Five reasons to go to...

Newton Stewart – Galloway

To stargaze

1 Stargazing in Galloway is almost unparalleled; 20 per cent of Galloway Forest Park is protected for the conservation of dark skies and, in this core area, there is no permanent lighting. It’s one of the UK’s four International Dark Sky Parks and its southernmost boundary sits just to the north of Newton Stewart. With light pollution at a minimum, this means incredible exposure to shooting stars, galaxy spotting and, if you’re very lucky, the aurora borealis.

Long walks on remote hills

This Forest Park is Britain’s largest, containing 780km2 of heather-clad hills, moorland, lochs and craggy rock faces. There’s plentiful walking to be had but three ridges should be mapped by anyone who loves a skyline. ‘The Awful Hand’ runs north from Loch Trool, linking five testing hills including Merrick, the highest in the area. To the east, The Rhinns of Kells follow a high, 17km-long line east of Loch Dee, sitting cosily between the Dungeon Hills – which aren’t as scary as their name might suggest.

For a night in the woods

If you like remote and thriving forest inns serving hearty food, then the House o’ Hill is the one. In fact, it’s the only one in the Galloway hills. Serving up home-made food including shellfish caught from local waters, it offers a homely feel to exhausted hillwalkers after a day of long-haul treks. And it’s located north of Newton Stewart, slap-bang in the Dark Sky Park. How’s an entire universe for evening entertainment before you hit the hay? Find it at www.houseohill.co.uk

To experience ancient history

4 Galloway has a long history and Newton Stewart is an excellent base from which to explore it. A quick glance at the map shows the hills to the north scattered with chambered cairns, standing stones and stone circles. Legend of Scottish history Robert the Bruce had many battles nearby. The one at Glen Trool is commemorated with a huge boulder – and also marks the start of many excellent walks.

For a walk with the wildlife

There are acres of ancient woodland just north of Newton Stewart, and there’s a high chance that you’ll bump into some of its inhabitants. Red squirrels are native and relatively unthreatened here, otters live on the banks of the River Cree and feral goats can be spotted roaming the hills. There’s birdwatching too – just journey to the Wood of Cree to spot their ‘special species’.

Tucked in the corner of south-west Scotland, people often drive right past Galloway. Here’s why you shouldn’t.