a small population (900) Scotland’s National Book Town is over a thousand years old and steeped in history. This ancient Royal Burgh has today over a dozen second hand book shops and more than a quarter of a million titles to offer, and is home to the largest second-hand book shop in Scotland with over 80,000 books, as well as a 200 year old whisky distillery and a golf course. There are four gift shops: get all those presents for Christmas, birthdays, and special occasions; The-Book-End-Studio is run by artist Julie Houston where she sells some of her paintings and specialises in crafts handmade in Galloway; original paintings and prints are available in The-Picture-Shop/Gallery.
Wigtown Bay with its saltmarshes and river estuaries is the largest Local Nature Reserve in Britain, ideal for birding with a bird hide less than 10 minutes walk from the town centre.
More recently, in 2001, after an absence of over 100 years, ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) returned to Galloway to breed. Watch the seasonal resident ospreys (fish eagles in other languages) and their family life in the nest, live from Apr-Sept (other months recorded footage), all year free in the Wildlife Viewing Room in the County Buildings; the CCTV camera shows amazing pictures as it is only 5ft / 1.5 m from the nest which is at a secret location in Galloway.

Covenanters’ Monument – The Killing Years
The Wigtown martyrs Margaret Wilson (18 years) and Margaret McLoughlin (63 years) are being remembered with the covenanters’ monument which stands high above this small town on Windy Hill from where there are beautiful views of the pastures and rolling countryside of The Machars, the peaks of the Galloway Hills and of the sea and Wigtown Bay. Their graves are in the parish churchyard; the martyrs’ stake where they were executed in 1685 by drowning in the incoming tide is in the saltmarshes (easily accessible via a boardwalk). Those sad times are referred to as ‘the killing years’, when covenanters were being persecuted for their religious beliefs in Scotland.

Bladnoch Whisky Distillery & Visitor Centre
The nearby village of Bladnoch is home to Scotland’s most southerly whisky distillery. Tour the establishment and sample some of the fine lowland single malt whisky. A must for any whisky lover! Distillery tours, gift shop, fishing, canoeing, camping, river and woodland walks – or attend the Whisky School.
1 mile / 1.5 km from Wigtown

Nature Reserves – RSPB and WWT Reserves – Bird Watching – Red Kites
Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, the largest in Britain, with saltmarshes, Wigtown Bay (part of the Solway Firth and sea), River Bladnoch; a 10 minute stroll to bird hide for birding, 5 minutes walk to saltmarshes; winter visiting birds, e.g. geese from Iceland and Greenland.

RSPB reserves (west to east): Mull of Galloway, Wood of Cree (8 miles / 12.8 km), Ken Dee Marshes, Mersehead.

Caerlaverock WWT Wildfowl & Westlands Centre where modern, comfortable viewing facilities give breathtaking views of wild geese from the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, of Whooper Swans from Iceland (closer than you can see them anywhere else in Britain) and of wild ducks and wading birds (from as far away as West Africa and Arctic Russia). 9 miles / 14 km southeast of Dumfries, 3 miles / 4.8 km to Caerlaverock Castle.

Red Kites (Milvus milvus) recently released near Laurieston at the edge of the Galloway Forest Park; watch from the bird hide at Laurieston to see them feeding, tour the Red Kite Trail by car.

Closer to Wigtown (5 miles / 8 km), the moorland areas around Mochrum Loch are also worth a visit.

Artists’ Studios Open in Wigtown
Commission a portrait or buy a painting from resident artist Julie Houston; meet William Neal in his studio with his watercolour paintings.

The Cradle of Christianity
The Whithorn Story & Whithorn Priory- Historic Scotland Museum
Long before Saint Columba and Iona, Christianity arrived in Scotland via Whithorn with Saint Ninian in the fourth century. (Fiction-Book; Donna Brewster, My Ninian, 349 pages. Reference-Book: Peter Hill, Whithorn & St Ninian, The Excavation of a Monastic Town 1984-91, 651 pages.) This small laid back town once contained a large cathedral to which Scottish Kings together with ordinary people made regular pilgrimages. The fascinating history of the town is told in the visitor centre and museum with one of the finest collections of early Christian stones. Wander around the excavated monastery, ruins of the medieval cathedral and crypt. There are a further 9 related sites in this area. 10 miles / 16 km

St Ninian’s Cave & St Ninian’s Chapel
The cave at the sea shore was, by tradition, the retreat of St Ninian; he would have walked here from his church in Whithorn to be alone with his thoughts and prayers. Car park 2 miles / 3 km south of Whithorn. Follow Physgill Glen, carpeted in bluebells in spring down to the sea shore (20 minutes); the cave is to the right. The Catholic Diocese of Galloway annually holds a pilgrimage to St Ninian’s Cave on the last Sunday in August. 12 miles / 19 km from Wigtown

