NEWTON STEWART CL SITES Going up in the world John Bateman gives a local’s opinion on a beautiful area in south-west Scotland Bruce’s Stone marks ancient conflict in Galloway Forest Park VER THE past few years, has transformed it into a top attraction. Inevitably, there are downsides. The Newton Stewart, a pleasant and Cyclists now have the internationally A75, with its Ireland ferry traffic, can be a O unassuming little town in recognised ‘7stanes’ trails and new slow haul and, if you have prolonged bad Scotland’s scenic south-west, has been at roadside routes to lure pedal-power weather, you might struggle for indoor the heart of Galloway’s quiet but visitors to Galloway’s hills, woods activities to keep you amused. Stray into ❖ impressive move up the tourism league and byways. Walkers have limitless some waterside or forested areas at the tables. Surrounded by the Galloway Hills path and peak options to suit all levels wrong time and you’ll meet midges, too, and nourished by the river Cree on its short of fitness and anglers can bore you for but listen to the locals and trouble spots are but sprightly journey to its estuary beyond hours with stories of hooking a 50lb easily avoided. I know this because I live Ordnance Survey the town, Newton Stewart, with help from salmon that pulled them out to sea. here and, although I don’t want it any Landranger Maps 82, 83 geological, astronomical and neighbouring Add wonderfully diverse birdlife, community assets, is now at the heart of golf, remote upland lochs and moors, this once-forgotten corner’s challenge to some fine beaches, Gulf Stream-favoured INFORMATION Scotland’s traditional tourism top dogs. gardens and the attractions of Whithorn – CL developments, you will be pleased to Scotland’s cradle of Christianity – and it is SITES hear, have been part of the change. no wonder that this western lump of Full details of the CLs featured here can be found on p542 of the Sites Galloway Forest Park – the largest of Dumfries and Galloway is no longer Directory & Handbook 2009/10 and its kind in Britain – now has ‘dark sky routinely bypassed. on p41 of the Supplement park’ status, the distinct lack of artificial None of this, I am happy to say, disturbs light making it the perfect place for those who like to snooze in the sun and TOURISM stargazers. Meanwhile, Wigtown, seven store up just enough energy to manage n Newton Stewart TIC (seasonal) – call 01671 402431 n miles from Newton Stewart, has seen its the barbecue. It’s all quiet stuff – no Stranraer TIC – call 01776 702595 n Dumfries and Galloway TIC – call 01387 253862 or see Scotland Book Town award of some years funfairs, wild nightlife, garish beachfront visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk back ignite a regeneration programme that amusement arcades or donkeys in silly hats. June 2010 The Caravan Club Magazine 89 CL SITES NEWTON STEWART Peaceful Isle of Whithorn harbour and village DID YOU KNOW? busier, I must say that for caravanners who Brockloch Farm’s attractive 250 acres The CL, carefully designed and Newton Stewart was founded in the 17th centuryStewart by William like rural retreats, electrics, a warm have been organised by Kath and Martyn immaculately maintained, has hook-ups, welcome, nice views and not too many to permit walks around mixed countryside shower and toilet facilities, as well as pitches neighbours, CLs in the area score highly. and beside the river, which also offers landscaped into a pleasant, grassy half-acre The three sites listed under Newton private fishing. There is a self-catering of character, bordered by low-level dry- Stewart have all joined the Club network cottage alongside the farmhouse and stone walls and affording expansive views of within the past six years, Brockloch Farm free-range eggs are another bonus at this open country and Galloway’s splendid hills. being closest to the town. Entry is via an all-year site. The Harringtons have made many A75 crescent lay-by a shade over four The other sites are along The Machars friends but, sadly, are moving in June to a miles west of the Newton Stewart Peninsula, a chunky and undulating Galloway property “with a little less grass roundabout. The quarter-mile long projection of farmland, forests and moors, to cut.” Good news, though, is that the driveway, with forest one side, rolling bordered one side by Wigtown Bay and, on prospective new owners, Julie and Stuart farmland the other, takes you to a the other, by Luce Bay. McGlashan, are keen to continue with the charming, hidden retreat. Little Balsier, half-a-mile past Sorbie CL and, as knowledgeable astronomers, Here, Kath and Martyn Webster have village on the A746 Whithorn road, is the will no doubt help caravanners identify created an excellent split-level site with most comprehensively equipped of the what is on view in the dark night skies. hook-ups and newly-resurfaced three sites and has won many admirers “The whole layout here is based on hardstanding pitches which offer pleasant since being opened in 2003 by Gabrielle what we like when we travel with our views of pastures, woodland and open and Gordon Harrington, themselves caravan,” say the Harringtons, who are meadows bordering the river Bladnoch. experienced caravanners. not only hospitable hosts but were also happy to offer guidance to Derek and Judith Noble when they opted last year to set up the area’s newest CL, just a ATTRACTIONS mile from Whithorn. Burgess Outon Farm tops the scenery n Galloway Forest Park –call newtonstewartgolfclub.com. 01988 403222 or see charts, looking out from its lofty plateau 01671 402420 or see forestry. For Dumfries and Galloway golf wigtownbookfestival.com gov.uk/gallowayforestpark pass, call Visit Scotland on n Swallow Theatre, Ravenstone across rolling greenery to the sea and, n Walking in Newton Stewart – 01387 245566. – open July-October. inevitably, to Galloway’s ever-imposing see newtonstewartwalkfest.com n Cream o’Galloway Visitor Call 01988 850368 or see hills. The Nobles fell in love with the area n Newton Stewart cinema – Centre – adventure playground, swallowtheatre.com on a visit from Yorkshire and bought the a community gem that also puts indoor play areas, nature trails, farmhouse with nine acres and buildings. on live entertainment. Call ice cream and more. The all-year CL, which has hook-ups, 01671 403333 or see Call 01557 814040 or see nscinema.co.uk creamogalloway.co.uk is accompanied by a self-catering cottage. n Creetown Gem Rock Museum, n The Whithorn Story – There are other activities too and, if you – call 01671 820357 or see artefacts, workshop, etc. Call ever tire of the views, peep over the wall gemrock.net 01988 500508 and you’ll see a few sheep and rare- n Newton Stewart Golf Club –call n Wigtown Book Festival –open breed pigs. 01671 402172 or see 23 September-3 October. Call Convinced? Of course you are and I expect to see you soon. n 90 The Caravan Club Magazine.