Caldons Caravan & Camping Site
Glentrool
Newton Stewart
Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland
DG8 6SU

Tel: 01313 340 066

Caldons site is a Forest Enterprise run site, about 15 miles north of Newton Stewart in Galloway

THIS IS AN ISOLATED SITE, it’s great if you want to "get away from it all" and escape the world!!.

It is on the shores of Glentrool loch and it is set in a beautiful area of south west Scotland.. The main site is slightly sloping however there are other parts of the site that are level.

The road leading to the site is single track with passing places.
The site has a small shop selling limited supplies, a small children’s play area, a stream running through the site, a pool room, a table tennis room, there were barbecue areas around the site and a communal room where there are plenty of books, some board games and seating. There was a coffee machine in the communal room but when we were there it was out of order.

We took the mountain bikes with us, 3 on the car and 2 on top of the trailer tent. This was the first time we had taken them and on this site we found they were essential.

The Glentrool visitor centre was a couple of miles down the road with half a dozen cycle trails from a couple of miles to ten / fifteen miles also some walking trails. We did the longer cycle trail and saw a wild otter in a small stream.

We walked around the loch passing Bruce’s stone which marks his first victory over the English in 1307(I think we let him win). The distance is about 5 miles and is a nice gentle walk. We also walked up Merrick the highest peak in south west Scotland 2770ft and spent a day on The Queens Way through New Galloway Forest, where there are a few visitor centres. There is raider road (a rough car track) through the forest with picnic sites and an otter pool. Also on The Queens Way there is a wild goat park, a red deer walk (Guided by ranger), more cycle trails and sculpute walks.

While on a tour of the Blandoch distillery we noticed a sign for a Scotrail family day trip ticket. It cost £13.00 for all 5 of us for the day. You could travel on the train up to Glasgow, the nearest rail station was Barhill 10 miles away. We got the ticket and spent the morning in Ayr and the afternoon in Glasgow (the ticket also covered all underground travel in Glasgow)

We had some ‘fun’ with the midges a couple of nights they were that bad we couldn’t sit outside, but the rest of the time they weren’t that bad. Moscoils were on sale in the site shop and these kept them out of the trailer tent.

The site is on the southern upland way so we saw a few back packers camping overnight.

Facilities:
The toilets / showers were basic but kept clean. It had a washing up room (to keep the midges out), washing machines / dryers were in a separate room.

As we wanted to get away from it all we had a good time on this site.

Simon Gibson. CLIC. January 2000

Castle Cary Holiday Park
Creetown
Newton Stewart
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
DG8 7DQ

Tel: 01671 820 264

E-mail: info@castlecary-caravans.com
Web site: www.castlecary-caravans.com/

Site is about 6 acres and is open all year, total of 80 pitches available for caravans, motor homes and tents. The site is a 5 tick graded park.
A lovely little site but as stated before not an area of Scotland that I like, however that’s not to say others will have the same opinion.

Ray Moran. CLIC. July 1999

Cressfield Caravan Park - - - - - Second report below
Ecclefechan
Nr. Lockerbie
Dumfries & Calloway
Scotland
DG11 3DR

Tel/Fax: 01576 300 702

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.cressfieldcaravanpark.co.uk/..

View of the site

August 2004.
Information up-date.
The site has a new entrance; do NOT go into hotel grounds; instead, turn right down the road next to the hotel, then turn right again onto a rather rough track; this leads directly onto the site; the office is now in a static caravan at the entrance

This site can be seen from the A74 but there is no road noise. It is a peaceful country park and has superb facilities. The pitches are all spacious and access is easy. There are a lot of seasonal units on this site but this does not detract in any way, as all the grass is kept immaculate.
We have used this site twice as an overnight on the way to Scotland but it would be just as suitable for a longer stay.
There is a pub immediately next door to the site that does an excellent Aberdeen Angus steak at a reasonable price.
You are situated less than half a mile from the village. Other facilities include a dog walk and sports field and play area. There is also an area that can be used for rallies.
Overall one of the best-kept "commercials" I have been on. A further plus point is that reception is open till 2200 hours so this is one you can arrive late at after a long journey.

Directions: Leave M74 at Ecclefechan. [J19] Follow the B7076 for 0.5 mile to south side of village. The site is signposted on the right before the road goes back under motorway. Don’t miss the right turn before the hotel or you are in the car park!

