Visitors to Dumfries & Galloway are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures.
Whether you'd prefer to be self-guided or accompanied, there are so many options! For those trying something out for the first time, equipment hire is widely available. Here are some of the key outdoor activity categories and hubs available in the area.
Family-friendly activities are in abundance, so Dumfries & Galloway is perfect for a visit with children of any age, especially those who love the outdoors!
From cycling, hiking and climbing to watersports and other adrenaline-filled adventures, you're sure to find an activity to suit you here.
Galloway Activity Centre on Loch Ken offers an incredible range of indoor and outdoor climbing, sailing, archery, laser tag, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, an inflatable waterpark and mountain biking adventures. We can arrange family activity days with a range of options.
Galloway Cycling Holidays are your go-to people for all things cycling-related. They can offer route guidance, cycle hire and guided cycling tours to suit your itinerary and budget. Dumfries & Galloway is an excellent place to explore by bike, with a variety of scenery, terrain and route difficulties to keep everyone engaged.
Fishing is available from beginner to advanced level in various locations across Dumfries & Galloway. Two of the best places to try are Loch Ken (mainly perch, trout and pike fishing, with grayling possible in winter) and Drumlanrig Castle Estate (river or loch, mainly salmon and trout fishing). Those who have their own gear and know what they are doing can simply purchase a permit, whilst beginners or those who would like advice and guidance can opt to hire equipment and/or a ghillie or guide to accompany them.
Red kites were reintroduced in the area in 2001. You can find the best places to spot them by following the Red Kite Trail, either as a road trip or cycling (24 miles, reasonably level), and there are well-signposted walks of varying length available at a number of the stops. The route centres around Loch Ken in winter, whereas in summer, there are some forest elements as well. There are shelters, information boards and viewing areas, and feeding stations in some places along the route. As well as the kites, you can expect to see red squirrels and other birds of prey.
For walkers, paths and hiking routes are abundant of all lengths and for all abilities and interests. Beginning in Portpatrick, the Southern Upland Way is a long-distance route right across the south of Scotland from the Atlantic to the North Sea. To complete the whole route (over 200 miles!) takes more time than the average holiday; however, sections can be completed easily. Several particularly rewarding stretches can be completed in a single day, including Portpatrick to Castle Kennedy and Sanquhar to Wanlockhead. We can help with logistics and arrange transfers back to your vehicle or accommodation for those wishing to attempt one-way walks. There are also many lovely shorter circular and out-and-back walks from pretty much anywhere in Dumfries & Galloway, so whether it's hills, coasts, rivers or a mix of the two that you're after, you're sure to find something suitable and manageable. Within the forest park, walks of different lengths and grades are well-signposted, and you can obtain advice from the visitor centre.