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About our Area
The Machars of Galloway, S.W. Scotland, has traditionally lived from agriculture and still has a vibrant farming community – mainly dairy, beef, sheep and feed crops. The climate is mild, warmed by the Gulf Stream, and the land gently rolls towards the sea, which surrounds us on three sides. To the north, the Galloway Hills and Galloway Forest Park provide a contrasting landscape.
Cyclists like it here because the roads are quiet and not too hilly (although mountain bikers are catered for too); walkers enjoy the many and varied walks though forest, along coastal paths, across open land or the more energetic head for the hills. Bird watchers can see waders, ducks and geese on the Wigtown Bay mud flats, Peregrine falcons, Red Kites, and a video link at the newly refurbished Wigtown Town hall give a grandstand view of the local osprey family bringing up their young.
If you like Country and Western music, Creetown has a Country Weekend in September which brings enthusiasts from far and near, and in May the “Spring Fling” sees artists all over Dumfries and Galloway opening their studios to the public for a long weekend – a real feast for art and craft lovers. Of course, Kirkcudbright isn’t far away either with its artistic tradition and many galleries.
Wigtown is the Scottish Book Town, so bookworms find rich pickings amongst the plethora of bookshops, and a lively programme of events is organised all summer long. Newton Stewart has the most comfortable and well appointed community cinema in the country showing all the latest films, and just around the corner we have the tiny Swallow Theatre in a converted farm building where professional musicians and artistes compete to perform – but with just 42 seats, you had better book early!
Gardens abound, from the exotic Logan Botanic Garden on the far West coast to Threave gardens at Castle Douglas to the east, there’s a garden to please everybody. Golf? Well, this is Scotland, so you would expect to find plenty of courses, and you won’t be disappointed. Fishing in river, loch or sea is all on the doorstep – and if you’re a foodie, we can recommend a few good eating places from top class fish’ n’ chips to Michelin star rated restaurants.
All in all, we think this is a pretty good place to be - but since Gabrielle grew up a few miles down the road, she’s a bit prejudiced. Ask Gordon though – he came from Kent and doesn’t miss the traffic a bit!