Castle Douglas
Contents |
Castle Douglas
Introduction | Langholm | Moffat | Dumfries | Castle Douglas | Kirkcudbright | Gatehouse of Fleet | New Galloway | Newton Stewart | The Machars | Stranraer | Portpatrick | Wigtown
Introduction to Castle Douglas
Phone code: +44 (0)1556
The neat little town of Castle Douglas, standing on the edge of lovely little Carlingwark Loch, was laid out in the 18th century by Sir William Douglas, a local lad who made his fortune in the Americas. There's nothing of note in the town itself, but there are a few worthwhile attractions in the surrounding area. You can find out all about these, and other local sights, at the TIC.
Ins and outs
McEwan's bus Nos 501 and 505 run frequently from Dumfries to Kirkcudbright, stopping in Castle Douglas. Bus No 520 runs north along the east shore of Loch Ken from Castle Douglas to New Galloway and Dalry. Tourist Information Centre, Market Hill Car Park. Apr-Jun, Sep and Oct daily 1000-1630; Jul and Aug daily 1000-1800. Tel 502611. A good way to explore the area is by bike, and you can rent bikes at Ace Cycles, 11 Church Street, Tel 504542. Mountain bikes cost £10 per person per day.
Sights
A mile southwest of town, off the A75 or reached by the lochside road, is Threave Garden, the NTS horticultural school's magnificent floral extravaganza. The best time to visit is early spring when over 200 types of daffodils burst into bloom, but it's a very colourful experience at any time of the year. In Spring 2002 Threave House will open to the public for the first time. It will contain a horticultural implement museum. Info: Gardens open daily all year from 0930 till sunset. Visitor Centre open Mar-Good Friday Wed-Sun 1000-1600; Easter-31 Oct daily 0930-1730; Nov-Christmas Wed-Sun 1000-1600 (hours subject to change). Check times and prices for House. £5, £.4 concession. Tel 502575.
Two miles further west at Bridge of Dee, a country lane branches north (right) and leads for about a mile to the start of a footpath which takes you to the gaunt tower of Threave Castle, standing alone on an island in the middle of the River Dee. Threave was built in the 14th century by Archibald 'the grim', third Earl of Douglas, and head of the 'Black' Douglas line. The Douglases were one of Scotland's most powerful baronial families and the main line, the 'Black' Douglases, were descended from 'the Good' Sir James, trusted friend of Robert the Bruce. The outer wall of the castle was added in 1450 in an unsuccessful attempt to defend it against King James II, who was determined to break the power of the maverick Border family. The Covenanters reduced Threave to its present ruinous state in 1640, and little remains of the interior. It's a romantic ruin nevertheless, especially as you have to be ferried across to the island. It's a 10-minute walk from the car park, then ring the bell for the custodian to take you across in a small rowing boat. Info: 1 Apr-30 Sep daily 0930-1830. £2.20, concession £1.60. Tel 0131-6688800 (HS).
The A713 runs north from Castle Douglas along the shores of long and skinny Loch Ken to New Galloway. The loch is a popular watersports centre, with sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, rowing and fishing. There's also an RSPB nature reserve on the west bank, and walking trails. Loch Ken Marina, Tel 01644-470220, at the village of Parton, on the east bank eight miles north of Castle Douglas, hires motor boats for water-skiing.
It's open Easter-31 October daily 0900-1700. Galloway Sailing Centre, Tel 01644-420626, Lochken also at Parton, offers watersports tuition and hire, as well as other activities such as quad biking and gorge scrambling, and basic dormitory accommodation (F). It's open 1 April-31 October daily 0900-1900; November-March daily till 1700. Fishing permits and boats are available at the marinas and the caravan parks. The village of Parton hosts the Scottish Alternative Games on the first Sunday in August. The various traditional Scottish games include the world finals of the Gird'n'Cleek competition, whatever that may be.
Sleeping and eating: accommodation in Castle Douglas
There's lots of accommodation in Castle Douglas, including the Crown Hotel, Tel 502031, The Crown Hotel the pleasant Douglas Arms Hotel, Tel 502331; and Imperial Hotel, Tel 502086. All are on King St and serve decent food.
On the outskirts of Castle Douglas, set in its own grounds is the wonderful Urr Valley Hotel, a charming country house hotel. Well recommended. Late Rooms Availability for Urr Valley Hotel in Castle Douglas
There are also many good value B&Bs and guesthouses. Try Craigvar House, 60 St Andrew St, Tel 503515, open Mar-Oct; or Albion House, 49 Ernespie Rd, Tel 502360, open Feb-Oct. There are several other places to stay along Ernespie Rd. A few miles northeast of town, at Haugh of Urr, is the peaceful and attractive Corbieton Cottage, Tel 660413.
Thirteen mile south of Castle Douglas, on the A711, is the village of Auchencairn, overlooking a lovely bay. There's a range of accommodation here, including the luxurious, award-winning Balcary Bay Hotel, Tel 640217, which has an excellent restaurant.
There's also a campsite at Lochside Caravan & Camping Site, beside the loch, Tel 503806, open Easter-late Oct; and at Loch Ken Holiday Park, by the village of Parton, Tel 01644-470282, open late Mar-early Nov.
Apart from the hotels listed above, the best place to eat in Castle Douglas is Carlo's, 211 King St, Tel 503977, a moderately priced Italian restaurant. Eleven miles out of town, on the A712 near Crockettford, is Craigadam, Tel/Fax 650233, Craigadam where you can enjoy good home cooking at mid-range prices. They also offer B&B.
Self Catering Cottages in Castle Douglas
- Torglass Cottage Sleeps 5 - 6
- The Old Sunday School Sleeps 4