The Area - Local Information

New Galloway
The name - The New Town of Galloway was first recorded in 1682. The quiet unspoilt and picturesque town of New Galloway lies on the west side of the valley at the north end of Loch Ken. The actual town of New Galloway is largely built around a single north-south High Street that climbs up through the village with the Smithy tea room situated at the start of the high street, beside a pretty waterfall burn.

Royal Burgh
Historically, this small Royal Burgh, had its charter granted to Sir John Gordon by King Charles I in 1629 and was probably given to the Gordon family due to the fact that they were large landowners in Galloway at the time. But settlement in this area dates back even further to when Kenmure Castle, (which is now a ruin), situated on the edge of the village, was fought over by John Balliol and the Lords of Galloway in the late 1200s. Another historic feature is the Town Hall situated on the high street in the centre of the village, with an attractive tower, dating back to 1875.

Glenkens
The Glenkens area offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits from bird watching in the marshes to the famous Red Kites, which are fed daily at Laurieston. Sailing on the loch at the various sailing centres, with fishing either on the Loch or in the many rivers in the area. New Galloway also boasts one of the finest and best kept 9 hole golf courses in southern Scotland with spectacular views over Loch Ken and the surrounding countryside.

Galloway Forest Park
The Galloway Forest offers something for everyone and at all ages, from off-roading through the many picturesque forest roads, to Red Deer and wild Goat parks as well as many off-road tracks for cycles and walkers, with lots of wildlife just waiting to be met.