Dumfries self catering accommodation

Dumfries self catering accommodation
Our cottages are part of a traditional farm in a secluded valley surrounded by forests and hills.

A haven of peace in South West Scotland just ten miles north of Dumfries. There are streams, fields, hills, ponds, bike tracks and bridleways on the doorstep. The wildlife is diverse and both farm and cottages are environmentally friendly. Dogs, cats, children and horses are very welcome and invariably have a great time ... often with our dogs, cats, children and horses.

The farm attracts all sorts, but the common thread is a love of the countryside and the peace and quiet. Some enjoy it by tearing around mountains on bikes and splashing down rivers in canoes, the more temperate might enjoy a leisurely walk or a pony ride and others just like to sit, watch the birds and absorb the ambiance.

Mountain bikers come for the 20km track that passes on the hill behind as well as others at nearby Drumlanrig, Mabie and Dalbeattie. A drying room, pressure washer and bike lock-up is available for their use. Canoeists also love the drying room. Cold wetsuits are not a good start to the day.

Walkers and birders also access the hills and paths from the back of the farm. The mature stands of lichen covered fir and spruce have a rich under story of ferns, fungus and wild flowers. In spring the ditches are thick with tadpoles and newts and deer, red squirrel, crossbill and goshawk are occasionally glimpsed throughout the year. Buzzard, kestrel, sparrow hawk, owl, woodpecker, siskin, jay and raven are common sights.

A short drive South is the main centre of Dumfries with all mod cons, to the North West is the couthy market town of Thornhill which is more oldie worldie, and in the N. East lies bustling Moffat with all the usual tartan souvenirs. Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stranrar are just 90 minutes to the North and West, but there is much to see and do in Dumfries and Galloway.

Shepherd's cottage (sleeps 4): This cottage is accessed by an external sandstone stair just. It has two bedrooms, one a double and one with full sized bunks, a shower room and a cosy living-room and kitchen area with a log stove. Central heating keeps it cosy. All mod cons include: electric cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, kettle, radio/CD, television, DVD and vacuum cleaner. A cot and high chair are available on request and the sofa turns into a bed if it is needed. Linen, towels, central heating, hot water and logs are all included. Electricity for lights and cooking is metered (£1 coins). There is a laundry and drying room in the yard.

Stockman's cottage (sleeps 4): It has a "Category I" accessibility rating, suitable for wheelchair users, but is a favourite with young families and people of more advanced years who love the view and don't like steps. It has under-floor central heating, comprises a living room/dining room, open plan kitchen, double bedroom, second bedroom with twin beds and shower-room. All mod cons include: electric cooker, microwave, fridge, washing machine, kettle, radio/CD, colour television, DVD and vacuum cleaner. Bed linen, towels, central heating and hot water are all included, but electricity for lights and cooking is metered (£1 coins).

Disabled access: One cottage has achieved the top Category One Accessibility grading. It has been passed suitable for unassisted wheelchair users. The graded road at the back of the farm is suitable for power assisted wheelchairs.

Family & baby friendly: There are fields, streams, ponds, forests and paths on the doorstep. There is no traffic to speak of and we have a games hall with trampoline, climbing ropes, table tennis and a basketball hoop for rainy days. We have a cot and high chair for the youngest folk.
By rail: Dumfries railway station is about 9 miles away.
By car: From the South head for Dumfries, go around the ring road and take the A701 north towards Moffat for approximately 7 miles. Watch for signs to Ae Village and Ae Forest on the left on the big downward overtaking stretch just before Parkgate, go left towards the village.
From the North, exit the M74 at Junction 15 and head for Dumfries. Its 10 miles of forests and fields and a narrow bridge before you come to Parkgate. Ignore the Ae sign in Parkgate, take the Ae Village sign on the right after it.