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THINGS TO DO - OUTSIDE

There is much to explore on the farm and in the surrounding forest and hills.

David can show you around the farm introduce you to the stock and wildlife and explain what efforts we are making to encourage biodiversity.  We also have a box you can borrow that explains it all. 

There are many circular walks of variouse lengths through the forest that we can point you on

Our pond is a great place for picnics & barbeques and in summer it is great for swimming and boating (canoes and lifejackets available). 

The ponies are friendly and competant riders of the right size may be encouraged to exercise them or just give them a brush.  Tony the chestnut also drive a cart.

Streams are great things for kids to explore if supervised, but the rest of us enjoy the forest roads and tracks which can be walked ridden and cycled for miles, often without seeing another soul.

Birdwatchers and fruit collectors can wander undesturbed for hours.

If you'd rather be busy we will be glad to put you to work pruning trees, patching dikes or clearing ditches!

MOUNTAIN BIKING
We are in the midst of the 7Stanes.  The 20 Km Ae track is in hailing distance and a world class down hill track with up-lift (phone Tally 07709 144299) is just 2 miles away. Other top class tracks are an easy drive and Drumlanrig Castle by Thornhill is a great family choice. Pressure washing facillities and a bike lock-up are included.

FISHING
We have a small pond with wild brownies for catch and release.  Fishing is also available in the Water of Ae (1m) as well as at Loch Ettrick (2m) where boats can be hired (phone Wullie on 07799 893854).  There is Hammerlands Fishery & Visitor Centre in Moffat which caters for all abilities.  The Annan Water is recomended and Loch Ken by Castle Douglas holds the British record for pike.  More information can be found here. 

HORSE RIDING
The Ettrick Stables are just 3 miles away, Lone Pine is over at Beattock. There is a big covered arena at Deepwater and, down on the coast, Sue Gilroy at Auchencairn (01556 640336) is recommended.
Alternatively you could bring your own horse.  With over 100 miles of graded roads on the doorstep and a bridleway running from the east coast to the west you can have a ball.  We also have two ponies which David rides and drives around the forest.

SLED DOG RACING
Probably the best course in the UK has been created on the opposite side of our valley.  In the morning and evening mushers are pulled silently along on three wheeled bogies.  It is a fast growing sport and they welcome the curious. 

WALKING
The Forestry Commission has way-marked many routes for walkers and cyclists and some pass our door.  One is accessible to wheelchairs. Hop in your car and Nithsdale’s your oyster.  The Queensberry range is close, The Southern Upland Way lies beyond and Buccleuch Estates (huge tracts of beautiful hill land) welcomes responsible walkers.

WATERSPORTS – there is a centre on Loch Ken where kit can be hired and teachers found. .  You might also try waterskiing.  For canoeists the region's white water can be very exciting, but there is gentle water too.