Special Features and Local Interest

Horses

Up to three horses can be stabled during your stay. Pasture access for grazing, use of the ménage and use of a stable for each horse is available. There are horse friendly routes requiring minimal use of main roads which are accessible from Tumbling Banks. If you wish to use this facility, please discuss it first with Mrs Sinclair.

Swimming

There is a safe, child friendly sea bathing from nearby Rockcliffe beach. Alternatively, there are indoor pools at Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright and Dumfries, or, by arrangement with Mrs Sinclair, you can use the Kirkland Farmhouse outdoor pool.

Tennis

The Kirkland Farmhouse tarmac tennis court is available by agreement.

Bird Watching and Wildlife

There are different species of bird on the farm, including several pairs of buzzards, sparrow hawks, herons, swallows, finches, woodpeckers, Canadian geese (at the relevant time of the year) and barn owls. Merse Head RSPB reserve is 10 minutes drive away; Carsethorn 15 minutes. The farm is also host to mammals including: red squirrels, hare, roe deer and badger.

Flora and Fauna

Kirkland farm has benefitted from a Rural Stewardship Scheme for some 25 years. The farm is managed with bio-diversity in mind. There are several different habitats, ranging from bog land, herb rich pastures, lowland heath, to water margins. Each of these holds plants indigenous to the South West of Scotland.

Walking

Tumbling Banks can be used as a place to commence a range of nature walks on the farm, along the coastal path from Rockcliffe to Sandyhills, the Jubilee Path to Kippford, or a brief stroll to the iron age Mote of Mark in Rockcliffe.

Cycling

The cottage is situated within reach of the Seven Stanes Dalbeattie forest rides, which offer a choice of gentle or more challenging routes, all with marked signs. There is secure parking for bicycles in the barns.
Click here for more information about Seven Stanes – Dalbeattie

Gastronomical Interest

Colvend shop and vendors in Douglas and Dalbeattie offer a range of local foods.

Live Feeds from Covent Garden

The Fullarton Theatre in Castle Douglas presents live feeds from Covent Garden.  Prices are very reasonable.  The Burns Theatre in Dumfries has a diverse and topical range of movies, so of which are organised on a child friendly basis.  There is a shop and a restraunt at the Burns Theatre which specialises in local foods.  Well worth an expedition.

 

Colvend Parish Church

Services take place normally at 11.30 on Sundays led by the Rev. James Gatherer.

Gardens

Threave Gardens at Castle Douglas (10 miles) is well worth visiting if you are interested in trees as well as flowers. There is a National Trust shop and a restaurant which produces home made soup and cakes.

Other Amenities

There are three golf courses within easy reach (Colvend, Kippford and Southerness), sailing at Kippford, pony trekking at Sandy Hills, local craft centres, and sandy beaches.  Many Spring Fling sites proximate.  Wigton Book fair is a major annual event.

Local Shops and Dining Out

Colvend Corner shop is 1 mile away and supplies a range of local and national products. The Stuffed Olive café at Colvend Corner serves paninis and other snacks. Rockcliffe has an antique / tea shop. The Clonyard has a popular bar and restaurant. Kippford has two main hostelries, the Anchor and the Mariner with views onto the tidal estuary.  At Carsethorn there is the legendry “Steam Boat Inn”.  There is an excellent bar and restraunt at Barend, Sandyhills.  Dalbeattie has a fabulous Italian (“Luigis”), and a first class Chinese restarant.  There are good takeaway units in Dalbeattie.