Getting the hang of southern adventures
Adventurous Sarah Devine thrills to what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer
Scotland’s southwest is a magnet for outdoor adventure seekers, with a rugged landscape rich with forests, hills and surrounded by sea.
The area attracts thousands of mountain bikers each year, thanks to outstanding trails which make up the majority of the internationallyrenowned 7stanes centres.
While most, including Forest of Ae, Dalbeattie and Mabie, have routes for all levels of ability, the Black Craigs at Galloway Forest Park’s Kirroughtree truly puts any cyclist’s skills to the test, with ridges and boulder causeways presenting rocky technical challenges for even the most experienced.
On the edge of the park sits Loch Ken, which provides a beautiful setting for exhilarating watersports including wind surfing and kayaking.
With fresh water flowing from the Rhinns of Kells, the loch is ideal for wild swimming on sunny days.
For those who prefer to stay dry, the 83-mile Rhinns of Galloway coastal pathway includes unexplored cliff-top scenery, tiny harbours and stunning beaches that are ideal for horse riding.
The pathway project received more than £660,000 from the National Lottery this year which will go towards repairwork and efforts to allow wider access.
The route links up with the existing 24-mile Mull of Galloway Trail which runs from Scotland’s most southerly point to Stranraer. Taking in Luce Bay and Ardwell, it is an impressively scenic walkway, but there are many hills across Galloway to excite the more adventurous walker or thrillseeker
Craignaw is a favourite among adrenaline junkies, offering some of southern Scotland’s best ice climbing with routes of almost a mile in length.
The Merrick, a 2765foot corbett, is the region’s most popular, and requires a moderate skill level to complete the rewarding ascent.
Scotland’s south-west is also home to several outdoor attractions that offer thrilling activities to suit everyone.
Laggan Outdoor Centre at Castle Douglas features one of Europe’s longest zip wires, spanning half a mile and affording unparalleled views of the coast, while Galloway Activity Centre at Loch Ken boasts a water park with a 164-foot slide.
Whatever your adventure, admiring the region’s inkyblack night sky after a day packed full of activities is simply a must.
As one of the darkest parts of Scotland at night, Galloway Forest Park is the UK’S first ‘dark sky’ attraction.
More than 7,000 stars and planets can be observed here and it has plenty of information points to help identify constellations.
With the Milky Way curving across the night sky, Scotland’s south-west is the ideal spot for a night’s camping under the stars and the chance to wonder at the marvel of it all.