To the east of Gatehouse and within a thirty minute drive lie the towns of Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas. 
Kirkcudbright as well as being known as the 'Artists Town' is an active fishing port and marina.
Castle Douglas has been designated a 'Food Town' and attracts many visitors with its variety of shops, cafes, restuarants and hotels.
Wigtown, which has now become a centre for the book trade and Whithorn where St Ninian founded the first Christian Church in Scotland can be reached by driving West along one of the most beautiful coast roads in Southern Scotland

Whether you enjoy a relaxing or active time, Gatehouse of Fleet has much to offer - we are sure you will not be disappointed!

SHOPPING

The local SPAR store has an extensive and comprehensive range of products and is open early in the morning until late at night. Larger supermarkets are in Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas. Organic produce and delicious ice creams can be bought at Cream o’ Galloway (approx 3 miles from Gatehouse) 

A wide range of gifts, together with paintings by local artists,may be purchased in the craft/gift shops in the village.

 
PLACES TO EAT

The central location of the flat means you have the choice of a number of eating places without having to drive.

 ·        The Masonic Arms

·        The Bank of Fleet Hotel (offers a takeaway service)

·        The Murray Arms Hotel

·        The Ship Inn

·        The Galloway Craft (Kiltmaking) Centre

·        The Mill of Fleet Visitor Centre

Other hotels/restaurants can be located in the nearby towns of Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright.

FISHING

Game Fishing:

There are a number of game fishing rivers within easy reach of Gatehouse – the Urr, the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee and the Fleet. To the west is the river Cree which joins the Solway Firth just below the town of Newton Stewart.

Coarse Fishing: 

There are carp and tench to be found at Craighlaw Fisheries near Newton Stewart and Loch Ken has a stock of pike and roach.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Details of other places to fish can be obtained from the local tourist information centre

 
BIRDWATCHING

Kirkcudbrightshire has a variety of different landscapes in which a wide range of bird species can be seen.

Great spotted woodpecker, buzzard, jay and woodcock have been spotted in the Cally Woods, just behind the flat. Red kites were released in Galloway in 2001 and can be seen on the Galloway Kite Trail around Loch Ken. Ospreys have successfully returned to breed in Galloway and between May and September- live video pictures can be seen in Wigtown County Buildings.

WALKING

Whether you enjoy a gentle stroll or the challenge of hillwalking this area has walks to suit all levels of ability. You can walk along the coast, in the woodlands or the Galloway Hills and take in the stunning scenery.

Informal Ranger led walks are available throughout the summer and autumn.

CYCLING

Cycling is an ideal way to explore the beautiful landscape and coastline of Dumfries and Galloway. There are off road trails and signposted routes in and around the area.

A recently opened 36km hardrock trail at Dalbeattie is a must for the real enthusiast!

GOLFING

Dumfries and Galloway has 29 golf courses.

Gatehouse itself has a nine hole course – booking is not necessary. A number of other golf courses are within short driving distances and the ‘Gateway to Golf Pass’ enables you to play on different courses at a reduced rate. The pass can be obtained at any Dumfries and Galloway Tourist information centre.

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