Galloway is rich in its diversity, having hills, valleys, pasture, river and sea. Walks in the fields here and nearby woods reveal a variety of wildlife at any time of the year. Cairnholy is in one of the finest wildflower areas in south west Scotland, including snowdrops and ransoms, primroses, bluebells, bog asphodel, orchids, sundew and the delicate grass of Parnassus. The seashore is within twenty minutes walking distance and a regular destination on our walks with Harry, west to Carsluith Castle or east to the waterfall beyond Ravenshall Point, via the hole in the cliff.
The nearby A75 makes travel easy to the many attractions within Dumfries & Galloway.

There are two excellent Nature Reserves within a short drive of Cairnholy:-

Wigtown Nature Reserve: This area of coastal wetland is located on the eastern side of the Machars, about four miles south of Newton Stewart. It is the largest Local Nature Reserve in Britain. The salt marsh, mudflats and sandflats are internationally important for a wide variety of wetland birds, including large numbers of whooper swans, who are regular winter residents.

RSPB Reserve Wood of Cree is a fine example of an ancient coppiced oak woodland. It supports many migrant bird species such as spotted flycatcher, redstart, pied flycatcher and wood warbler. A number of bat species also frequent the reserve. In late May the ground flora is dominated by a spectacular shimmer of scented bluebells. This reserve is managed in association with Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust (CVCWT), which also manages broadleaf woodlands from the High Cree south via Loch Trool to the Town Woods in Newton Stewart..

Galloway Kite trail: Visit the Feeding Station and see the Red Kites.

Children of all ages are welcome at the Cream o’ Galloway Visitor Centre, near Gatehouse of Fleet where delicious farm ice cream is produced and there are nature trails, picnic areas and a woodland children’s adventure playground - with the added bonus of a dog walking area!

The Galloway Forest Park offers a wealth of wildlife with graded walking and cycling trails and visitor facilities.

Castramont Woods above Gatehouse of Fleet are managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and, again, are full of bluebells in the spring.

There are a number of famous gardens to visit including Castle Kennedy, Woodfall, Cally, Threave and the tropical Logan Gardens.

Dumfries & Galloway is proud of its artistic talents.  Cairnholy B&B contains a number of textiles made by local textile artist, Linda Woodfield. and pottery items made by Hannah McAndrew at Barm Pottery (Click on links page for further details.)  

Regular events include:
February: Snowdrop Festival

March: last week - Festival of Folk Music, Arts and Crafts, Gatehouse of Fleet
April: Second week - Wildlife Festival
June: Second weekend - RSAC Scottish Rally (which takes place around various forest roads in Galloway)
June: Third weekend - Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival
July: Last week - Gatehouse of Fleet Gala Week
September: Third weekend - Creetown Country Music Festival (the internationally famous Country & Western event)
September: Last week - Wigtown Book Festival
October: Beerfest & Barbecue at Cardoness Castle

Places to Eat:
We can recommend a number of places to eat in Gatehouse of Fleet.

There is an excellent community owned Cinema at Newton Stewart showing the latest blockbuster films.

Creetown Gemrock Museum is an interesting way to while away a wet day (we do get some).

Just a couple of miles away is a lovely small sandy beach at Mossyard.