St Ninian’s Chapel facing the sea just beyond the small village of Isle of Whithorn; car park at the harbour, 4 miles / 6.4 km from Whithorn. It now stands as a restored 14 th century reception chapel although excavation revealed traces of an earlier, 12 th century chapel. It was used by sea-born pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Ninian in Whithorn. 14 miles / 22 km from Wigtown

Kirkcudbright – Artists’ Town (say: ‘Cur-coo-bree’)
The National Trust for Scotland property Broughton House with its nationally important Robert Burns collection is in the attractive port of Kirkcudbright. Cross the threshold and enter the world and former home of well known Scottish artist E A Hornel of the ‘Glasgow Boys’. In the early 20 th century Kirkcudbright became a haven for the leading Scottish artists of the time, including Peploe and Fergusson of the Scottish Colourists, Jessie M King, E A Taylor and a host of others who found the light and landscapes of Galloway irresistible. Hornel hosted the Glasgow Boys during those summers. Today you can admire his paintings and those of his fellow artists throughout the house and gallery. The famous mystery crime writer Dorothy L Sayers stayed regularly and wrote some of her best loved ‘Lord Peter Wimsey’ mysteries here; the book ‘The Five Red Herrings’ is set in Galloway and this town. There are many things to do in this pretty place, with some interesting galleries and shops, as well as its beautiful architecture and museums ( Stewartry Museum, Tollbooth Art Centre and Museum). Visit the Miniature Artist Jane Gibson RMS, member of the ‘Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers’ in her studio; open once a week on Fridays or by appointment. 20 miles / 32 km

Castles & Abbeys
National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland Properties
Fiercely independent and in former times a strategically important place, Galloway had many castles, keeps and towerhouses to fend off invaders, as well as the five great churches and abbeys. Some of these are open to the public. The castles of Dunskey, Carsluith, Cardoness, Threave, Caerlaverock, Sorbie Tower are amongst the most accessible, and the remains of the great churches and abbeys of Galloway are all open under the banner of Historic Scotland. These are (west to east) Glenluce Abbey, Whithorn Priory, Dundrennan Abbey, Sweetheart Abbey and Lincluden Abbey.

Pre-historic Sites - Stone Circle - Chambered Cairns
This area in Scotland is steeped in history and tells a story stretching back over four thousand years. Galloway was a centre of prehistoric population, and at Cairn Holy there are two fine examples of chambered burial cairns dating from the Neolithic and Bronze age (3000-1800 B.C.). One is alleged to have been the tomb of King Galdus. From this hillsite place you can see far out onto the sea, as far as the Isle of Man. There were certainly more burial cairns nearby, which were pulled down in the 18 th century and the stones used to build dry stone dykes for field enclosures. (20 minutes from Wigtown)
There are several carved stones with cup and ring markings dating from the Bronze age (1800-1200 B.C.). These markings are particularly common in Galloway as well as in Argyll, but their purpose is unknown. One of those sites is Drumtroddan with cup and ring decorated stones which also has nearby the huge Drumtroddan Standing Stones. 8 miles / 13 km
One of the best preserved stone circles in Britain is Torhouse Stone Circle. It consists of a ring of 19 rounded granite boulders set around 3 larger boulders. Its central stones are in an alignment facing Cairnsmore-of-Fleet mountain (summer solstice sunrise) and the Fell of Barhullian (winter solstice sunset).
3 miles / 4.8 km, next to the B733

Galloway Gardens & Nurseries
With it’s famously mild climate and the balmy influence of the gulf stream, Galloway is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic gardens in Scotland. Don’t miss (west to east) Logan Botanic Garden , Logan House Garden, Ardwell, Dunskey, Castle Kennedy, Glenwhan, Galloway House Gardens, Cally Gardens , and Threave. – Not forgetting specialist nurseries like Bargrennan Herbs or Elizabeth MacGregor who regularly exhibits her cottage plants at Chelsea Flower Show. 6 miles / 9.7 km to the nearest garden

Harbour Villages
Picturesque harbour villages Garlieston (6 miles / 9.5 km), Isle of Whithorn (12 miles / 19 km), Port William (10 miles / 16 km), and on the Rhins peninsula Portpatrick with fishing boats, romantic cliff top ruins of Dunskey Castle (30 miles / 48 km) and Port Logan and Drummore (ca 40 miles / ca 60 km) not far from the Lighthouse at Mull of Galloway which is Scotland’s most southerly point and has very high cliffs and RSPB nature reserve with visitor centre and CCTV cameras to show the nesting birds.