David Cuff. CLIC. 2000

Cressfield Caravan Park
Ecclefechan
Nr. Lockerbie
Dumfries & Calloway
Scotland
DG11 3DR

Tel/Fax: 01576 300 702

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.cressfieldcaravanpark.co.uk/..

Site report:
It is some years since I have visited this park and many changes have taken place since then, including a change of owners.
The section occupied by tourers has been redeveloped for static homes now and there is a large static and seasonal presence. The touring section has a rather open aspect, but it is planned to eventually landscape it once all the work has been done.

You can see the M74 from the site [and vice versa!] but one never feels disturbed by the noise which is minimal. There are grass and hard standing pitches and all are flat.
Several water points have been installed along with concrete bases for statics. While they are empty they can be used as serviced pitches!
The site entrance is now immediately off the B7076 where a new drive has been put in. There are some lodges on the right and reception is the first static after the gate. The owners are very friendly and helpful and once checked in you can just choose your pitch.

The toilets and showers are kept extremely clean but are unfortunately a bit of a walk up into the older section of the site where the tourers used to be. You are supplied with a key and there is also a key for the gate which allows direct access to the garden of the Cressfield Country Park Hotel, where you can get an excellent meal.
The owners are constantly working on upgrading and improving the site and I will look forward to a future visit to see what has been done.

David Cuff. CLIC. September 2010

Garlieston CC Site - - - - - Second report below
Garliestan
Newton Stewart
Dumfries & Galloway
DG8 8BS

Tel: 01988 600 636

Stayed here in July 2003

63 pitches, some h/standings : Toilet/showers : MV point : Members only.

Booking essential for this one especially in peak season.

Really lovely site set in a peaceful fishing village on a peninsula near Stranraer, the site is right down by the harbour.
It is divided into 2 areas. One part in a walled garden which apparently is a sun trap and very sheltered and the other over looking the sea, with a toilet block for each. No awnings are allowed on the seaside pitches so as not to obstruct the views for the pitches behind.

Usual clean high standard for the CC sites.
Some pitches on grass but most on h/standing.

The village is very peaceful with a Spar shop, PO and a pub. The pub has an exhibition about the part Garliestan played during WW2 with the development and testing of the Mulberry Harbour.

This site is very peacful and quiet. There are no play areas for children on the site and it is quite compact.
We had a pitch over looking the sea and could sit in bed and watch the birds on the beach.

The wardens were very friendly.
This one is down for another visit.

Tina. CLIC. July 2003

Garlieston CC Site
Garliestan
Newton Stewart
Dumfries & Galloway
DG8 8BS

Tel: 01988 600 636

The first view of the site is as you drive into the village and round the corner into the harbour bay. It is situated on the headland right by the waterside. It is an idyllic location and I am not surprised the photos are used so often.

The site is actually two sites on either side of the road that goes down to the harbour. Reception is in the left hand section from the main road.

The wardens, Phil and Linda are extremely proud of their site and Phil never stopped working the whole time I was there.
The pitches along the fence directly overlooking the bay are non awning and alternate between hard standing and grass. The reason is to maintain the views for those pitched up behind.
From reception the first area has the aforesaid pitches with further grass and hard standing behind but set further back.
Crossing the rather narrow bridge over the river takes you into the second area, again with the water front pitches and then a further row of grass pitches immediately behind but slightly offset to maintain the view for these. Behind these is a further row of grass and then a few hard standing around the perimeter. At the back is the toilet block for this section. This is standard CC and of course kept by the wardens to the usual standards we expect. Also in this building are the laundry, dish wash area, chemical disposal and information room.
There is a gate at this end for walkers to get out and up to the harbour and coastal walks without going all the way round by the road.
All pitches in this side have some sort of sea view over the bay which makes for the charm of the place. People on the front row (so to speak) pitch with the front of the van looking out to sea to maximise this view. I actually went on the second row (pitch25) which gave me a clear view but I did not need to unhitch and push. I did this because I was on my own and would struggle pushing into place. I haven’t got my Motor Mover then!

