//In Paid Partnership with Go to South West Scotland//
Adventures on the Darkish Facet in South West Scotland
How typically do you are taking the time to cease and gaze up on the stars above you? Should you reside in a metropolis, it’s in all probability not typically – most of us can barely make out the twinkling dots above us attributable to gentle air pollution. Fortunately, there’s a nook of Scotland the place the evening sky burns shiny – welcome to Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland.
I often head straight to the Highlands after I get to Scotland, however I used to be astonished to find fairly how rugged, distant and jaw-droppingly beautiful the hilly countryside of Dumfries and Galloway is. There’s a cause this space is named ‘the highlands of the lowlands’, and it deserves to be higher identified by hikers, cyclists and lovers of wide-open wild areas. Residence to the primary Darkish Sky Park within the UK, Galloway Worldwide Darkish Sky Park, it’s good for studying extra in regards to the stars above us, on a tour with a Darkish Sky Ranger, by popping into the planetarium or with an evening in a bothy, the right spot for stargazing. Able to go exploring? I’ve rounded up 9 of my favorite adventures and actions from my journey to South West Scotland.
9 must-do adventures in South West Scotland
1, Take a tour with a Darkish Sky Varyr
Most areas of pure magnificence have Forest or Park Rangers – Dumfries and Galloway have their very personal Darkish Sky Rangers, specialists within the evening sky and the wonders which can be seen from this gentle pollution-free nook of Scotland. Guide a tour on a transparent evening to identify capturing stars, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Aurora Borealis and stellar nurseries. There have been just a few stars twinkling by means of the cloud on the evening I joined Darkish Sky Ranger Matthew McFadzean, however I used to be nonetheless spellbound by the tales he span in regards to the galaxy above our heads. I’ll positively be again on a transparent evening – on some evenings you possibly can even glimpse the northern lights.
Matthew runs Darkish Sky excursions and Astro Images workshops at Clatteringshaws Loch, bookable on-line.
2, Go gravel biking
Welcome to Galloway – a gravel bike owner’s paradise. Off the principle roads (that are additionally extremely quiet in the event you do fancy street biking) you’ll discover mile upon mile of tough however thrilling gravel tracks that lead straight into wild open areas and deep forest, and that supply superb views of the encompassing peaks. I joined Warren of Galloway Biking, who additionally runs the world’s annual Raider’s Gravel occasion, and we went on a bone-rattling however good 20 mile spin round Clatteringshaw Loch. Our center level was Again Hill O’Bush bothy (under), the place we stopped for espresso with a view. An excellent experience that made me really feel like I used to be really within the wilderness – and in simply a day of pedalling.
Galloway Biking supply ‘gravel rides for mortals’ in addition to custom-designed biking excursions, holidays and bike rental. Guided rides begin from £25pp.
3, Strive paddleboarding at Galloway Exercise Centre
Whether or not you’re keen on eye-popping adrenaline sports activities or relaxed paddle adventures, the Galloway Exercise Centre is a superb base for attempting new actions. This pleasant centre gives an exhaustive record of adventurous and outdoorsy issues to do, all primarily based across the big deep waters of Loch Ken, and taught by pretty instructors and appropriate for all ages. My favorite was a paddle boarding session on Loch Ken – this wild loch is fringed with forest and also you’re more likely to spot herons swooping previous and see purple kites circling overhead as you paddle alongside. The centre additionally supply all the pieces from kayaking and climbing to a terrifying(ly enjoyable) large swing, so it’s a one-stop store in the event you wish to get energetic.
Guide an journey on the Galloway Exercise Centre.
4, Spend the evening at Loch Ken Bothies
A bothy is often a tough and prepared little shelter – not so at Loch Ken, the place you’ll discover 4 beautiful, bothy-inspired cabins which can be very luxurious certainly. I stayed in Otter, an eco-friendly roundhouse sleeping two and full with wood-fired sizzling tub, big double mattress, kitchen and telescope. An image window appears out over somewhat lochan, and you’ll lie in mattress and watch the solar rise – the 2 resident purple squirrels could even come previous to say hello. The new tub is the right spot for late-night star-spotting with a glass of wine, and in daytime, Galloway Exercise Centre and Loch Ken are in your doorstep.
There are 4 Loch Ken Eco Bothies out there, sleeping 2-8, from £112/evening.
5, Go horse driving at Barstobrick Driving Centre
Love exploring within the saddle? Barstobrick stables has horses and ponies – and hacking routes – to swimsuit all skills. I headed out on a relaxed hack aboard Cara and we meandered by means of a fraction of the gorgeous 650-acre property that the stables name dwelling, recognizing shiny gorse and driving by means of woodlands ablaze with bluebells. Barstobrick additionally gives trekking for disabled riders.
Guide classes and hacks of various lengths at Barstobrick Driving Centre.
6, Strive native craft gin on the Darkish Artwork Distillery
Bought time to cease for a fast G&T? Pop in to the Darkish Artwork Distillery, a brand new child on the block in Kirkudbright after opening in 2021. Founder Andrew was impressed by the Galloway Darkish Sky Park when he named his new distillery, and their first gin, Sky Backyard, makes use of locally-sourced and handpicked botanicals chosen as a result of they provide off their scent at evening. On a distillery tour you’ll get to satisfy the star of the present – Peggy, Darkish Artwork’s stunning copper nonetheless – and learn the way the gin is created, earlier than ending with a tasting of Sky Backyard (it’s fairly good with tonic).
Excursions price £15, final an hour, and will be booked by way of the distillery.
7, Discover Kircudbright and the Darkish Area Planetarium
First, be taught to pronounce the title of this charming little harbour city – it’s ‘kuh-ko-bree’. Nicely-known for its artsy group, this fishing port is dwelling to the Darkish Arts Distillery (above) and a clutch of nice galleries, craft retailers, cafes and eating places (I cherished the espresso at The Belfry). Cease in on the Darkish Area Planetarium, housed in an old style and residential to fascinating displays in addition to quick movies masking all the pieces from the Apollo landings to life on different planets. A superb first cease earlier than you head out stargazing of a night.
Go to Kircudbright, the ‘artist’s city’. Grownup tickets to the Darkish Area Planetarium prices £15.
8, Keep the evening at Again Hill O’Bush Bothy
Should you fancy an evening in a really distant Scottish bothy, make the journey on foot or by bike to Again Hill O’Bush, hidden 6 miles from the closest correct street. Inside, this cosy cottage is fairly primary however snug, with two bunk rooms to select from, every with wood-burning range. Outdoors, nevertheless, is absolutely wonderful, with far-reaching hill views and a dashing river you possibly can take a dip in. There’ll be no-one else for miles round, so that is one other good spot for stargazing come dusk. Should you do determine on a bothy keep, please use it responsibly, respect others and depart the bothy clear and tidy.
Learn extra on the curious historical past of Again Hill O’Bush bothy in Galloway Biking’s weblog
9, Hike in Galloway Forest Park
Maintain it easy and stretch your legs with a hike in Britain’s largest forest park. In 2009, Galloway Forest Park grew to become the primary Darkish Sky Park within the UK and western Europe, which can point out fairly how wild, distant and unpeopled this stunning space is. The encompassing glens and hills (they aren’t mountains, apparently, however they’re nonetheless on a reasonably epic scale) are a hiker’s parafise, and wild tenting is permitted, so multi-day hikes are straightforward to plan, too.
Forestry and Land Scotland supply strolling solutions of various lengths – there’s additionally a Purple Deer Vary in the event you fancy snapping a few of Scotland’s most photogenic residents.