Dumfries and Galloway
IN AND AROUND THE SOUTH WEST BORDERS
Typical Dumfries and Galloway countryside
Dumfries and Galloway is a beautiful area with its indicative single storey white washed cottages and hills and valleys criss-crossed by immaculate stonewalls and an undulating patchwork of fields filled with multi-coloured cattle. These include the unusual local 'Belted Galloway' cattle which are all black except for a broad white band around their middles. Amongst the wide variety of visitor attractions to see there are also lots of interesting towns, a beautiful coastline and a wealth of all ability trails to explore.
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page and for a selection of accessible attractions in the county please read on.
Dumfries
Dumfries
Dumfries is the county town set on the banks of the River Nith near the Solway Firth. It was formerly known as the Queen of the South and the local football team still bears the name.
There are 4 car parking spaces adjacent to the shopmobility scheme which is situated in the basement car park of the Loreburne Shopping Centre in the town (Telephone :- 01387 252200). Also nearby is a good sized, left hand transfer, designated toilet (radar key operated with a key available in shopmobility for those who do not have their own).
The statue of Robert Burns in Dumfries
There is also a good sized designated toilet (right hand transfer) in the visitor information centre which is situated at number 64 Whitesands, alongside the river in the centre of the town (telephone 01387 253862 ).
Dumfries Museum
Dumfries Museum
Dumfries Museum is centred around the eighteenth century windmill which stands above the town and it houses a wide range of exhibits about the local area. Entrance to the Museum is free for all visitors.
One of the galleries
Access around the museum is generally good but please note that the camera obscura is reached by a spiral staircase so is not accessible for those with limited mobility.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
DG One Leisure Complex
DG1 Leisure Complex in Dumfries
DG One includes 3 pools, sports hall/s (which can be converted to a theatre), a dance studio and a fitness centre.
The accessible viewing gallery
There are excellent spacious changing rooms with showers for people with limited mobility in both the wet and dry areas of the complex that include tracked ceiling hoists, changing beds and right and left lateral transfer to the toilet.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Dalscone Farm
The bumper boats at Dalscone
Dalscone Farm is situated just off the main A701 in Dumfries. It has a wide variety of indoor and outdoor play equipment with good access throughout the majority of the site as it is geared to family entertainment.
The hand operated digger
Wheelchair user parents would be able to supervise children in most areas. For children with limited mobility, access to the play equipment is going to be limited to individual children's physical ability but there is some equipment that is hand operated such as the digger pictured above. There is also a selection of animals to see and handle.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
RSPB Mersehead
The Visitor Centre at Mersehead Reserve
RSPB Mereshead is set amongst beautiful scenery 16 miles south of Dumfries and the visitor centre which is staffed most of the time is in a converted cottage. As well as summer waders and skylark, visitors to the centre during the spring and summer may see dragonflies and butterflies and in the autumn and winter there are flocks of geese and other waterfowl.
A view from the hide
The wetlands trail is wheelchair accessible and there are two accessible hides en-route and our researchers went to the first hide which was easily accessed with low level viewing windows.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle is unique among British castles because of its unusual triangular shape. For 400 years it guarded the edge of the kingdom of Scotland from the English who dwelt just across the Solway Firth. On site is a small exhibition with a video detailing the castle's history and the two most notable of its many seiges.
A replica of the siege engine used to storm the castle
Access to the castle for wheelchair users is good but assistance will be needed to negotiate a steep ramp down into the interior of the castle.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre
One of the two tower hides at Caerlaverock WWT centre
A short distance away is Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre which is set on a working farm on the coast of the Solway Firth.
The pathway to the Peter Scott Observatory
Please note that as the centre is on a working farm access throughout the site is via paths that may be muddy and uneven in places. The Peter Scott Observatory is within wheeling distance of the car park however as the other hides are quite a long way to wheel, blue badge holders are able to ask permission to drive down to each of them where there is turning space and room to park.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
The Mabie Forest
The boardwalk by the pond at Mabie Forest
The all ability trail at Mabie Forest has designated parking at the bottom of a steep lane which is signposted from the entrance to the site. The trail is waymarked from the parking area and incorporates several steep inclines so manual wheelchairs users unless they have extremely good upper body strength will need the assistance of a fit pusher to complete the circuit.
The entrance to the trail from the parking area
Along the route there are various sculptures, a pond with a boardwalk and a 'garden in the forest'.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Sulwath Micro-Brewery
The bar at Sulwath Micro Brewery
Situated in the town of Castle Douglas, Sulwath Micro Brewery offers visitors a chance to meet the brewer and sample the ale. Whilst the brewery is open from 10am - 5pm each day please note the brewers talks are only held in the afternoon. There is no designated parking on site and the designated toilet has very limited proportions.
