Scotland Self Catering

Stepping back in time

FANCY a wee walk or three, and afterwards a book or two to relax with, all in a quiet, largely unspoilt spot? Well then, the south-west corner of Scotland might be to your liking.

It was to mine recently when we visited the Galloway region where we walked in woods, on cliff tops and pebbled-stoned (ouch) beaches, and called in to check out the latest releases in Scotland’s book town.

Much of the action (if you could call it that, given the quiet pace of life there) centres on the Machars, a peninsula in Galloway’s south.

Begin your tour with a visit to Wigtown with its 20 well-read shops, most of which were open for our visit.

All were appealing but the standout is called simply The Book Shop, complete with welcoming bookends outside the front door.

There are rooms every which way here, but what a way to lose your literary way.

You could spend days given the vastness of its stock supply. And that’s before you get a whiff of the brewed coffee, and spot the comfy chairs.

Finally forcing ourselves outside, local guide book in hand, we roamed around the town perimeter to check out its harbour which is not exactly Sydney’s in size… more so a few mudflats but the tide was out and the twitchers were having a great but quiet time in a new viewing hide, focusing their lenses on the avian stars of the salt marsh.

Me, I preferred to roam around another nearby walking trail to see the Martyrs Stake monument, erected after two local women were drowned in 1685 for supporting Presbyterian Protestants in their battle with the established church.

Continuing the religious connection, it was but a wee short drive and not too far a hike to the beachside cave of St Ninian who brought Christianity to Scotland in the fifth century. He chose this remote spot for a bit of peace and quiet.

Don’t forget some good walking boots as it’s a tough trail over the wide, long pebbly beach. Glorious Sunny Coast sand it is not.

You can climb the nearby beachside cliffs for some solitude of your own and head back to the township of Whithorn which was Ninian’s home base, to see the remains of his church and try out a couple of pleasant little walking spots near the bay.

But mind how you go as it’s open fields and there were some seriously big cattle roaming free along the way.

If time permits, on the way back from Whithorn to Wigtown, call in to Galloway House Gardens which face Rigg Bay. It’s a pleasant stroll through the gardens and along the bay-hugging path.

Scotland Self Catering, last minute, short breaks: Jazz at Glasgow ...

The best self-catering properties in Scotland stay open all the year. This blog is to help those who want to find a last minute break in Scotland whether in a city centre apartment or in a remote croft cottage. Some want to share large houses with others, some want some quiet walks in the Highlands. Some want an activity holiday for their families. Some want to tour, find the history, feel the romance of the place.

Scotland Self Catering, The Official Where to Stay Guide 2001

Scotland

Scotland Self-Catering 1997

Scotland, Self Catering Accommodation, 1991

Vegetarian Times