The other part of the site is known as the annexe and is an area across the road as one drove in. this is more of a walled garden area and does not have the views, but is peaceful and secluded.
I understand that the site area is in fact the site of the old railway station in Garlieston.
This section was not in fact open on my visit as it was not that full. It has its own toilet block. However the warden was putting the finishing touches to it all before the Easter onslaught. He told me that even when full the site has a peaceful atmosphereand I can believe it. You just cannot beat sitting with the paper and a coffee and watch the tide come in!

The village itself is a typical seaside fishing village laid out in two parallel streets. It boasts a general store, a post office and store and the Harbour Inn. Apparently there used to be two pubs but the other is now a private house.
The menu is excellent and if you can’t be bothered cooking I can recommend the pub. The locals welcome you and bring you into the conversation. It is all very pleasant.

Garlieston is a member’s only site so I have not included directions as they will be in your book.

David Cuff. CLIC. April 2007

Hoddom Castle Caravan park - - - - - Second report below--- Fishing site
Hoddom
Nr. Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
Scotland
DG11 1AS

Tel: 01576 300 251

E-mail: enquiries@hoddomcastle.co.uk
Web site: www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/

Site open from 1 April to last weekend in October

Date of writer’s visit: October 2000

A little gem this one! Tucked away only 4 miles off the M6/A74 it is so peaceful you could be a hundred mile from anywhere. On top of that the facilities on the site are extensive and well kept.

Entry to the site is via the long drive to reception in a part of the ruined castle itself. After checking in with the extremely helpful and friendly wardens you proceed to your pitch via the one way system operating.

Static caravans and seasonal tourers are grouped together. The touring pitches are all hard standing. A grassed area at the top of the site caters for tent campers. The whole site is well landscaped. Due to the very inclement weather we have had shortly prior to my visit all visitors were being asked to avoid the grass at all costs. This was not a problem as the site was quiet so all I did was park the car on the pitch opposite. The site slopes gently but it is not difficult to level up.

There are three toilet blocks. Two at the upper end of the site and the third situated in the castle buildings. I did not inspect the top two as they were closed. The main one was extremely clean and obviously well cared for. Water was hot and plentiful and free. Also in this building is the fully equipped laundry.

Also in this area is an indoor games and information room. The shop is in reception and payphone just outside. There is even a post box from which collections are made daily. The shop provides all the basics even in low season and looks as though it will be well stocked in high season.

A bar and restaurant which will also do takeaways completes the buildings in and around the castle. Opening times are restricted in low season although the bar was open each night during my stay. Outside here is a child’s play area with mini maze, giant draughts, and crazy golf.

The following facilities are also available on site or immediately adjacent.

Fishing:
I am not a fisherman so I will quote direct from the site brochure. "Salmon, sea trout and brown trout on the River Annan at Hoddom. Trout fishing at Purdomstone reservoir. Coarse fishing at Kelhead quarry [50 pegs]. Pike fishing - 2 rods only - Bottom Lake, Kinmount [large pike] All the above fishing is in our own water and the number of rods are restricted to prevent overcrowding".

Golf:
The site has its own 9-hole par 33 course immediately adjacent to the site. I play very badly but as this was in fact why I had gone there I enjoyed several rounds. Green fees are a reasonable £7 all day weekdays and £9 all day at weekends. There are also several other courses locally.

Bike hire:
Mountain bikes can be hired and there is a bike trail in adjoining woodland.

Tennis:
There is a hard court on the site.

As far as the outside world is concerned Annan is four miles away and Dumfries and Lockerbie 14.

Certainly for golfers and fishers this site is an excellent visit as one has all the facilities without the need to go off site.

Directions:
Leave M6/A74 at J19 towards Ecclefechan. Turn left off slip road and left again at roundabout. At the church in the village turn right following the brown international caravan sign. In 2.5 miles the road goes sharp left over a narrow bridge over the river. Immediately after this turn right at the lodge into the site drive. Reception is about half a mile up in the castle.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 2000

Hoddom Castle Caravan park - - - - - Third report below--- Fishing site
Hoddom
Nr. Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
Scotland
DG11 1AS

Tel: 01576 300 251

E-mail: enquiries@hoddomcastle.co.uk
Web site: www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/

Site visited. May 2002

Since my last visit to this park new wardens are installed and quite a bit of money appears to being spent on maintenance and upgrading. This will make an already good park excellent.