Threave House and Gardens
Threave House from the gardens
Threave House is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is situated 1 mile West of Castle Douglas and as well as the house and gardens there is a restaurant, gift shop and plant nursery on site.
N.B The house tour lasts approximately 90 mins and it is very popular especially in wet weather so pre-booking is advisable to avoid disappointment. There is lift access to most of the house but not to the top floor.
A view of the gardens
The 64 acre gardens have been created over a number of year's by The National Trust for Scotland's School of Practical Gardening. The paths throughout the gardens are good however there are several long inclines and manual wheelchair users might find it advisable to book the mobility scooter in order to be able to see them more fully.
N.B. The Trust produces it's own excellent Access Guide for Visitor's with Disabilities. (Telephone 0844 493 2100 or e-mail information@nts.org.uk )
For more detailed accessibility information from our visit and a link to their website please click here
Threave Castle
A view of Threave Castle from the all ability trail
Just down the road from Threave House, signposted off the A75 and on a minor road but still on the Threave Estate there is an excellent all ability trail. There is parking by the entrance to the trail and an outstandingly accessible and spacious designated toilet which has both left and right hand transfer to the toilet.
Part of the all ability trail on the Threave Estate
The trail is three quarters of a mile long and passes through farmland down to the River Dee where it gives magnificent views across the river to Threave Castle. The trail then carries on to the ferry where ambulant visitors can then ring for the ferryman to bring the boat to take them across to the castle. (N.B. there are steps down to the boat and on reaching the island, access is across uneven grassy ground).
However for those who cannot manage this, by retracing the route a few yards to a fork in the trail and turning right there is a further accessible section down to a bird hide. There is also an accessible picnic table where the trail divides.
Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park
Snake handling at Galloway Wildlife Park
The family run park is set in 27 acres of mixed woodland, a short distance from Kirkcudbright. The park is home to a unique collection of endangered animals many of which are not found in larger zoos.
The viewing windows in the animal enclosures
It has wheelchair access to a reasonable proportion of the site at the present time but as access is limited to the whole site no fee is charged for wheelchair users. Please note that the park is set in a valley and manual wheelchair users will need the assistance of a fit pusher to see as much of the site as possible.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Kirkcudbright
By the harbour on the estuary of the River Dee at Kirkcudbright
Kirkcudbright is a picturesque fishing town also known as the 'artists' town as it had a thriving artistic community in the 1920's. Although many of the buildings are period, a reasonable proportion of the shops have wheelchair access. The Tolbooth Art Centre is wheelchair accessible and provides introduction to the story of the town's artists' colony.
Cream O' Galloway
The entrance to Cream o' Galloway
Cream O' Galloway is a visitor centre set on a working organic dairy farm. Amongst the activities is an ice cream experience tour, a tour of the farm, an indoor play area for younger children and an adventure playground for older children. N.B. Access to the equipment for children with reduced mobility will be limited.
The all ability trail
There is also an excellent nature trail which includes 2 wheelchair accessible routes (waymarked purple and green) with an accessible bird hide with views over Megan's Lochen.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
The Mill on the Fleet
The Mill on the Fleet Visitor Centre
The Mill on the Fleet was built in 1788 as a cotton spinning mill and is now restored as a visitor centre. As well as visitor information, a cafe and small gift shop, it also houses a detailed exhibition about the local area and a gallery/book shop.
The bridge over the River Fleet by the Mill
Particularly interesting are the automaton art exhibits such as the 'The Daisy Effect' by David Ralston and the ball clock in the cafe.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Glenluce Abbey
Glenluce Abbey
Glenluce was a Cistercian Abbey founded in about 1192 on the banks of the River Luce, 2 miles from the sea. Access to the abbey ruins is limited and over mown grass with matting underneath and manual wheelchair users will need an able pusher to negotiate the parts of the site that are accessible (particularly when wet). Please note the beautifully preserved Chapterhouse one of the most important features of the site is not wheelchair accessible. Because of this there is no charge for wheelchair users.
The exhibits in the visitor centre
The visitor centre is fully accessible and as well as displaying artifacts gives detailed descriptions of the history of the site. N.B. There is no designated toilet at Glenluce.
Portpatrick
Portpatrick
The historic harbour village of Portpatrick near Stranraer is well worth a visit. There are several places to eat with outside tables offering views of the harbour. There is designated parking on the harbour front and an accessible toilet nearby. We shortened our visit to the village in order to try out nearby Dunskey Gardens. However whilst the tearoom at the gardens was fully accessible with a designated toilet and parking, both of our manual wheelchair user researchers could not access the gardens (despite having able assistants) because of the steeply sloping, deeply gravelled path at the entrance.
