Set on the edge of the Galloway hills, and on the estuary of the River Dee, Kirkcudbright has much to offer in the way of access to a large number of outdoor activities.

Whether you wish to organise your own itinerary, or participate in planned activities, this page lists many of the outdoor pursuits available at or within a short distance of the town.

Caravans & Camping Brighouse Bay, Borgue Guests keep returning to Brighouse Bay because of its stunning coastal setting nestled amongst woodland and the generous space around the accommodation. The Park's award-winning Golf and Leisure Club offers an exciting range of on-site activities, making Brighouse Bay Holiday Park a perfect choice for camping and caravan holidays in the area  more>> Seaward Park, Borgue. The setting of this small exclusive park is idyllic and this, combined with the high quality holiday caravans for hire and pitches for touring and tenting, make it an ideal location for a relaxing holiday. more>>   Silvercraigs Caravan & Camping Site. Occupies and elevated position in Kirkcudbright with fabulous views over the town and estuary. Basic facilities on site, but all of the town's amenities are close by. more>>   Horse Riding   Horse riding in Galloway Forest Park. There is open access for horse riders to over 400 miles of forest roads within the local forest park. The Forestry Commission - with others - provide an access guide. Some of their information is reproduced here. more>> Lochhill Equestrian & Trekking Centre, Ringford.  Set in very attractive countryside. All levels of skill catered for. Lessons, hacking out, forest treks. more>> Longsheds Equestrian, Kelton, by Castle Douglas. All facilities that a visitor could look for. 6 miles from Kirkcudbright. more>> Riding Holidays Scotland, Luxury long distance horse riding holidays between Auchencairn and Kirkcudbright - enjoy idyllic coastal countryside, finest hospitality and fun horses during these exclusive riding holidays. more>> Marks Farm, Kirkcudbright. Set in the glorious Galloway countryside, surrounded by quiet lanes, hills and beaches, the Marks extends you a warm welcome in the farmhouse which dates back to the 16th century, and accommodation for your horse. more>>   Sailing In 2001  Kirkcudbright Marina was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award, for the quality of its facilities. Check out what's available. more>>   Gardens Cally Garden Centre & Nursery. Gatehouse of Fleet. Emphasis on herbaceous perennials. Open from Easter until the last Sunday in September, limited hours. website>>  Buckland Plants. Garden Centre at Whinnieliggate, 3 miles from Kirkcudbright. Small family run nursery displaying a wide range of unusual perennials, alpines and shrubs. Well worth a visit.  website>> Ellenbank Nursery & Garden. Tongland Road on the outskirts of Kirkcudbright. Classic cottage garden plants for sale. Especially worth a visit in mid-summer for the colours & the scents. Broughton House & Garden. High Street, Kirkcudbright. National Trust for Scotland. Former home of EA Hornel the artist. Garden open most of the year. Not a garden centre. more>> Threave Garden & Estate. Near Castle Douglas. Also owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Garden open all year, most famous for its spring daffodils and summer herbaceous borders.  Shop & plant centre, restaurant etc. Cairnsmore Nursery, Castle Douglas. On the outskirts of the town  on the Ayr road. Open March till October. Good quality range of shrubs, perennials & auriculas. Visit their website for more>> Throughout the spring and summer months several private gardens are opened to the public. Please call in at our local Tourist Information Centre in the Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright for more information. Or telephone them on 01557 330494.

Fishing   Barmagachan Trout Fishery, Borgue. New for 2004. Good access. Inexpensive part day tickets for catch and return. Visit the website for more info. Gatehouse & Kirkcudbright Angling Association. Offers day tickets to two of its fly fishing trout lochs set amid the Galloway Hills. more>>   Forestry Commission. manages much of Galloway uplands for the public. more>>   See also the Dee (Kbt) District Salmon Fishery Board website for more information on fishing in the River Dee catchment area.    Pleasure Cruises Kirkcudbright River Trips.  From Kirkcudbright Marina saltwater trips, both upstream and downstream. Sailing times vary due to tide times.  Times will be displayed at the Tourist Information Office, Kirkcudbright, and at the harbour. more>>   Wildlife Park Kirkcudbright Wildlife Conservation Park. Situated above the town, the park has over 25 acres of woodland and grass areas, overlooking the River Dee. There are over 200 animals to see with the opportunity to feed deer and goats and take part in daily guided tours. more>>   Cycling Dumfries and Galloway is fast becoming one of the most cycle friendly places in the UK. The National Cycle Route & National Cycle By-Way both have lots of miles across our area, and the 7Stanes forest cycling project has two centres within a few miles of the town. Cycling in and around Kirkcudbright. If you choose to make Kirkcudbright your base then the Skye House guide has some excellent suggested routes for you to explore. more>> Galloway Cycling Holidays. Based in nearby Castle Douglas, on the National Cycle Route, Galloway Tourist Route and close to the Solway Heritage Trail. Specialising in providing self-led and guided cycling holidays ranging from 1 day to 7+ days. more>>   Golf Kirkcudbright Golf Course.  "The Course with the View." Attractive 18 hole course offering excellent facilities and incredible views over the town, hills and estuary. more>>   Park of Tongland Family Golf Centre. Par 3 family fun course, floodlit driving range, practice bunker, golf shop, clubhouse and all-day bistro. Visitors particularly welcome. 3 miles north of the town on the main A711 road.   Brighouse Bay Golf Club and Driving Range. 18 hole course with exceptional facilities; open to all visitors. more>> Other golf courses within easy driving distance are Gatehouse of Fleet (9 holes), Castle Douglas (18 holes) Dalbeattie (9 holes) Colvend (18 holes) and Southerness (18 holes) Pick up a free leaflet and map in any local Tourist Information Centre. Also has info on Golf Passes.   Walking   A long distance path - the Southern Upland Way - passes through our county. There are several sections signed for short/day walking. Visit the website for more>>   Forestry Commission. A large proportion of our uplands are managed forestry. The Commission offer a varied range of access points and signed walks. more>>