Wildlife is abundant in Galloway. As well as the frequent visitors to the cottage garden such as the greater-spotted woodpecker and nuthatch, bird-watchers would delight in the local RSPB Nature Reserves. The Galloway Kite Trail offers a guaranteed view of these amazing birds and Galloway’s breeding Ospreys can be observed from a live video link in Wigtown.

Red squirrels are daily visitors to Stable Cottage garden and often around the estate the shy roe and sometimes red deer can be spied. Galloway is also home to the wild goats and visitors can see them on the hill behind us and at close quarters in the Galloway Goat Park.

The Sustrans National Cycle Network runs alongside the entrance to the Cairnsmore Estate and for those enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge, the 47 mile Newton Stewart Circular route offers a rewarding ride in beautiful surroundings. For mountain bikers, the world renowned 7stanes routes at Kirroughtree are only two miles away from Stable Cottage, a short trip along the glen.
Galloway offers an abundance of Gardens, which benefit from the warm Gulf stream and located nearby to the many interesting coastal villages, such as Portpatrick, Port Logan and Garlieston.
There are also many historic houses, castles and country parks in the area. One of the most visited castles in the country is Culzean Castle over the border in Ayrshire, and well worth a day’s excursion. Other visitor attractions include museums, craft workshops and galleries. Festivals and other regular calendar events are held annually throughout the Galloway region.

Visitors keen on other outdoor activities will not be disappointed by the variety on offer, including the unspoilt beaches (especially the nearby Mossyard and Cardoness), fishing, horse-riding, canoeing, kayacking, water-skiing, clay-pigeon shooting and a choice of golfing venues.