The Snap Inn Walkers Retreat

Getting out into the Galloway Forest Park (15 minutes’ drive) is a must – there are miles of excellent walking and mountain bike trails here, along with lochs to fish in (once you’ve purchased a permit) and hides in which to settle for wildlife spotting. Try to schedule a nighttime outing here too, as it’s a certified Dark Sky Park, with frequent events held to help guests spot stars, meteor showers and occasional glimpses of the Northern Lights. Other (less active) strolls nearby might take you off to Glenluce Abbey (25 minutes), to the woodland, walled gardens and sea views at Galloway House Gardens (35 minutes) or the ancient Drumtroddan Standing Stones (35 minutes). A meander around Monreith Animal World (40 minutes) is a good plan too, if you like cooing over cute farm animals (who doesn’t?) Time for a drink after all that? Stop by at the Crafty Distillery in Newton Stewart (15 minutes) for a glimpse into the gin-making process, or head to Bladnoch Distillery (25 minutes) to see traditional Scottish whisky come to life. Both are fine places to pick up a bottle for evening campfire tipples.