The Blog

Biking in Glentress Forest

Guide to Cycling Trails Around Kirkcudbright & Galloway Forest Park

October 24, 2024

Exploring the Dumfries & Galloway countryside by bike is an absolute delight. This beautiful corner of South West Scotland near Kirkcudbright offers cyclists of all abilities a number of cycling routes. These include quiet lanes and roads to a huge variety of off-road forest trails. Bring your own bike or hire one for the day

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Biodiversity & Wildlife at Ross Bay

The Benefits of Biodiversity & Nature at Ross Bay Retreat

August 31, 2024

Our holiday cottages at Ross Bay are so lucky to be located in a beautiful part of South Scotland. We are located by the sea with great views, surrounded by wonderful, natural and bio-diverse countryside. There is no better way to slow down, relax and take the opportunity to escape daily routines and stresses, and

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Common Rock-Rose

Biodiversity Survey at Ross Farm – Common Rock Rose & Northern Brown Argus Butterfly

July 31, 2024

We were recently visited at Ross Bay by a surveying officer for ‘Species on the Edge Project Officer’ from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Their reason for visiting to was to assess our farmland and immediate local area for the Common Rock-Rose which is the most important food plant for the Northern Brown Argus butterfly,

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Red-Bass-locally-caught - Ship Inn Gatehouse

Popular Pubs & Restaurants near Kirkcudbright & When Out & About

June 27, 2024

There are a number of wonderful pubs and restaurants in and around the Kirkcudbright area and further afield. Here are a selection of Ross Bay Retreat’s recommendations and favourite destinations to eat and drink that our guests have mentioned. A number of these restaurants are a short drive away in Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse of Fleet.

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Drumlanrig Castle & Art Collection

Exploring Arts & Culture in Dumfries & Galloway

May 8, 2024

The whole region of South West Scotland offers a wonderful variety of arts and culture for all to enjoy. It has been home to many creative talents including the poet Robert Burns, author JM Barrie, cultural theorist Charles Jencks, superb artists and so many more. It is also rich in heritage with many historical sites

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Adventures in the Galloway Forest Park

Good Fun Outdoor Adventures in Dumfries & Galloway

April 30, 2024

Scotland starts here, and so do the outdoor adventures in this superb landscape. Adventures in the great outdoors of Dumfries and Galloway is a way of life. In wonderful countryside, natural forests, ancient woodlands, abundant lochs, many rivers and spectacular hills it is a superb adventure playground for all. It is great for cycling, kayaking,

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Dog Walks on Ross Bay Peninsular

5* Dog Friendly Holidays in South West Scotland

February 20, 2024

We are on our way back to Ross Bay Retreat for our holidays. Our owners have been talking about it for a while and they have been very excited about returning. We went last year too, it was such fun and we love it there. The talk in the car is all about what cake

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GSAB UNESCO Trail cliff walkers at Borgue

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere & Ross Bay Retreat

December 21, 2023

Ross Bay Retreat sits within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, a region that is internationally recognised as a world class environment for people and nature.  One of a global network of more than 700 UNESCO Biospheres, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire was the first to be designated in Scotland and celebrated its 10th anniversary

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Sunset at Ross Bay

What do Guests Love Most About Visiting Ross Bay Retreat?

October 25, 2023

So many of our guests have been to Ross Bay return year after year, some guests over 12-15 times. It is lovely  to welcome new guests so they too can enjoy the full Ross Bay holiday experience and hopefully return like the migrating birds every year. We know why we love it here but what

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Loch Ken - Galloway Forest Park

Guide to the Wild Side of Southern Dumfries & Galloway

September 28, 2023

Dumfries and Galloway has often been regarded as the ‘most overlooked part of Scotland’ as many head further north to the Highlands and Islands. However visitors can enjoy some of the best kept secrets and charms that it boasts. Ideal for those who fancy something on the wild side different. And without the crowds. Galloway

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We also have a...

We also have a Country Escape
in Yorkshire

Overdale Cottage is a cosy pet friendly cottage in the charming village of Harome, 3 miles from the Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Visit the Helmsley Hideaway website >

Coast and Country Escape in one,
South West Scotland

Destination Balcary is a self catering holiday house in Dumfries and Galloway, with breathtaking scenery when you wish to stay in a place like no other...

Visit the Destination Balcary website >