The Blog

Adventures in the Galloway Forest Park

The Best Time to Visit South West Scotland (And Why It’s Year-Round)

September 10, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered, “When’s the best time to visit South West Scotland?” the truth is simple: every season offers something special. Here at Ross Bay Retreat, our cosy coastal cottages welcome guests all year, and each visit feels unique depending on when you come. From golden sunsets in summer to peaceful winter walks, Dumfries

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Ross Bay Farm - Ross Bay Retreat

Biodiversity at Ross Bay Retreat: Why Conservation Grazing Matters

September 8, 2025

At Ross Bay Retreat, we’re passionate about farming in harmony with nature. One of the most effective ways we can do this is through conservation grazing —a natural land management technique that helps protect and enhance biodiversity. But why is grazing so important? And how does it help the many species that live in and

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Ross Bay Retreat Holiday Cottages Sea View

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at Ross Bay Retreat in South West Scotland

July 29, 2025

If you’re searching for a peaceful coastal escape in one of Scotland’s most beautiful hidden corners, Ross Bay Retreat near Kirkcudbright could be just the place. Located on a quiet peninsula overlooking the Solway Firth, our holiday cottages offer everything from stunning sea views to doorstep walks and abundant wildlife. Here are ’10 reasons why

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Views across to Little Ross Island & Lighthouse

Guiding Lights: Exploring the Lighthouses of Dumfries and Galloway

April 30, 2025

Nestled in the southwest corner of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is a region of dramatic coastlines, rugged beauty, and seafaring history. Among its many charms, the lighthouses that dot the shore stand as stoic sentinels, having guided ships safely through treacherous waters for centuries. These coastal beacons are not only functional relics of maritime history

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Adventures in the Galloway Forest Park

Great Places to Visit When Staying Near Newton Stewart in Scotland

February 10, 2025

Newton Stewart is a small market and former burgh town on the banks of the River Cree, surrounded by the Galloway hills. Newton Stewart was named after its founder William Stewart, son of the Earl of Galloway. It thrived on its cotton mills and carpet industries. It is now more famous for its salmon and

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Ross Bay Retreat & Farm Aerial View

What our Guests are Saying about Visiting Ross Bay Retreat

January 31, 2025

In 2024 we had many lovely new guests arrive here at Ross Bay Retreat. We also welcomed back a number of our guests who come here time and time again. It is important for us to get feedback from our guests about their stay at Ross Bay. At the end of each year we look

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Merry Christmas - Pets welcome

It’s Looking a Lot Like Christmas at Ross Bay Retreat

December 22, 2024

Festive cheer at Ross Bay is building up. Twinkling Christmas trees are decorated with colourful baubles and the cosy log burners are being lit in the holiday cottages. The festive celebrations are ready to start as our first guests begin to arrive. Corks and bubbles are beginning to pop. Dinner tables will soon be dressed

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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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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 >