Airstreams near Newton Stewart with horseback riding
Newton Stewart is the perfect base for hillwalking, mountain biking and stargazing.
- Newton Stewart
Popular camping styles for Newton Stewart
Airstreams near Newton Stewart with horseback riding guide
Overview
Lying on the banks of the River Cree, the town of Newton Stewart is often dubbed the “Gateway to the Galloway Hills.” As well as enjoying the walking opportunities on the hills and climbing the Merrick, South West Scotland’s highest mountain, visitors can tackle varied mountain biking trails in nearby Galloway Forest Park, explore the nearby RSPB nature reserve Wood of Cree, and fish for salmon and trout in the River Cree.
Where to go
Around Town
Newton Stewart is home to a wide range of shops and restaurants, making it a convenient place to base yourself with exploring the area. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, and attractions such as the Newton Stewart Museum, Creebridge Caravan Park has pitches for tents and tourers.
Galloway Forest Park
Keen stargazers flock to Galloway Forest Park,a designated Dark Sky Park. The park also has varied biking and walking trails through its forests, hills and lochs, and the long distance Southern Upland Way passes through. Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site is situated inside the park while Balloch O’ Dee is just outside and has converted barns, a vintage caravan and a roundhouse for hire, as well as tent and touring pitches. Both are around a 15-minute drive from Newton Stewart.
Wigtown
A 10-minute drive south of Newton Stewart, Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town and gateway to the Machars peninsula. A little further south, Drumroamin Farm Caravan and Camping Site is a peaceful spot, with views of Wigtown Bay, pitches for tents and tourers, and static caravans for hire.
When to go
May to August is the best time to visit for making the most of Scotland’s extended summer daylight hours. However the season can bring crowds and booked-up campsites. If planning to visit in the summer, try to avoid travelling during the Scottish school holidays in July and early August. For stargazing, however, the long nights of October to March are the best time of year to head into Galloway Forest Park (a designated Dark Sky Park).
Know before you go
- Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- Local buses can get you to most places of interest. The closest train station is in Barrhill and has direct connections to Glasgow.
- There are several shops in Newtown Stewart and you should have no trouble finding the essentials.
