Dumfries and Galloway

Ross Island

....More on our recent trip to Dumfries and Galloway - all things considered we were lucky with the weather... Although things to consider include: we were in Scotland, it was Easter, we were camping and we were on the west coast.. It rained quite a bit but mainly when we were tucked up cosy under a duvet and furry blanket - admittedly we stayed like that all morning one day while the heavens poured incessantly but eventually we emerged and wrapped up up well went for a walk though  the woods down to Ross Bay and round the headland, Dr Fred did some clambering around on gallavidian rocks and I pottered around the beach collecting yet more shells.  We got rained on but its only water!  I love the emptiness of this bit of coast, we were out walking all afternoon and only saw two other people the whole time.  The sun shone mostly and the light across the sea was just glorious.


















Searching the internet looking for an alternative to the huge holiday parks becoming so common around all the british coast line, we struck lucky and found a very good - in fact really fab campsite near Kirkcudbright - tempting to not tell anyone as it is so nice!!!!!  We chatted to the very pleasant and friendly owners Neil and Trisha who were inspired by Canadian campsite and have modelled Solway View on their experiences so there are large roomy pitches each with a picnic table and most importantly-  a fire pit - the view is amazing and the rest of the campsite facilities are excellent.  A short walk from the campsite through the woods, currently overflowing with stunning bluebells and smelling of fresh wild garlic, brings you first to an ancient graveyard full of lichen encrusted gravestones, ruins and railings, lots of texture and pattern, inspiration for drawing and weaving, and then to a small sandy and pebbly cove perfect evening walk or picnic spot.  


The bluebells were just starting to look stunning but the views across the Solway more then make up up for being there a week or ten days early for the flowers in all their glory.  a very peaceful serense spot.  Its definitely a site we will revisit, I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

moss encrusted, garlic filled woods

We had arranged to meet some good friends at the campsite and had two very pleasant days, walking, eating, drinking and even managed a short Kayaking session - Each evening we lit the fire pit and it almost managed to keep us cosy even when it rained - I had every possible layer i could fit on we didn't let a spot of damp put us off but I have to say I was pleased to finally snuggle up in a warm van at the end of the evening.