Wigtownshire

Wigtownshire lies in the extreme South/West of Scotland and forms the Western part of the ancient district of Galloway. It is bounded on the East by the stewartry of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown bay; on the South and West it is cupped by the Irish Sea and on the North by the county of Ayr. This county is one of the most level in Scotland, with easy rolling hills, generally free of rocks. For walkers, cyclists and nature lovers, the county is simply made for exploration.

For the visitor, an escape from society is even possible. The Murray Isles are two small uninhabited islands in the Islands of Fleet, Wigtown Bay, off Carrick Point. The islands are host to a colony of cormorants and are of significant as a site for breeding gulls. They are also very peaceful and a haven for humans to escape to also.

Alternatively, let your spirit wander within the mystical Torhouse Stone Circle. Just four miles West of Wigtown, this Bronze Age stone circle consists of 19 boulders. This type of stone circle is most commonly found in North/East Scotland and is therefore unusual for this area. But body and soul need sustenance, so revive yourself next at the Bladnoch Distillery Visitor Centre. Situated on the banks of the River Bladnoch, the Distillery and Visitors Centre dates from 1817, the buildings are of fine stone and slate and reflect the beauty and history of their setting. Wooden wash-backs and vast gleaming copper stills, tools of the trade, are well preserved. Along the riverside walk is the ancient oak woodland of Cotland Wood, home of the broad leaved Helleborine, a rare orchid used as the Bladnoch motif.