Miles

107

Kms

172

Days

5

The South West of Scotland is the perfect place for golfers who like to escape the crowds and discover something new.

This 5-day itinerary takes you from our breathtaking hills and forests to our stunning coastline, with a variety of wonderful courses along the way. We also suggest lots of things to do and see that we hope will inspire you to get to know our region better.

Day 1

Thornhill

Day one of your five-day itinerary kicks off in Thornhill. Combining the best elements of parkland and heathland, Thornill Golf Course is a superb test of golf for all players. It is also home of a former Ryder Cup star, winner of multiple European Tour titles and Sky presenter, Andrew Coltart!

A visit to Thornhill is simply not complete without seeing the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle, this spectacular stately home is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the country.

Another must see in the area is Crawick Multiverse, the amazing land-art installation which was the vision of the late Charles Jencks.

Finally, don’t miss the chance to visit Scotland’s highest village, the former lead-mining village of Wanlockhead.

Miles

37

Kms

59

Stops

4

Travel Time

1h 30min

Drumlanrig Castle| Thornhill

Stop 1 - Thornhill Golf Course

Located in a picturesque village in Dumfries & Galloway, with which it shares its name, Thornhill started out in 1893 as a 9-hole course. It was extended to 18 holes in 1979 and hasn’t looked back since. Indeed, it is widely regarded as something of a ‘hidden gem’.

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Stop 2 - Drumlanrig Castle

Set in the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, complete with a country park and Victorian gardens, this 17th century castle is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the country.

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Stop 3 - Crawick Multiverse

The Crawick Multiverse is a 55-acre former open cast coal mine now transformed into a striking landscape of distinctive landforms, each one representing astronomical and cosmological features and theories.

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Stop 4 - Wanlockhead

Wanlockhead is a former lead mining village nestled in the Lowther Hills, close to the head of the spectacular Mennock Pass. It is Scotland’s highest village and is home to the fascinating Museum of Lead Mining.

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Museum of Lead Mining
location_on Wanlockhead

Learn about the social and industrial history of the lead mining industry. Tours of the cottages, Miners' Library and Lochnell Mine plus a Tearoom and shop.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum
location_on Sanquhar

Visit the town’s fine 18th century tolbooth to discover how the people of Upper Nithsdale lived and worked in times past.

Day 2

New Galloway

Day two takes you into the heart of our region, to New Galloway and its scenic 9-hole golf course. Enjoy the views over Loch Ken and the surrounding Galloway Hills as you play this little gem of a course.

If you would like to explore the Galloway Forest Park a bit more, why not join up with Galloway Cycling for your very own customised guided bike ride!

And what better to round off your day than a visit to Scotland’s only designated Food Town, Castle Douglas, which prides itself on its top quality local produce available from a wide selection of retailers and eateries in the town.

Miles

19

Kms

30

Stops

3

Travel Time

36min

Stop 1 - New Galloway Golf Club

New Galloway Golf Club is a delightful 9-hole golf course located in the South of Scotland that welcomes visitors to experience playing in a magical place. It is a gem among rural courses in Scotland and noted for its superb natural greens and views.

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Stop 2 - Galloway Cycling Holidays

Discover and explore the South West of Scotland by bike – enjoy nature, culture and its people with Galloway Cycling Holidays’ unique  tours. They will put you in touch with the real South of Scotland, take all the hard work out of organising and planning your cycle, and most of all make it a wonderful memorable experience!

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Stop 3 - Castle Douglas The Food Town

As Scotland’s only designated Food Town, Castle Douglas prides itself on its top quality, locally produced food and drink. So whether you’re eating out or discovering the wide array of wonderful produce available from local retailers, we know you’ll be delighted with your food and drink options!

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Castle Douglas Art Gallery
location_on Castle Douglas

Castle Douglas Art Gallery hosts a programme of exhibitions by artists and craftspeople from across the region.

Galloway Activity Centre
location_on Castle Douglas

We are an Outdoor Activity Centre and Eco retreat providing wonderful self catering holidays and activities on the banks of Loch Ken.

Day 3

Kirkcudbright

Day three features another parkland course this time an 18-hole at Kirkcudbright Golf Club. This challenging par 69 rewards you with magnificent panoramic views over the Dee Estuary and the Galloway Hills as you golf.

You cannot come to Kirkcudbright and not see at least some of what Scotland’s artists’ town has to offer. You could visit the magnificent Broughton House, which was home to artist E.A. Hornel, one of the Glasgow Boys. Or visit the Kirkcudbright Galleries, this wonderful new gallery of national significance celebrates and promotes the unique art heritage of Kirkcudbright.

If you’d like to take a taste of the South of Scotland home with you, why not drop by Brambles Delicatessen, which offers a great range of local produce and is famed for its cheese selection!

Miles

1

Kms

2

Stops

4

Travel Time

8min

Kirkcudbright | Dumfries & Galloway

Stop 1 - Kirkcudbright Golf Club

Founded in 1893, Kirkcudbright Golf Club is conveniently located on the southern edge of the beautiful and historic town of Kirkcudbright. Panoramic views of the Galloway Hills and the Dee Estuary add romance charm and inspiration to a refreshing and challenging round of golf on this excellent quality 18-hole, par 69 (ladies 72), parkland course.

