Local Attractions

Here are some things to do without travelling too far from Sandyhills and the Colvend Coast.

Bird watching at Mersehead RSPB Nature Reserve

In the Autumn and Winter you may see whooper swans and large numbers of barnacle geese. Details at RSPB Mersehead

Coastal Walk

Sandyhills to Rockcliffe 6 miles then return by bus. Look out for Peregrine Falcons. Details of this and other local walks in the VisitScotland brochure you may download

Mabie Farm Park

Outdoor and indoor activities for all of the family. Attractions include quad bike track, a grass sledging slope, pedal go karts, a boating pond, lots of animals and an indoor playbarn.

The sailing town of Kippford is close by, also Dalbeattie 7.5 miles for shops and takeaways.

Castle Douglas is 13 miles away for speciality shops, supermarket, swimming pool, and market.

Coastal Hill - Criffel

Criffel is the prominent hill you can see on the approach to Dumfries from the East. From the cottage, cut across to the A711 towards Dumfries, then at Beeswing take the minor road to New Abbey. A few miles to the south is the starting point for the ascent – strenuous but relatively short. On a clear day there are superb views out towards the Solway Firth and the Lake District.

Local 18 hole: Colvend Golf Club

Next to Criffel Lodge. Parkland 18 holes - 5020 yards - Par 69 “Colvend is a superb course situated on the Solway Coast with wonderful views over the Galloway Hills and the Solway Firth.”

Southerness

Links 18 holes - 6566 yards - Par 69 “Superb championship links course on Solway Coast with magnificent views of Cumbrian and Kirkcudbrightshire hills, and on a clear day to the Isle of Man. Good test for all standards of golfer.”

Full contact details for these and other courses can be found at the Dumfries and Galloway golf finder.

Mountain Biking

The forestry commission 7stanes initiative provides off-road forest trail and mountain biking trails for the public. Off-road forest trails at Dalbeattie and Mabie provide excellent mountain biking for all skills levels.

At a glance..

Beach
Coast walks
Bird watching
Wild life watching
Mountain biking
Golf
Mabie farm park