The clogmakers shop at Balmaclellan
If you are in the area the small clog and shoe workshop at Balmaclellan near Newton Stewart is accessible and if you are there at the right time it is possible to see the clogmaker at work. Traditional clogmaking was an important industry in this part of South Scotland in the 1800's.
Drumlanrig Castle
Drumlanrig Castle
Drumlanrig was completed in 1691 and is the ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, KBE. As well as the Castle and the gardens, visitors can explore the country park (with a newly refurbished visitor centre) at the heart of the estate. Landrover tours of the estate can be arranged (for those who can transfer).
A view of Drumlanrig Castle from the gardens
Our researchers visited the Castle, the Cycle Museum and the Stableyard shopping area, which are all accessible for wheelchair users with access to the upper floor in the castle via a lift. However please note the gardens are reached down a steep slope and have gravelled paths so to explore these, manual wheelchair users would need the assistance of a very able pusher.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Ellisland Farm
Ellisland Farmhouse
Ellisland Farm, which is set on the banks of the River Nith was the home of Robert Burns for 3 years from 1788 until 1791 when he moved to Dumfries to further his career in the Excise.
A model of Robert Burns sitting at the desk where he wrote many of his poems
Although there are cobbled surfaces and ramps to negotiate which will require able assistance, a visit to the farm includes an extremely interesting video detailing Robert Burns's life at Ellisland and a very informative talk given by the curator and in our opinion this is worth a visit.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Moffat
Station Park in Moffat
The town of Moffat has a wide variety of shops however please note apart from the Woollen Mill many of them do not have access for wheelchair users. The Station Park situated just down the road from the Woollen Mill has an accessible path down to the lake and a radar key operated, designated toilet.
Moffat Woollen Mill
Moffat Woollen Mill
Moffat Woollen Mill has good access throughout the site and offers visitors a wide shopping experience which includes The Clan Tartan Centre, Highland Dress, cashmere and a large range of ladies, men's and children's fashions plus a good selection of Scottish gifts and souvenirs. There is also an excellent Whisky Shop which has an extensive collection of malts.
Weaving looms at the Mill
There is a weaver on site giving a demonstration of the looms on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week and a video presentation on the days in between.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
The Grey Mare's Tail Reserve
The waterfall at the Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
The Grey Mare's Tail Reserve is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is situated 10 miles North East of Moffat on the A708. The terrain of the reserve is challenging but visitors with limited mobility can access a short path from the visitor centre (open summer months only) to a viewing point for the waterfall. The tail burn plunges 200 feet (61m) into a gorge to form the 5th highest cascade in Britain. There is a remote camera link to the waterfall and a peregrines nest but there are no toilet facilities at the centre.
N.B. The Trust produces an excellent Access Guide for Visitor's with Disabilities for all its' properties. (Telephone 0844 493 2100 or e-mail information@nts.org.uk)
Lochmaben
The accessible trail at Lochmaben
Lochmaben has an accessible trail alongside the Loch and the B7020. It is also possible to drive down a lane signposted off the above road to a small parking area by the castle ruins with views over the loch.
The accessible fishing pier
There is an accessible fishing pier accessed from a parking area off of the A709 (on the first bend as you are leaving the town).
The Old Blacksmith's Shop Gretna Green
A piper waiting to escort a wedding party to the Old Blacksmith's Shop
The Old Blacksmith's Shop Visitor Centre at Gretna Green is built around the ancient blacksmiths shop which is still a fully functioning marriage venue and now also contains a museum. It is one of Scotland’s earliest visitor attractions as it was first opened to visitors in 1886.
Access throughout the site is good but please note manual wheelchair users will need some assistance to negotiate the ramp and door at the exit of the museum.
The Foodhall in the visitor complex at Gretna Green
There are a variety of shops selling gifts, traditional tartan dress, souveniers and an excellent foodhall. Also on site is a choice of restaurants.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
For accessible places to stay in Dumfries and Galloway please read on.
Places To Stay
The following accommodation has been assessed by one or more of our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most wheelchair users needs we strongly advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements. For accommodation inspection gradings e.g. Diamond ratings, follow the links to each providers own website.
Aston Hotel
The Aston Hotel in Dumfries
The hotel is set in the 100 acre Crichton estate and is adjacent to the University and the Eastbrook Conference Centre. It has one excellent ground floor accessible room with an en-suite wetroom and two further accessible rooms with showers over the baths (1st and 2nd floors).