Lighthouses
On the west coast of the Rhins of Galloway at the Irish Sea with the Irish coast visible, from south to north: Mull of Galloway Lighthouse open to the public at weekends in the summer – this is as far south as you can go in Scotland without falling off the 260ft / 80m cliffs, views of the Isle of Man; 25 miles / 40 km further north Killantringan Lighthouse; after 15 miles / 24 km at the northern tip Corsewall Lighthouse which is still a fully functional lighthouse but today also a hotel with restaurant (restaurant open to non-residents).

Logan Fish Pond
Fully restored Victorian Fish Larder (which served Logan House): Historic and unique tidal pool, created in a natural geological feature – a blow hole which formed some time during the last Ice Age, stocked with fish and other marine life. At Port Logan, close to the village where the TV series ‘2000 acres of Sky’ was filmed. 1 mile / 1.5 km from Logan Botanic Garden. (ca 50 minutes from Wigtown)

Gem Rock Museum
One of Scotland’s top tourist attractions with one of the finest privately owned collection of gemstones, crystals, minerals, gemstone objects d’art and fossils in Britain; only 20 minutes away in Creetown.

Castle Douglas - Food Town
Marketing itself as Scotland’s Food Town, Castle Douglas is not only home to many butchers shops but also to one specialising in handmade chocolates, fine deli’s and cafés – the main street has a number of shi-shi shops with unusual and interesting stock you won’t find anywhere else. 30 miles / 48 km

Smokehouses – Cheeses – Local Delicatessen
The nearest smokehouses which produce smoked products such as salmon, other fish, as well as meat are just across the bay: Galloway Smokehouse and Marrbury Smokehouse with a café. A good selection of delicatessen, including locally produced cheeses (from ewes-, goats-, cows-milk) and Marrbury products as well as Rowan Glen Yoghurts are available in Newton Stewart at Owens the Butchers (6 miles / 9.5 km).

Golf
Galloway has many excellent golf courses including one on your doorstep – Wigtown & Bladnoch golf course is about 10 minutes walk from us (open all year, no booking required). St Medan near Monreith is also well worth exploring being next to an inviting sandy beach with spectacular cliffs with unparalleled views of the open sea and Luce Bay, the Mull of Galloway & Lighthouse, the Isle of Man and on a very clear day, the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland (10 miles / 16 km). There are 20 golf courses within one hour’s drive from Wigtown (full details available, brochure in your bedroom info folder).

Mountain Biking – The 7Stanes
Some of the best and most exciting mountain bike trails in the world are right on our doorstep. The 7Stanes network consists of trails across Dumfries and Galloway, and draws thousands of cyclists to the region every year. The closest trail (and arguably the best; - cyclist are even flying in ‘for the day’ from America!) is Kirroughtree , just 8 miles away, with routes to suit all abilities and nearly 30 miles of singletrack in the Galloway Forest Park; also Glentrool near beautiful Loch Trool. The Galloway Forest Park has plenty of interesting waymarked walks too. 8 miles / 12.8 km from Wigtown.
Giant XTC’s with all the kit you need can be hired locally from www.bikeforaday.co.uk

Cycling
Wigtown is on a cycle route and there are a number of signposted routes in The Machars (the peninsula on which Wigtown sits). This area offers the space and pace to suit cyclists with unspoilt scenery, contrasting landscapes, a mild climate and a wealth of history and heritage to explore. The whole of Dumfries & Galloway is fast becoming one of the most cycle friendly places in the UK. The National Cycle Network traverses the region, taking in more than 130 miles / 210 km of stunning scenery, rugged coastline and vast forests. (maps in your bedroom info pack)

The Galloway Hills
The last wilderness – these stunning hills may lack some of the drama of the Highlands but they also lack the huge number of people who flock there. The Galloway Hills are full of wildlife (Red Squirrels, Wild Goats, Red Deer, Golden Eagle, Red Kite), bleak moors, dotted with tranquil upland lochs, stunning views, and 200 square miles / 518 km ² of solitude. There is something for everyone in this landscape which John Buchan so loved and inspired his book ‘The 39 Steps’. Newton Stewart, the gateway to the hills, is 6 miles / 9.5 km from Wigtown. If you are into climbing there are lots of good crags to test your skills; see the Needlesports website for locations and routes.

Guided Walks – Newton Stewart Walking Festival
Well extablished yearly event in May, usually 7 days of guided walks: e.g. up the Merrick 2,764 ft / 843 m highest of the Galloway Hills (strenuous walk), any number of other tops, along the coast, - walks for every ability and fitness, including family rambles. Very popular, every year more visitors are coming especially for this event.

Guided Walks – throughout the year with a personal guide
If you enjoy walking but do not have the experience to use a compass: join the Galloway Mountain Guides and Sandy White (phone 01556 504305, evenings) who is a qualified mountain leader and also a member of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team. He offers Map and Compass Workshops and Hill Navigation practice sessions for occasional / leisure walkers. Join a scheduled full day group walk out on these wild hills and remote lochs for a moderate fee – or go on a private walk tailored to what you would like to do (a bit more expensive). Obviously, contact should be made well in advance before leaving home for Scotland.

