The Old Exchange Luxury self catering in Scotland - Straight out of the front door you are on the nature walk that runs from Threave gardens to Threave Castle which is one of Scotland's most romantic Castles accessed by a small boat. The Old Exchange is located at the heart of the National Trust for Scotland's Threave Estate with its internationally renowned Threave Gardens. Just 1 mile from Castle Douglas (Dumfries and Galloway's "food town") with its bustling main street filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, delis, chocolatiers, bakers and four speciality butchers, all with a variety of local produce. Dumfries and Galloway is bounded by the spectacular Solway Coast with its many beaches and coastal walks with stunning views.
Dumfries and Galloway is known as "Scotland's Forgotten Corner". Often overlooked and driven past in order to get to Edinburgh or the Highlands, this part of South West Scotland is therefore very quiet. But its natural beauty, the coastal ruggedness that brings the knowing visitor back to this region time and time again is manifest in the rural tranquility. We are pleased that the hordes bypass our region, and that those seeking a true Scottish experience find it here. If you want to see what the "real" Scotland is like, then miss the tourist trap areas that put the "monster" into Loch Ness, come to the rural idyll of Dumfries and Galloway and experience the quiet, gentle side of Scotland.
The Old Exchange is in the centre of Dumfries and Galloway close to all amenities like a selection of beaches from Sandyhills to Rockcliffe (my favourite is Red Haven), and adventure activities on Loch Ken that include water skiing, sailing (& tuition), windsurfing, climbing and archery, family attractions like the adventure playgrounds at Cream'o'Galloway and Dalscone and Mabie Farm Park are great for the kids. There is blow Karting on the wide sands by Southerness and tumbling down a hillside in a big inflatable ball by Gatehouse of Fleet (my kids love this) We are also centrally located for 5 of the 7Stanes Mountain bike trails that offer routes for every level from 1 mile easy routes to the very difficult but ultimately exhilerating black runs.
Besides all these activities this area is great for getting outdoors and seeing nature, very close by is Threave Castle and renowned Gardens of Threave. There is an ubelievably close viewing area to see the nesting Ospreys and further along the river Dee has been the reintroduction of Red Kites, there is a feeding station that offers scenes of inrivalled arial acrobatics. We have a great selection of walks, from the stunning cliff tops of Balcary Bay (teas served at the Hotel) to woodland walks at Clatteringshaws Deer Park, The Raiserd Road and Otter pool.
There are over 20 Gardens that open to the public, Threave jsut a short walk away is one of the best in Scotland. There are quaint fishing ports like Portpatrick and Kirkcudbright which is also famous for its connection with artists (The Glasgow Boys & Scottish Colourists) who came to make use of the unique light. There are many art galleries and still a thriving artsitic community. Wigtown is Scotland's National "Book Town" and nearly every shop is a book shop (or cafe) and close by is an off-road tank driving centre.
We have a great selection of fishing, from Pike and Perch just a mile away at Carlingwark Loch, and Loch Dee where there are also Roach and Breem. The River Nith offers Salmon, Grilse and Sea Trout whilst the Coast is great for Cod, Flounder and Plaice. The area also has over 30 Golf Courses, from Southerness Competition Course to a local favourite in St. John's Town of Dalry. |
