Why Kippford?
There are so many things to do in Kippford! It’s one of Scotland’s prettiest seaside villages on the shore of the estuary of the River Urr. Just 15 minutes’ stroll down the hill from the Park, Kippford Village is a charming waterside location. The unusually narrow village is picturesque with its granite and white-washed houses, a gift shop and cafe, and two lovely pubs both of which are family and dog friendly.
There are numerous things to do in Kippford and the local area including beautiful coastal and forest walks, golf, cycling, fishing and sailing… to name just a few. Our Activities Leaflet has been prepared for guests and we hope it will add to your enjoyment of your holiday.
Walking
Kippford & Rockcliffe has a forest and coastal walking area. The round trip takes around 1½ to 2 hours and offers wonderful views, including the ‘Muckle’ and ‘Mote of Mark’, a 5th century hill-fort with marvellous views of the ‘Rough Firth’!
Dalbeattie Forest is continually being upgraded by Forest Enterprise and has a large selection of walks with many fine views, commencing just 300 meters from the Park entrance.
The Sandyhills to Rockcliffe Coastal Path is described as one of the finest coastal paths in Britain, with views over the Solway to Cumbria and the Isle of Man.
For the best walking routes across Dumfries and Galloway check out Walkhighlands.
Golf
Craigieknowes, adjacent to the holiday park, is a scenic 9 hole par 3 course, suitable for golfers of all abilities. This is a surprisingly testing warm up course for experienced golfers, whilst remaining accessible and welcoming to beginners.
Just 3 miles away near Sandyhills beach is Colvend Golf Course, the nearest 18 hole golf course to Kippford. This picturesque parkland course, with spectacular views over the Solway to the Lakeland Fells and even the Isle of Man, provides an interesting challenge for all abilities.
Dalbeattie has its own 9 hole course, and the Championship grade links course at Southerness is only 20 minutes away.
Cycling
Dumfries and Galloway is a cyclist’s paradise. You can Ride the Coast, Ride the Uplands, Ride the South Coast 200 or chose Day Rides.
Dalbeattie Forest, one of the 7stanes is accessed only 300 metres from the Park entrance. In all there are over 17km of cycling trails linking Dalbeattie to Colvend, Sandyhills and Kippford; these three villages being just a short ride outside the Forest itself. Gentle Family Routes are suitable for the whole family, with clearly marked trails. Leaflets are available at Reception.
Fishing
There is a wide variety of fishing available within easy reach of the Park.
- Rivers, Lochs and Pools
- Gorsebank, Barean Loch, Loch Arthur, Buittle Reservoir, Auchenreoch Loch, Mossdale & Woodhall Lochs, River Urr, Loch Rutton, River Fleet, and Loch Ken.
- Sea
- Kippford Beach, Castle Point, and Balcarry Point.
Watersports
Kippford Village has a marina and slipway. The Solway Yacht Club has a temporary membership scheme for visiting dingy sailors and has excellent facilities.
If you want to try your hand at Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Windsurfing or Powerboating, Galloway Activity Centre on Loch Ken is 45 minutes’ drive from the Park.
Driving
The Galloway Tourist Route is a 96 mile driving route that traces the footsteps of Robert Burns and stops by the romantic Gretna Green.
The South West Coastal 300 route is a stunning drive of just over 300 miles providing the opportunity to marvel at our hills, glens, forests and lochs.
Car Hire
Kippford Classic Car Hire allows you to enjoy the roads and scenery of Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland in style. You can hire a Triumph Herald Convertible or a cute Morris Minor for a minimum of one day. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, or to just treat yourself!
Places to Visit
Family Days Out
- Gorsebank Bike Hire Bike hire, segway tours & more
- Mabie Farm Park Adventure & play for all ages
- Dalscone Farm Fun Farm Park & indoor soft play
- Dino Park & Soft Play Southern Scotland’s best dinosaur experience
- Farmer’s Den Soft play activity centres
- Cream o’ Galloway Ice cream & lots of fun
- Drummuir Farm Ice cream parlour & outdoor play area
- Cocoabean Company Chocolate factory, cafe & play areas
- Brighouse Bay Trekking Trekking, hacking & tuition
- Galloway Activity Centre Family activities all year round
- The Devil’s Porridge Museum Explore the past – what life was like…
- Forrest Estate Experiences Clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking, fly fishing…
Lovely Small Towns
- Castle Douglas The Food Town
- Kirkcudbright The Artists’ Town
- Wigtown The Book Town
- Moffat Charming town & frequent winner of the Scotland in Bloom Award
- Dumfries The Market Town
Castles & Gardens
- Threave Castle, Castle Douglas
- Threave Gardens, Castle Douglas
- Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill
- Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries
- Cardoness Castle, Gatehouse of Fleet
- Lochinch Castle & Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy
- MacLellan’s Castle, Kirkcudbright
- Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan
- The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, near Dumfries
- Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, Gardens Open for Charity
- Solway Tours, Guided historic tours of Dumfries & Galloway
Wildlife Attractions
- Kippford Community Nature Reserve 48 acres of open land
- Mersehead RSPB Nature trails, breathtaking scenery & wildlife
- Bainloch Deer Park 4×4 deer park tour & visitor centre cafe
- Red Deer Range Galloway Forest Park Close encounters with the animals
- Galloway Red Kite Trail Exciting nature watching opportunity
- Bellymack Hill Farm Red Kite Feeding Station
- Wild Goat Park Galloway Forest Park Get up close to friendly goats
- Wild Seasons Dumfries & Galloway Nature news & events
- Rockcliffe Nature Reserve Visit the bird sanctuary on Rough Island
- Ken Dee Marshes Nature Reserve Both wetland & woodland to enjoy
- Caerlaverock WWT Reserve A stunning wetland paradise
Places to Eat & Drink
- The Mariner Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Kippford
- The Anchor Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Kippford
- Treats & Eats Cafe, Colvend Village
- Granite Kitchen, Dalbeattie
- King’s Arms Hotel, Dalbeattie
- Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, Dalbeattie
- Laurie Arms Hotel, Haugh of Urr
- Cavens Country House, Kirkbean
- The Steamboat Inn, Carsethorn
- Loch Arthur Creamery, Farm Shop & Cafe, Beeswing
- Kilnford Barns Farm Shop & Cafe, Dumfries
- Sulwath Brewery, Castle Douglas
- Annandale Distillery, Annan