Situated about two miles off the M74 the park is in the grounds of Hoddom Castle. The long winding drive takes you to reception in the castle itself. Wardens are very friendly and helpful. After check in proceed around the one-way system into the site. The back of the site is taken up with static homes and seasonal touring caravans. All touring pitches are shale hard standing. At the time of my last visit work was well under way renewing these to level them up. The site generally slopes but the pitches are terraced so as to be level. Tent campers are well provided for with a separate grass field. Hook up connections are 10 amps. There are numerous water and waste disposal points around the site so it is not necessary to walk very far. The toilet disposal is right at the back of the site behind the castle and is best visited by car!

There are two toilet blocks. One is in the main castle and one at the top of the site. The top one has toilets and washbasins only. This one is generally closed in low season. The facilities are first class. The showers are one of the best I have come across and they have been renewed this year. A lot of the castle is in fact in ruins but contains reception, and an excellent shop. Also in this part of the building are the aforesaid shower block and laundry and ironing room. An unusual facility is the l.p.g. gas pump for gas powered cars.

Other amenities in the building are a bar; restaurant, takeaway, games room, and children’s play area.

In addition to all the above the site has the following additional attractions.

Exclusive fishing on the river Annan that runs through the site for salmon sea trout and brown trout. Coarse fishing available also in water owned by the estate.

9 hole par 33 golf course two minutes walk from wardens office. Green fees are £8 all day. [£10 weekends] You can go round as much as you like for this.

Countryside walking.
Mountain bike trail.
Tennis courts.

All in all this is a site that you can keep occupied on without ever leaving! And it is quiet and peaceful unlike some of the brash holiday parks.

I like to go a couple of times a year and just play golf [well - walk round and lose several golf balls!] Relax and have a meal in the restaurant. Last time was the May Day bank holiday 2002. I arrived Wednesday evening and the place was almost deserted and by Saturday there was hardly a spare pitch but it did not seem crowded.

Directions:
Leave M74 at J19 at Ecclefechan. Follow signs to Annan. Site is 2 miles immediately after crossing the narrow river bridge.

David Cuff. CLIC. May 2002.

Hoddom Castle Caravan park - - - - - Fourth report below--- Fishing site
Hoddom
Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
Scotland
DG11 1AS

Tel: 01576 300 251

E-mail: enquiries@hoddomcastle.co.uk
Web site: www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/

This site was just as spotless as on my previous visit.
It must be one of my favourite commercial sites. Although there are a number of static vans and seasonal Tourers there is never a feeling of a holiday park about it as they are in separate areas.
Pitches are hard standing but many slope so blocks are advisable.

Facilities are excellent.
Showers are hot and clean. The shop stocks all basics and papers can be ordered. I did not use the bar or restaurant this time but the menu looked good and the place looked clean.

Tents are pitched in a separate area of grass.

If I had a complaint it would be that the chemical toilet disposal is an awfully long walk!..

This is a site that you don’t need to leave. I did not even remove my door mirrors.
There is a super children’s playground and a mountain bike trail. Countryside rangers take walks from the site.

The river Annan flows through the site and day permits are available at reception for fishermen.
Golf is £10 a day [£12 weekends] for the 9 hole par 34. It is a testing little course and extremely well maintained.
There is also a room with table tennis, pool and slot machines. However there are also many places to visit in the area.

Directions: as original

Date of visit: September 2006

David Cuff. CLIC. January 2007

Hoddom Castle Caravan park - - - - - Fifth report below--- Fishing site
Hoddom
Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
Scotland
DG11 1AS

Tel: 01576 300 251

E-mail: enquiries@hoddomcastle.co.uk
Web site: www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/

A large site with lots of trees, quite pleasant, with different areas for tents (non-electric), tents (electric), tourers and statics. Plenty of water points around.

The main facilities are at the castle, which is at one end of the site and therefore a long walk from most pitches.
There are toilets, cubicle washbasins, showers, bathroom, disabled toilet and shower, laundry and dishwashing, all spacious and clean. There are 2 additional facilities blocks at other points on the site, which I understand only have toilets and washbasins, but didn’t investigate - even these were a significant distance from the pitches for tents with electric.

The chemical disposal point, which was right round the back of the castle, as far from any pitches as it could be, even came equipped with washbasin, soap and paper towels so you could have a wash and brush up afterwards. The motorhome service point was nearby.

