Peaceful in its pastel colours, the small country town of Gatehouse of Fleet lies on the Solway Firth, in the midst of Dumfries & Galloway countryside, with good sandy beaches a five-minute drive away. 

The town was founded in the 1760s as a mill community, and today the nearby Mill on the Fleet - a visitor centre in a former bobbin mill - tells the tale of Gatehouse’s cotton-spinning days.

 Today, there are several shops in the town including a small supermarket, chemist and Post Office, along with book/gift shops and two cafes. All four pubs in the town have restaurant facilities and welcome children. Castle Douglas, a 15-minute drive away, offers an extensive range of shops, Threave Gardens and boating on Carlingwark Loch.

http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/gatehouseoffleet-p239211

Scotland benefits from the “Right to Roam” which allows extensive access to land in Scotland.  The details can be found in the outdoor access code and it allows vast access to the beautiful scenery of Scotland.  There are many websites offering details of walks.  One we have found particularly useful is the misleadingly named walking highlands which gives details walks in Dumfries and Galloway.

A short drive away is Cainsmore of fleet nature reserve.   This offers excellent views and a chance to explore the old railway viaduct which used to run to Stranraer.

However, there are lovely walks without having to take a car.  Walks to Castramont Woods to Fuffocks Hill, Cairntosh Hill, Disdow Woods, Loch Whinyeon  and many more can all be completed straight from Craiglure.  The OS Maps or phone app have upto date detailed maps, paths and routes.

https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/

https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/cairnsmore-fleet-national-nature-reserve

Whilst the origins of golf are shrouded in mystery the spiritual home of golf must be Scotland.  Craiglure is a few minutes walk from the Gatehouse of Fleet Golf course. They welcome visitors and a day's play can be booked with as little as £20.  

Being Scotland there is another excellent Golf Course at Cally Palace a couple of miles away.  They also welcome visitors and rounds can be booked direct. 

http://www.gatehousegolfclub.com/visitors-info

https://bespokehotels.com/cally-palace-hotel/golf

Gatehouse of Fleet is a very popular destination for cyclists.  The quiet roads and stunning views attract cyclists from across the region.  We are located close to the famous 7stanes The 7stanes are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country.  

'Stane' is the Scots word for stone, and at each of the seven locations, you'll find an amazing stone sculpture reinterpreting a local myth or legend.

https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/activities/mountain-biking/7stanes 

Gatehouse is steeped in history.  Down the road is Cardoness castle which was built in the later 1400s as the fortified residence of the McCullochs (See historic Environment Scotland for opening times).

Dating even further back at 5000 years old is Cairn Holy. This series of burial tombs and locations for ritual ceremonies and was excavated in 1949. 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/cardoness-castle/history/ 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/cairn-holy-chambered-cairns/history/ 

Gatehouse has many excellent pubs and Cafes.  Galloway Lodge offers informal dining and is always popular so booking is recommended.  The Ship Inn has recently been renovated and offers an exciting menu and has recently been awarded the best small eatery in West of Scotland.

The Crafty Crow sells everything required for the dedicated Crafter and has a vegetarian Cafe attached. They source the best quality natural ingredients and offer a choice of home cooked, wholesome, vegetarian dishes for eat in or takeaway.

If you want to venture to Castle Douglas there is the absolutely excellent Mr Pooks Kitchen for up market dining.  (But don't take our word for it,  see what the Guardian had to say when they visited).  They work with local suppliers as well as foraging & collecting seasonal ingredients to produce amazing dishes.  They have an outstanding “bottle shop” adjacent offering the best in local beverages as well as drinks from further afield. London quality at Scotland prices.

https://www.gallowaylodge.co.uk/pages/coffee-shops

https://www.theshipinngatehouse.com/restaurant/

https://thecraftycrow.co.uk/

https://www.mrpooks.co.uk/