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Stop 2 - Broughton House and Garden

Right in the heart of Kirkcudbright, a pretty artists’ colony on the Solway Firth, Broughton House is an 18th-century Georgian house and the former home of Scottish painter E A Hornel, one of the Glasgow Boys. The house holds Hornel’s pictures, vast collection of artefacts and furniture, and has a beautiful garden.

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Stop 3 - Kirkcudbright Galleries

Visit a nationally important art collection and learn the story of the Kirkcudbright ‘Art Colony’ through an audio-visual show “The Artists’ Town” and a permanent display of some of the best Kirkcudbright paintings in the collection.

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Stop 4 - Brambles Delicatessen

At Brambles Delicatessen, you will find an amazing range of fine foods, cheese and local produce. In any given week, there are more than 40 artisan cheeses to choose from. The Brambles’ cheese of the month showcases individual cheeses and offer tastings before you buy!

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Dark Art Distillery
location_on Kirkcudbright

Award winning craft Gin Distillery and on-site shop. We distil our Sky Garden Gin here and host 1 hour Distillery Tours which include a tasting session & a G&T.

MacLellan's Castle
location_on Kirkcudbright

Due to access restrictions in place, there is currently no visitor access to the castle.

Day 4

Colvend

Day four features Colvend Golf Club, this testing parkland course is the perfect challenge for all abilities. Another course with idyllic views, guests often get to enjoy the local wildlife, with red squirrels, roe deer, peregrine falcons, and even occasional otters visiting the course!

Not far from Colvend, is the idyllic Rockcliffe Coastline, the perfect place for a gentle stroll without your clubs this time! Or if you prefer sand between your toes, why not head over to the gorgeous Sandyhills beach, the perfect spot for a walk, a paddle or a picnic. Keen birdwatchers will want to visit the nearby RSPB Mersehead, this wetland and saltmarsh area is a haven for birds and offers something to see all year round.

Miles

9

Kms

14

Stops

3

Travel Time

30min

Stop 1 - Colvend Golf Club

Colvend’s testing parkland layout offers a challenge to all abilities and is one of the area’s most popular golfing experiences. The Club was founded in 1905 with a Willie Fernie designed 9-hole layout and over the years this has been developed into the 18-hole course you see today. They welcome golfers and non golfers of all abilities and buggies are available on request.

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Stop 2 - Rockcliffe Coastline to Sandyhills

Part of a National Scenic Area, the National Trust for Scotland nature reserve at Rockcliffe is fringed with wildflowers and dotted with sailing villages. The walk from Rockcliffe to Sandyhills takes you via Castle Point offering spectacular clifftop views and Sandyhills beach lives up to its name, at low tide it has a vast expanse of sand.

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Stop 3 - RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve

Situated on the scenic north shore of the Solway coast, Mersehead is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area, a haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching. Enjoy the birdsong of lapwings and skylarks in spring. See the young birds emerge in summer. Welcome the arrival of the Svalbard barnacle geese and pintails in autumn. And in winter, if you’re lucky, witness the unforgettable display of the starling murmurations.

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Day 5

Southerness

Your fifth and final day takes you to Southerness Golf Club, this renowned championship golf course is set on the breathtaking Solway coast. As you play, you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Solway Firth and on a clear day across the firth to the Lake District.

After your round, why not discover some of our region’s fascinating history? You could visit the birthplace of the ‘father of the US Navy’ John Paul Jones. A must-see is the unique triangular medieval fortress of Caerlaverock Castle. A great way to round off your day is with a taste of Scottish history at Annandale Whisky Distillery, home to award winning single cask malts.

Miles

41

Kms

66

Stops

4

Travel Time

1h 30min

Stop 1 - Southerness Golf Club

Southerness Golf Club in Dumfries & Galloway, with its level terrain, allows for easy walking and no hills to climb; meaning you can simply relax and concentrate on your golf.

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Stop 2 - John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum And Visitor Centre

The John Paul Jones Cottage Museum is located on the Arbigland Estate near Kirkbean in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The cottage is where John Paul Jones, hero of the American Revolutionary War and founder of the United States Navy, was born in 1747. Jones’ father was a gardener for the estate.

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Stop 3 - Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle is the UK’s only triangular castle. With its wide moat, twin towered gatehouse and loft battlements, it is an awe-inspiring medieval stronghold.

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Stop 4 - Annandale Distillery and Visitor Centre

Established in 1836 and reborn in 2014, Annandale is one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries. Their 5-star visitor experience includes hourly tours, and on-site cafe, cask ownership and much more!

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Where to Stay

A traditional and stylish country hotel in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, open to non residents.

Ernespie House Hotel
location_on Castle Douglas

The Ernespie house house hotel is a family run hotel with comfortable rooms in lovely surroundings.

Cavens Country House
location_on Dumfries

Cavens is a small luxury hotel with award winning food and wine list

The Selkirk Arms Hotel
location_on Kirkcudbright

Quality 4* Hotel & Restaurant in the heart of Kirkcudbright