Secrets of Southern Scotland

Make your way to the archetypal Galloway town of Kirkcudbright (pronounced: Kir-COO-bree). Like moths to a flame, artists have for generations flocked to Kirkcudbright – hence its nickname ‘the Artists’ Town’ – attracted by its sheltered situation in the estuary of the River Dee on the North Solway shore and its year round mild (well, milder) climate. Wherever you’re travelling from, we’ll create a personal, tailor made route to get you here.

Your Hotel in Kirkcudbright

At the heart of the community here in ‘The Artists’ Town’, your accommodation in Kirkcudbright is a family-owned classic inn exuding a warmth and authenticity that have encouraged guests to return year after year. With history stretching back to 1777, the hotel can number one Robert Burns as a guest on more than one occasion, with some historians believing it was at this very hotel the Bard wrote The Selkirk Grace. To the present day, and your proud hosts, alongside the long-established team, have carried out much sympathetic restoration and upgrade. You’ll find freshly decorated rooms with colourful splashes and crisp linens, as well as contemporary ensuites and all the features you need to enjoy a relaxing stay. In terms of dining, the experienced chef and his crew conjure up an appealing ‘Scottish Mediterranean’ menu, created of the very best local, seasonal treats. Before or after dinner, find yourself a cosy nook in one of the comfortable guest lounges and enjoy an aperitif or a dram, chatting over the day’s events or tomorrow’s plans.

Perhaps better than anywhere at illustrating the contrasts between here and other Scotland holiday destinations, the Galloway coast today awaits discovery. Amidst some 200 miles of ever changing scenery you’ll find sandy bays, intimidating sea cliffs, thick woodland and glowing seaside villages, often without another soul in sight. Today, you’ll enjoy a half day tour with a friendly local guide, bringing the area to life, uncovering hidden charms, history and wildlife.

There’s something of the past about Kirkcudbright, its streets filled with independent shops while featuring a pleasing lack of ‘chains’. Enjoy an easy stroll around its smart and beautifully kept streets and marina, stop for coffee or lunch at one of any number of great spots, take in the fascinating Stewartry museum, Broughton House and Maclellan’s Castle and wonder why more UK towns have not managed to retain their character the way Kirkcudbright proudly has.

Venture a little further afield for more surprising discoveries, such as the homage to Peter Pan and J. M. Barrie at Moat Brae in Dumfries – fascinating for kids of all ages – and the uniquely-shaped fairy-tale castle at Caerlaverock. We’ll provide plenty of appealing suggestions.

After breakfast, you’ll be making your way along the coast towards Wigtown, ‘Scotland’s National Book Town’, with its bright market square and host of quirky shops, cafes and inns, as well as the UK’s largest local nature reserve at Wigtown Bay. Later, take the drive amidst unique landscape through Whithorn to the Isle of Whithorn – actually a tiny peninsula – where a superb harbour-side inn awaits to serve you catch-of-the-day seafood and a glass of its own micro-brewed beer. After lunch, you’ll drive along the superb coastal route – one of southern Scotland’s best – and onto the hammerhead peninsula of the Rhinns of Galloway.

Your Hotel on the Rhinns of Galloway

Ready for indulgent luxury? It’s right here at one of the country’s most acclaimed hotels. With just 10 rooms, a celebrated restaurant, extensive grounds including a private forest and its own secluded beach, it’s all too easy to slip into an entirely different pace of life. None other than Winston Churchill stayed overnight on several occasions, and here was the scene of a secret meeting between him and President Eisenhower (who spent the night on a warship at anchor nearby) during WW2.

You’ll enjoy dinner here in the evening, then you might want to relax on the lawn or take a stroll on the private beach as the sea crashes on the nearby rocks, savouring every moment.

Close by your hotel you’ll find the cute harbour town of Portpatrick as well as more gardens per square mile than virtually anywhere in the UK, exotic and unusual species brought on by the milder climate. At the Mull of Galloway, just 45 minutes away, you’re at the Scottish mainland’s southernmost point and home to one of the loveliest lighthouses anywhere in the UK. But, should you elect to spend the day lounging at your hotel, strolling its private beach and discovering its grounds, there’s not a court in the land would convict you of any wrongdoing.

A great day of coastal driving today, the rolling Irish sea giving way to the vast Firth of Clyde as you head on to your final base. Coastal villages dot the route, magical Ailsa Craig appearing to hover between the coast and the horizon. Driving away from the coast, travel inland and venture into the East Ayrshire countryside, home to some of the most beautiful open space in south west Scotland. Pass through small villages and woodland on your way to your destination.

Your Hotel in Cumnock

Sitting on the edge of 2000 acres of private estate, your accommodation is a luxurious country lodge with royal connections. Cosy snugs and lounges with open fires provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere in this historic building. Spend time in the courtyard admiring the manicured gardens which are taken care of by the dedicated team at the estate. This really is a hidden gem!

A short distance away you’ll find Dumfries House, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes, its interiors and gardens waiting to be discovered on a small, group guided tour in the company of an engaging host.

After a hearty breakfast, say farewell to Troon. We’ll make sure you find your way home via the most scenic route, suggesting one or two places to explore along the way if you wish.