Port William

[Mick McLoughlin]

We are coming North of the border next weekend. Will be staying in Port William on the West Coast. Can anybody suggest a couple of places that may be worth a visit nearby. Don't want to do much travelling whilst there as it is an unwind holiday.
Cheers Mick

[David Shaw]

Mick, can I guess that you are coming to Fort William rather than Port W.
Firstly bring plenty of waterproofs - Fort William is the wettest place in the UK. Are you a hill walker; Ben Nevis is just behind Fort William but only attempt this if you feel that you are competent and properly equipped, please. For a lower level walk you could drive up Glen Nevis and walk on past Nevis Gorge etc.
You can drive up the Great Glen towards Inverness and enjoy some great scenery or westwards towards Mallaig on the coast. There is a gondola ride up Aonach Mor just to the north of Fort William.
I hope that you get decent weather and enjoy your break.

[Mick McLoughlin]

No David it is definately Port William near the Isle of Whithorn.

[David Shaw]

OK Mick, my appologies. I had never heard of Port William before. Teach me to keep my mouth shut!
I don't know anything about this place and it is completely unrelated to Fort William.

[Mick McLoughlin]

No apology needed David. Fort William is indeed a very scenic place, in fact Mandy's first trip to Scotland was to this area about 6 years ago. I'm sure your information will come in handy for any future trip, as she wants to make areturn trip sometime. A check on Port William here http://www.portwilliam.com/.

[Maggi Young]

Mick, my apologies, I am too much of an east coaster to know this area... had to google to find out where it was!  But seeing this website http://www.portwilliam.com/thingstodo.htm makes me think it is a great choice for a relaxing break.
I have contacted an SRGC chum in the area to ask if he has any suggestions.
M

[Mick McLoughlin]

Thanks for that Maggi. If this windy weather continues we may have to weigh Jasper (Yorkshire terrier) down with part of the rockery.

[Maggi Young]

I suggest you equip Jasper with a spikey jacket, too.... not sure if there are sea eagles in the area......

[TC]

Mick, It depends on how much driving you wish to do and what you wish to do.
Monreith bay is a pleasant beach and is only a few miles up the road.  You will pass the monument to Gavin Maxwell of otter fame.
Whithorn has archaeological digs. Wigtown has many second hand book shops and a bird hide where you can watch wild geese.
Cream of Galloway ice cream has a visitor centre and restaurant where you can gorge on ice cream - highly recommended !
Kirkcudbright is worth a visit for its art galleries and Hornell's house and garden -National Trust for Scotland.  Elizabeth MacGregor's garden centre is on your left as you come into town
 The coast road to Dumfries via Kipford and Rockcliff is picturesque and leads on to Mersehead RSPB reserve (free) and the W&WT at Caerlaverock where about 25,000 Barnacle Geese have just arrived.
There is also a whisky distillery at Bladnoch with a visitor centre and is thirty minutes easy drive from Port William.
Castle Douglas is a pleasant little market town with good quality shops and tea rooms.  I would recommend the craft shop Designs at the west end of the High Street for food.  Threave gardens is about 1 mile out of town towards Stranraer .
Creetown, towards Stranraer is an "arty crafty centre".  Stranraer is a busy ferry port.  From here, you can visit Logan Gardens and the Mull of Galloway- large tea room here.  Portpatrick is also a popular centre for visitors. You will find plenty to do and see.

[Mick McLoughlin]

Thanks for that Tom. Plenty to go at there. I will look up references later.
Regards
Mick