Walking & Rambling
Information on walks is in your bedroom information pack; you may also borrow our Ordnance Survey Maps. – A local Wigtown group meets informally for half-day or day-long walks twice per month, usually on a Tuesday from Apr to Aug/Sept; check for dates and length of walk with us, then – if you stay with us – we will put you in touch with the group.
On most Saturdays during the year a Ramblers group meets for half-day or day-long walks (phone 01776 870247, day or evenings). Stout walking boots essential plus rain gear, rucksack, packed lunch etc.

Long Distance Footpath – The Southern Upland Way
Coast to coast, west to east in 212 miles / 340 km.

Beaches & Swimming
This peninsula (The Machars) has 40 miles / 64 km of coastline and plenty of secluded beaches with good swimming. Rigg Bay in Garlieston is 6 miles / 9.5 km from Wigtown, St Medans on the west coast of the peninsula is about 10 miles / 16 km. Other secluded spots can be found all around the coast. Snorkelling is great here at high tide with exceptionally good visibility. Indoor swimming pool in Newton Stewart, 6 miles / 9.5 km from Wigtown.

Talks in Wigtown
Every week from Oct-Apr on different subjects, including literature.

Scottish History – King Robert the Bruce (1274-1329)
At Bruce’s Stone at the head of Loch Trool the battle of Glentrool (1307) is being commemorated where Robert the Bruce defeated the English; an important step towards Scottish independence. Find out more by reading up on a walk in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce.

Scottish Poetry – Robert Burns
Have a day out to Robert Burns’ birthplace – cottage & museum in Alloway/Ayr at Burns National Heritage Park. See Ellisland Farm, his farm, just a few miles outside Dumfries and visit the Robert Burns Centre/Museum and his mausoleum in Dumfries. Do not miss Broughton House in Kirkcudbright which holds a nationally important collection of his works. – We have a special map ‘Burns Heritage Trail’ for you to borrow – or join our guided car tours. Click here for our car tours.

Scottish Literature – John McNeillie
John McNeillie (1916-2002), author of more than 40 books, wrote under the pen name of Ian Niall; he grew up here and his book ‘The Wigtown Ploughman’ is just one of his books set in this area.

Scottish Artist - Charles Rennie Macintosh
A day trip to Helensburgh (3 hours) near Glasgow with a visit to the Hill House, the building designed and furnished by Macintosh (now open under the National Trust for Scotland) or to Glasgow with more arts & craft attractions related to him (2.5 hours).

Day Trips further afield – Belfast – Glasgow – Edinburgh
Belfast 45-50 minutes drive to Stranraer or Cairnryan ferryport; as a foot passenger board the 10 a.m. (approx) departure ferry; then by open-top bus or taxi to city centre. Glasgow by train from Barrhill or Girvan or in 2.5 hours by car.
Edinburgh 3.5 hours drive by car.

Events small selection, there are more than half a dozen booklets listing events, e.g. nature, wildlife, arts, museums

Spring Literary Book Town Festival in Wigtown Scotland’s National Book Town (first May Bank Holiday weekend: 4/5 May 2007)

Newton Stewart WalkFest: guided walks & hiking in the Galloway Hills (2 nd weekend May for 7 days: 11- 17 May 2007)

Spring Fling (throughout the region of Dumfries & Galloway): over 90 artists & craftmakers open their private studios to the public, hugely popular (3 days last weekend in May Sat/Sun/Mon: 27-28-29 May 2007)

Book & Craft Fair or Festival of the Book with crafts and much more (weekend or a few days May or June in Wigtown: 7-10 June 2007)

Jazz Festival Kirkcudbright (4 days mid June: 14-17 June 2007)

Wigtown Agricultural Show with rare breeds, crafts, show element (always first Wednesday in August: 1 Aug 2007)

Pilgrimage with mass at St Ninian’s Cave at the beach near Whithorn (last Sunday in August: 26 Aug 2007)

Country Music Festival Creetown (4 days mid September: 20-23 Sept 2007)

Literary Book Town Festival in Wigtown Scotland’s National Book Town (10 days, late Sept, program out in July/Aug: 28 Sept – 7 Oct 2007)

Links
The Galloway Meat Company, Organic Meat by Mail Order
The Swallow Theatre (6 miles / 9.6 km from Wigtown)
Wigtown Off Road Driving Centre (3 miles / 4.8 km)
Drive a Tank (5 miles / 8 km)
Cream o’ Galloway ( Ice Cream makers, Organic Farm)
A.P. and R. Baker, Booksellers, Wigtown (Archaeology & History)
The Bookshop, Wigtown
Self catering, Wigtown