Activities on the Auchenbrack Estate
Exploring from your doorstep…
Discover Dumfries & Galloway from your cottage…
You don’t need to go very far to find something amazing to do or see here at Auchenbrack. If you’re a countryside lover at heart, this is the perfect place for you.
Our location gives visitors the best of both worlds. It’s peaceful, remote and situates in thousands of acres of unspoilt countryside, but close enough to the main roads to be a great base for exploring a bit further and seeing some of the beautiful things that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer visitors.
The area is rich in art and history, as well as being a very traditional, sporting retreat for visitors from all over the world. No matter if you’re into hiking, fishing, cycling, wild swimming or stargazing, Auchenbrack is the perfect base.
Hiking at Auchenbrack…
In Scotland, we have the freedom to roam. This means that you can step right out of the house and head out in any direction you like. Please bear in mind that Auchenbrack is a working farm, so please close any gates behind you and keep dogs on a lead around livestock.
There are some fascinating points of interest to discover on your hiking adventures. Why not see if you can find local sculptor Andy Goldsworthy’s famous Striding Arches or make your way up to the top of the ridge for spectacular 360 degree views of the Shinnel Glen and Nith Valley. For a longer walk, Drumlanrig Castle and Tynron Doon are both close by. Pack yourself some lunch, a hot flask and an O.S map and you’re good to go.
Gravel, trails and country lanes. A haven for cyclists…
Dumfries and Galloway is often cited as one of he go-to locations in the UK for cyclists of all disciplines. From your base at Auchenbrack, you’ll have great access to hundreds of miles of gravel roads and forest trails, perfect for the keen off-roader and bike-packers.
If road bikes are your thing, we’re a short ride away from some of the area’s best National Cycle Routes. Offering quiet, country roads and some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. There is secure bike storage at all properties and open fires and woodburners to dry off that soggy kit at the end of the day. If you’d like to know more about cycling in the area, why not check out some routes here.
Wild Swimming, Paddleboards & Kayaks
Scotland’s access rights mean that you can pretty much launch your board wherever you like. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by wild waterways, lochs and reservoirs. This area is an absolute haven for the wild swimmers and water lovers amongst us.
There are some amazing little spots in the Shinnel Water and neighbouring Scaur Glen for a wild swim, or a ‘dook’ as it’s called around here. If you’re looking to swim a little further, Lock Ettrick, Loch Invar and Loch Ken are all a short drive away. You’re free to swim, paddle, canoe and kayak at all of these locations. Please make sure you’ve got the right gear, PFD and warm, dry clothes to change into. If you’re looking for some real insta-worthy waterfall locations, please get in touch with a member of our team and we’ll share our secrets…
Fly fishing…
Auchenbrack Estate is situated in the Shinnel Glen which has the beautiful Shinnel Water running through it. Fishing is available on the Water or at the man-made loch near Kilnmark Farm. Please ask a member of our team for more details if you’d like to fish during your stay. Shinnel water is renowned for Trout fishing and attracts visitors and keen fishermen from all over the world.
Stargazing & Astrophotography…
Our area of South West Scotland is home to one of the world’s very first designated Dark Sky Parks. Experience the night sky like never before at Auchenbrack. Our enviable position means that with sparse population and almost no light pollution, the Estate is one of the best places in the area to experience the wonder of dark skies from your back garden.
Perfect for the keen stargazer, comet-spotter, astrophotographer and even the occasional aurora hunter, the night sky here has to be seen to be truly appreciated. As a designated Dark Sky Park, we have a whole host of amazing experiences and things to do in the area for the keen stargazers. Some of them will even come to you! Experience some of the darkest skies in the world and see the stars in all their glory.
