Threave and The Scottish Riviera
Weekend Break 1 - Threave and the Scottish Riviera - both days from 2 to 9 miles plus.
These two walks, one from Castle Douglas and the other nearby along the Solway Coast, are mostly way-marked with several distance options that would suit both the casual and more energetic walker – we can advise on the options at the welcome meeting.
Accommodation - The Craig B&B; Balcary Mews B&B; Albion House B&B; The Imperial Hotel; The Station Hotel in Castle Douglas - Accommodation List.
Places of Interest - Castle Douglas Food Town; Sulwath Brewery, Carlingwark loch; Threave Castle and Garden; Dalbeattie museum; Sandyhills beach; Mersehead RSPB Nature Reserve; John Paul Jones visitor centre; Sweetheart Abbey; Shambellie costume museum, Corn Mill. Tea Rooms, Pubs and Restaurants recommended. Places of Interest List.
Price – for 2 nights accommodation - from £95 p.p. - B&B; from £145 - Hotel.
Day 1: Threave Estate Walk – 2 to 9 miles – Countryside, River and Woodland.
The National Trust’s Threave Estate has a free 2.5 miles way-marked Estate Walk which can be extended in several ways, including to Threave Castle. We provide information on several additional walk options up to 9 miles taking you to Lamb Island, Bridge of Dee and Rhonehouse villages - to end with a walk beside Carlingwark loch and along Lovers Lane back into the town.
The first part of this walk, following the old ‘Paddy’ railway line to link with Threave Estate’s network of footpaths has only recently been constructed and not yet listed in any walking books. The detour to Threave Castle, standing on an island on the River Dee – ring the bell for the boatman to take you over! – is a must. We will advise on opening times. The way back is by the renowned National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Garden which has an excellent restaurant and gives you the option to continue with a walk round the extensive Garden. The Sulwath brewery may be an ideal place to visit on return to castle Douglas!
Day 2: The Scottish Riviera – from 2 miles to 14 miles – Coastal and Woodland.
The beautiful stretch of Solway coastline for this series of walks has been designated as a National Scenic Area. The start point is 10 miles – 15 mins. from Castle Douglas via the town of Dalbeattie. There are various distance options. The delightful villages of Kippford and Rockliffe, situated on the River Urr estuary, are the main focal points with the best walk further afield along the coastline.There is the option of either walking back along the coastal linear route to the start point or the novelty of returning by local bus – we supply timetable info. There is one particularly good pub which would be ideal for a few beers after your walk.