Glenluce Abbey

On the A77 turn right at Lochans and follow signs for A75, Dumfries. Turn left into Glenluce a couple of miles after joining the main road and left again before entering Glenluce itself. Almost immediately, turn right and the Abbey is about two miles along this road

Glenluce Abbey was founded around 1192 by Roland, Lord of Galloway and is situated in a beautiful and peaceful valley. There is an exhibition of objects excavated on the site.

Robert the Bruce stayed at Glenluce Abbey on his pilgrimage to St. Ninian`s Shrine in Whithorn.  Mary Queen of Scots also stayed at Glenluce Abbey.  

Glenluce Abbey

Return to the A75 and just past Newton Stewart, turn left for New Galloway. This road is the entrance to Galloway Forest Park and is packed with interesting places to stop and take in the scenery and wildlife.

First highlight is the Grey Mare`s Tail, a waterfall seen from a lay-by on the left of the road.

 Grey Mare`s Tail - on New Galloway Road 

Just past the Grey Mare`s Tail is the Wild Goat Park. There is a car park from which the goats can be viewed. These are feral goats which were released within a large enclosure in 1970 and our photos show a pair of goats having a fight and a couple of cute goat kids.  

 

 

 

 

 

Galloway Forest Park - Red Deer Range 

Next stop on the road is the Red Deer Range. A short walk form the car park leads to the viewing areas. There are guided tours available from June

Galloway Forest Park - The Raider`s Road

The Raiders Road is a scenic forest drive on an un-metalled road but with a good surface. It is about 10 miles long and starts just below Clatteringshaws Dam . It winds along the banks of the Black Water of Dee where there are ample opportunties to park and admire the scenery.

The Otter Pool has a car park and picnic facilities. Stroan Loch also has a car park and picnic site by the Stroan Viaduct which once carried the "Port Line" (Dumfries  to Stranraer)

Walks include a 1.5 mile Riverside Walk and the 2 mile Buzzard Walk via the remains of Clachrum Village and "seats" an artwork by Jogn Crosbie.

The Raiders Road is one of the top tourist attractions in Dumfries & Galloway

New Galloway

At the end of the Raider`s Road, turn left along the shores of Loch Ken to arrive in New Galloway.New Galloway is the smallest Royal Burgh in Dumfries & Galloway. It is home to a most impressive Community Arts Centre called the CatStrand which is open all year round and features local arts and crafts, exhibitions,films, free internet access, information and a cafe.

New Galloway has another excellent Tea Room and Craft Shop - The Smithy. This was originally  built in the 1700s and was a Smithy until 1940. It became a tea room in 1999 and has a delightful courtyard setrting. The Smithy specialises in home cooking and has a large and varied menu. We tried the venison burgers when we visited and they were excellent!

 

Rickwood House B&B provides quality accommodation in Portpatrick and is an ideal base for exploring Galloway Forest Park and the Mull of Galloway