Explore Things to Do in Dumfries & Galloway

Scenery

The area is renowned for its diverse landscapes and habitats from moorlands, sandy beaches, rocky shores, wetlands, hills, loch’s and forestry and everything in between. At Isles of Fleet Retreat, you are in the heart of Galloway, centrally located and ideally placed to enjoy the delights this special area has to offer. 

We are a 5-minute drive from beautiful Mossyard Beach, which has a small car park and boasts sandy coves as well as rocky outcrops for exploring rock pools. You can walk out to Garvellan Rocks when the tide is out or round to Cardoness Bay. We are also blessed with Sandgreen, Carrick, Brighouse and Dhoon beaches all a short drive on the other side of Fleet Bay.

Why not pack your walking boots and enjoy a beautiful hill walk direct from your lodge to some spectacular 360° hill and sea views from the top of Ben John, Cairnharrow and Barholm Hill. A lovely 4.5m circular hill walk on your doorstep.

History & Heritage

The Region is also blessed with a rich cultural history and heritage with many beautiful historic sites to visit. From Castles, Abbeys, Historical Landmarks and Museums there really is rich abundance to choose from.

Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn pictured above was built in the 4th millennium BC and said to be the tomb of the mythical Scottish king Galdus. Cairn Holy is within a mile of your lodge. Within 5-miles is Cardoness Castle and Carsluith Castle and within a 30 minute drive you’ll find MacLellan’s Castle, Threave Castle and Dundrennan Abbey.

Wildlife

Belted Galloway cattle, sheep and lambs and even a donkey will be common neighbours during your stay. Wildlife is also plentiful from the balcony of your lodge, with Roe Deer, Foxes, Hare, Badgers often visiting as well as an array of birdlife including, Red Kite, Buzzards, Mallard, Partridge and a healthy selection of smaller british birds, which kindly provide the wonderful bird song free of charge.

Dumfries and Galloway boasts a wide range of extensive protected areas. With Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve on our doorstep and Caerlaverock NNR and the RSPB Reserve’s at Wood of Cree, Crook of Baldoon and Mersehead you will be spoilt for choice.

There are also a number of wildlife attractions within a 30-minute drive. You can spot Ospreys at Threave Nature Reserve, Red Kite’s on the Galloway Kite Trail and Red Kite Centre or visit some four-legged friends at Galloway Red Deer Range, Bainloch Deer Park and Wild Goat Park to name a few. 

Activities

For the more adventurous, there are a number of stunning hill walks – Cairnsmore, Merrick, Criffel, Cairnharrow to name a few as well as beautiful forest walks and mountain biking/gravel trails at nearby Galloway Forest Parks and 7-Stanes mountain biking centres.

Gatehouse of Fleet also hosts The Gralloch each year in May – Britain’s premier gravel cycling festival, celebrating endurance, adventure and world-class riding in the heart of Scotland. ‍Set against the stunning backdrop of the Galloway Forest Park, the weekend offers something for every kind of rider: a UCI Gravel World Series race, the new 330-kilometre Ultra, and a non-competitive Sportive for those who prefer to take in the views at their own pace.

Watersports are available at Galloway Activity Centre and even Canyoning at Galloway Canyoning. There are also a number of amazing spots across the region for wild swimming or paddle-boarding – with beautiful Mossyard Bay less than a 5-minute drive away.

With over 24 golf courses in Dumfries and Galloway, you are centrally located to visit whichever you choose. We have 2 super golf courses located in Gatehouse of Fleet and another 5 within 20 miles of the retreat. Click here for a full list – D&G Golf Courses

There really is something for everyone!

Gardens

There are a number of stunning gardens located throughout our beautiful region which are definitely worth a visit – Threave Gardens, Logan Botanic Gardens, Castle Kennedy Gardens, Cally Gardens, Galloway House Gardens and Glenwhan Gardens and Arboretum

The Driving Route – SWC300

If driving is more your thing then the South West Coastal 300 is not to be missed – the perfect road trip for lovers of Scotland. So much more than just a driving route, it offers gorgeous scenery, breath-taking coastline as well as lots to see and do along the way. The SWC300 is a circular route that hugs Scotland’s south west coast of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire. With sandy beaches, rugged clifftops, rolling hills and a multitude of charming towns and villages along the way, this unforgettable road trip has something for everyone.

The route takes you to Scotland’s most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway, and to Scotland’s highest village Wanlockhead (no it’s not in the Highlands!). It also takes in the wonderful Galloway Forest Park, with its beautiful forest trails and incredible wildlife. Whether you love scenery, sight-seeing or adventure, Scotland’s South West Coastal 300 is the ultimate road trip for you!

Electric vehicle drivers will love the SWC300 too, with accessible EV charging around the route, it makes the perfect low-emission road trip!