Things to Do

Local Amenities

Although set in a very beautiful rural location with unspoilt countryside views, local amenities are not too far away.  The town of Darvel is just 2.5 miles away and provides local shops, takeaways, pubs and a café and is bursting with local history and walks through Morton Park and Lanfine Estate.  There is a large Tesco supermarket 4.5 miles away in Galston which also has a post office, police station, and a small selection of shops.

The larger town of Strathaven is 9 miles to the east and has numerous restaurants, lovely gift shops, and both Aldi and Sainburys supermarkets.

Darvel and the surrounding areas offer a tremendous network of paths for walking and rambling, as well as Whitelee Forest and Windfarm which is right on your door step,  the local landmark of Loudoun Hill is well worth a visit.  (6 miles away)

Previous guests have enjoyed visits to Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex (4 miles down the road) Dumfries House - a fabulous free day out for families (just a 35 minute drive) or a trip across the water to the islands of Bute, Cumbrae and Arran.

The Surrounding Area and Beyond

Ayrshire

The seaside towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are all close by with beautiful sandy beaches and stunning views towards the Isle of Arran. Day trips can be taken to Arran and Cumbrae and are well worth the visit.

The Ayrshire Coastal Path is a 100 mile coastal walk with one of the finest panoramic coastlines in the British Isles. Crowned with the superb backdrop of the ever changing profile of the mountains of Arran across the Firth of Clyde, this coastline is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otter and seals and is a haven for bird watchers.

Inland there are gardens and castles to visit, riding, racing and a choice of golf courses, with the world famous Turnberry close to hand.  Culzean Castle (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) is spectacular and is Ayrshire’s most popular tourist attraction.

Ayrshire, also known as “Burns Country” is steeped in tradition and history.  Visit Burns Cottage, The Burns Memorial Museum, and the Brig o’ Doon, the bridge from the famous poem Tam o’ Shanter.

Glasgow Edinburgh and Further Afield

Glasgow City Centre with its world famous shops, restaurants, theatres, culture and nightlife is a 40 minute drive from the accommodation.  Voted one of the friendliest cities in the world, Glasgow is the largest retail centre in the UK outside of London’s West End.  It is brimming with exceptional museums and galleries, many of which are free to visit.

Edinburgh (48 miles) can be reached within an hour and a half. The Capital of Scotland makes an unforgettable impression with its historic hilly landscape atop a series of extinct volcanoes.  Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the highest courts in Scotland.  The city has long been a centre of education, and is famous for its festivals which run between July and September each year.  It is the second largest financial centre in the UK and the city’s historical and cultural attractions have made it the UK’s second most visited tourist destination.

Guests have also enjoyed day trips to Loch Lomond (which is only an hour away), for its iconic scenery, water-sports, Sea Life Centre, shops and visitor centre within the National Park of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

There are information guides with the accommodation on local attractions and we can offer advice on what to do and where to go depending on your individual needs.

Our Green Credentials and Sustainability

We take environmental issues seriously and continue to do what we can to reduce our carbon foot print

Here are some of the steps we have taken

• Ground Source Heat Pump provides underfloor heating and hot water

• Chemical free private water supply

• Solar panels provide some of our electricity

• Recycling facilities are provided for guests for cans, bottles, plastics, paper and card

• Reduction in the use of “Single Use Plastics” for our soaps and toiletries

• Bicycles are provided for the use of guests and horses are of course a very sustainable form of transport