The Colvend Coast
Golf and Sailing have been the recognised sports in the region for many years, however with the opening of the Seven Stanes mountain bike trails, this sport is quickly becoming one of the main reasons for visiting this part of Scotland.
All mountain bike riders in the UK have heard of the Seven Stanes, but for some who may be less familiar with them the web site of the same name gives far more information than we can here. The Dalbeattie trail is easily accessed from Kipp Cottage, and has a place to secure bikes indoors.
Golf is available at the championship links at Southerness, the beautiful Colvend course, or while still staying locally the nine hole all par 3 course at Craigieknowes just outside Kippford. There are many more courses within reasonable distance.
Kippford is the home of the Solway Yacht Club and Kipp Cottage would provide ideal accomodation for a couple during a stay to sail the Solway Firth.
There are many beautiful beaches in the area and some of the best birdwatching in the UK is available at the nearby Mersehead RSPB Reserve. The area is also outstanding for simply walking the unspoilt Colvend Coast.
Dalbeattie is nearby with many small shops for basic needs and a useful Tourist Information office. The town has an excellent website with lots of useful information on the local area.
For those seeking further interests Castle Douglas is known as the 'Food Town' with some excellent Butchers, Health Food Shops and several Delicattessens. Fashion shopping is well catered for with several independant retailers offering a more varied choice than many larger retailers. There is also a large Tesco to cope wiith your more mundane shopping.
Kirkcudbright, a short drive away is known as the 'Artists Town' and has several good galleries including the Whitehouse Gallery. The Scottish Colourists with artists such as Hornell, J.M. King, Oppenheimer, and others are well known for their work representing this area and there is a good museum dedicated to Hornel in his former house.
