Holiday without a car
Although Kirkennan is in a rural area it is possible to have a good and varied holiday here without using a car.
Arrive by train and/or bicycle
The nearest train station is Dumfries. From here it is sometimes possible to get a taxi from the station forecourt (£20-£25 2014 prices), however to be safe it is best to pre-book a taxi. For taxis based in Dumfries try Maxis taxis on 01387 255050 or Barnhill Cabs on 01387 247341 (if you have dogs with you check you are getting a taxi that will take them).
Taxis
For taxis based in Dalbeattie try Dowden’s on 01556 611098 (office hours) Mobile:07775 828 893 or 07979 811 315 (wont take dogs), Turnups on 07876 573 321 or Hendo's on 07752 728558.
For taxis in Castle Douglas try Meercat Taxi Service on 07394 997304, Herdsman Taxis on 01556 502551 or Jans Cabs on 01556 502615
NB the Dalbeattie and Castle Douglas taxis tend to be run by one person, so it is advisable to book ahead of time or they may be busy.
Bicycle route from Dumfries: We are 19 miles from Dumfries and much of this can be done along the National Cycling Route 7.
We are 3.7 miles from the Dalbeattie 7 Stanes
We are 5 miles from the C2C cycling route.
Shopping
If you want to holiday without a car we suggest you get an initial grocery order delivered [Tesco will deliver grocery orders over £40 for a minimum charge – we are not currently aware of other shops that will do this]. This order can then be topped up from the community run village shop in Palnackie which is walking distance (0.7 miles) and sells a range of foods. Alternatively you can get the 505 bus to Dalbeattie (flag down the bus outside the gates of Kirkennan). The bus will pass Kirkennan shortly after leaving Palnackie.
Activities without a car
Find out more about Kirkennan Estate and why it is a great place to relax.
Visitors can spend time wandering around Kirkennan itself enjoying our gardens and woodland, or walking for miles through Ramshaw, Kirkennan and Munches woods or up to Raven’s Craig viewpoint without needing any transport. If you want to go further afield you can rent bikes from MPG Cycle Hire in Dalbeattie or take the bus. Route 505 passes right outside the gate of Kirkennan and the driver will stop if you flag it down. Heading towards Kirkcudbright on the 505 you can visit Red Haven beach and Torr point, walk up Screel (ask the driver to drop you at the turnings for each of these), or visit Auchencairn, Dundrennan Abbey or the artist town of Kirkcudbright. In the opposite direction you could have a day out in Dalbeattie or Dumfries. The route 372a goes from Dalbeattie along the coastal route to Sandyhills dropping off at Kippford and Rockcliffe. We have been told that it is OK to take dogs on the buses, though we haven't tried this.
Bear in mind that this is a rural area and buses are not very frequent so it is important to plan your trip out and back before leaving. Traveline Scotland Journey Planner can help to plan bus routes.
Tours can be arranged with the following local companies who will collect from Kirkennan for a fee:
Eating and drinking
Palnackie – less than a mile’s walk away has a pub (dogs welcome) and Flounders, a community run cafe, is open 10-3pm Thursday to Sunday. Dalbeattie can easily be reached by bus, taxi or bicycle as described above and has a number of pubs and cafes.
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