Lying at the heart of Galloway, in the south-west corner of Scotland, the county stretches from a coastline of sandy coves and estuaries forming natural harbours through rolling farmland to rugged, wild and desolate mountains in the north including Merrick, the highest Scottish mountain outside the Highlands. The main town is charming Kirkcudbright. Once a bustling port and subsequently an artists' retreat, Kirkcudbright cottages provide the ideal base for visitors to this tranquil small town. To the east of Kirkcudbright is a fine stretch of coastline sometimes known as the Scottish Riviera. Kippford is a tiny, lively yachting centre strung out along the east bank of the Urr estuary. At low tide you can walk over the Rough Firth causeway to Rough Island, a humpy 20-acre bird sanctuary owned by the National Trust for Scotland and home to colonies of terns and oystercatchers.
In stark contrast are the brooding Galloway Hills to the north with beautiful moors, rounded peaks, lochs, rivers and wooded hills. The large Galloway Forest Park is a major draw for walkers and mountain bikers with many well-marked trails. Indeed, three of the famous 7 Stanes mountain biking areas are in Kirkcudbrightshire. The area is dotted with formal gardens and country parks that are perfect for day trips. Foremost amongst these is Threave Garden and Castle just south of Castle Douglas, along the shores of Loch Carlingwark. The garden features a magnificent spread of flowers and woodland covering more than sixty acres. By selecting one of our holiday cottages Kirkcudbright and its many attractions can be discovered.
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