The accessible bedroom at the Aston
There is good access to the public rooms and an accessible toilet (right hand transfer) adjacent to the restaurant and reception.
A free wifi service is available for all guests and oxygen cylinders can be delivered if required.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Acorn
The exterior of Acorn
Acorn is part of a detached bungalow in the village of Clarencefield near Dumfries. It is a one bedroomed high specification property with a especially adapted kitchen that would be suitable for both independent and accompanied wheelchair users.
The very spacious bedroom in Acorn
This property is particularly flexible in that there is an internal door to the adjoining 3 bedroomed property (1 twin and 2 double/twin) which has its own full kitchen, spacious bath/shower room and separate garden. N.B. Internal access between the properties may be limited for larger wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Nunland
The exterior of Solway
There are 10 lodges/cottages set in spacious parkland at the heart of Nunland near Dumfries and two have wheelchair access (Solway and Kindar) with wheel-in showers. Both lodges are pet friendly and dogs are welcome by prior arrangement.
The double bedroom with sliding door to the en-suite
Our 4 researchers (including 2 wheelchair users) had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay in Solway which they found very wheelchair friendly and extremely quiet and peaceful.
There is good wheelchair access to the living area with a high seated fireside chair and underneath clearance to the sink.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Fludha Guesthouse
Fludha Guesthouse
Fludha Guesthouse is situated in an elevated position on the outskirts of Kirkcudbright with lovely views over the River Dee looking towards the town.
The view from Fludha across to the estuary
It has an excellent ground floor twin room with en-suite wetroom and the dining area is conveniently situated just across the hallway.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Culmore Bridge
Culmore Bridge
There are four accessible bungalows at Culmore Bridge set in within a 9 acre woodland area. A great deal of thought has gone into making Culmore as accessible as possible and guests will be assured of a warm welcome. Each property is of high specification with varying accessibility and alternate transfer so please check with the owners as to which one would most suit your needs.
The new pond trail
Guests are able to enjoy a wheelchair friendly path around the pond and an accessible board walk area for viewing pond life. There is a four wheeled buggy available to guests with an accessible route from the pond down to the village of Sandhead where there is a coastal viewing point, accessible tearooms, a hotel with restaurant and an internet cafe.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
The Northwest Castle Hotel
One of the accessible rooms at the North West Castle Hotel
The North West Castle Hotel is an 82 bedroomed hotel which has 2 accessible bedrooms with en-suite wetrooms. It is conveniently situated near the Stena Line Ferry Terminal in Stranraer.
Another view of the accessible room
The hotel has good access to the public rooms including the restaurant, lounge and its own gift shop. Uniquely it also has its own indoor curling rink.
There is also level access to the leisure suite and pool (N.B. no hoist or accessible changing room).
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
The Crown Hotel
The accommodation at the Crown Hotel Lochmaben
The Crown Hotel in Lochmaben has one accessible twin room with en-suite wheel-in shower situated in an annexe at the rear of the property. There is a pleasant outside eating area with views over the loch that is set in the garden adjacent to the room.
The accessible twin room at the Crown
Access to the hotel dining room and bar is via an exterior ramp that manual wheelchair users will require some assistance to negotiate. As well as breakfast, the hotel serves meals between 12 midday and 1.45 and 5pm and 7.45pm in the evening.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Smith's Hotel
Smith's Hotel at Gretna Green
Smiths Hotel is conveniently set just off the A74 at Gretna Green near to the main arterial routes. As well as being great for a base to explore the South Western Scottish borders, the hotel would make an ideal stopover on a journey to the Highlands. It has an accessible twin/double room with an en-suite wetroom situated on the first floor.
The reception area at Smith's
The hotel specialises in providing accommodation and facilities for wedding parties attending ceremonies at the 'Blacksmiths Shop' and has a beauty salon on site.
There is a selection of small stylish gardens in the hotel grounds for guests use which are also ideal for photo shoots.
In addition to the accessible room our researchers visited, the hotel has two other accessible rooms with showers over the baths and a suite that is not adapted but might be suitable for ambulant wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Other properties
We also have information about the following accommodations that are in Dumfries and Galloway although we were unable to visit them during our research.
Lochhouse Farm Retreat B&B
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Lochhouse Farm Self Catering Cottages ( for more accessibility info) at Beattock near Moffat.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Rusko Holidays self catering cottage at Gatehouse of Fleet
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
Ae Farm Cottages situated on Gubhill Farm at Ae which is north of Dumfries.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here
The Station Masters House located at the former railway station in Sanquhar north west of Dumfries on the A76
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their website please click here