The site has a one way system. When we booked in we were told our pitch was a drive-through, sounds great - except for the fact that if we HAD driven through, we would either have had to go the wrong way one of the site roads or bend the motorhome in half to be able to make the turn to go the correct way! Not fancying such an exciting life, we reversed in as usual!

The site was very quiet when we went because it was off-peak and midweek. In one way this was nice but in another it meant the site felt somewhat lifeless. I’m sure it would be a lot busier/livelier in the school holidays!

Other facilities: 9 hole golf course, fishing, waymarked walks, play area, crazy golf, giant outdoor draughts, dominoes, tennis, games room (table tennis and pool), limited shop, take away, restaurant (only open at busy times) and bar (which does bar meals). Most of these are in the castle buildings.

Would we go back?..Yes, it’s close to the A74 for a stopover, might stay a few days, but probably not a whole week. And first thing to do after we arrived on site would be get out the bikes so we could cycle to the blooming facilities block, CDP etc!

£13 for motorhome and 2 adults with electric. £2.50 for an awning.

Oh, and if you want to contact them, don’t do it via the website or email, they don’t answer!

Myra Sears. CLIC. November 2007

Hoddom Castle Caravan park--- Fishing site
Hoddom
Nr. Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
Scotland
DG11 1AS

Tel: 01576 300 251

E-mail: enquiries@hoddomcastle.co.uk
Web site: www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/

The site was visited in May 2008 over the Mayday holiday. As ever it was a welcoming place with excellent facilities as previously listed. The tent area at the top of the site has been altered and there are now static holiday homes in that area. The only place for tents is at the entrance opposite the castle. Not that this is any detriment. There are hook ups available.

I did notice that a planning application has been submitted to redevelop the whole place into a large leisure hotel with conference facilities, helipad, championship golf course, restaurants etc. there will also be 530 holiday lodges and about 35 cottages! I fear we will therefore lose this lovely site in due course.

I also noticed the maintenance standards around the site were not as good as in previous years. The grass was longer and many of the pitches had not been "weeded" and tidied up. Now this could be because the weather conditions early in the year were against the wardens but I hope it will have improved by the time I go again and it is not a case of not bothering quite so much because of the planning application. The wardens tell me this is likely to be at least 5 years.

David Cuff. CLIC. May 2008

King Robert the Bruce’s Cave Caravan & Camping Site
Cove Estate,
Kirkpatrick Fleming
By Lockerbie
Dumfriesshire
Scotland
DG11 3AT

Tel: 01461 800 285

E-mail: enquiries@brucescave.co.uk
Web site: www.brucescave.co.uk

Contact: Mr A. Ritchie

Cost in 2005:
a campervan with no electric hook-up cost £8.50 (showers included)

All units accepted. Some static vans on site. Pets welcome.

Directions:
Leave the M74 at junction 21 and follow signs to Kirkpatrick Fleming, then follow signs all the way to Bruce’s Cave.

This site is easily accessible from the M74 and would make a great stopover on your way North or South (which is how we used it). I think it would also be a great location for exploring the whole area. It’s a good sized site and although near to the motorway and the mail railway line it was very peaceful and quiet. There are about 45 fairly level touring pitches, with some hard standings and plenty of electric hook-ups. The facilities are excellent - the best showers we found in two weeks of camping in Scotland & Orkney. The site is well maintained & the staff are friendly & helpful. There is a small shop on site selling essentials and it is a short walk or drive back to Kirkpatrick Fleming where there is a general store and a pub.

As the name suggests, this is the site of King Robert the Bruce’s Cave, and your site fees include admission to see the cave, which is a short walk from the site through the woodland. There are also woodland walks along the river and 3 miles of free river fishing for trout, sea trout and salmon (in season). There’s an excellent children’s play area in amongst the trees for children, featuring a giant spider’s web (see a theme, anyone?).

Apparently you can see red squirrels around the site; sadly we weren’t that lucky. There is a lot of information about them around the reception/facilities area and you can buy red squirrel food at £1 a bag from reception!

As we were only passing through we did little more than chill out, talk a walk down to the cave & along the river and enjoy the evening sunshine, but the site’s brochure lists a host of attractions in the vicinity. This is a really nice site but I can imagine it gets very busy at peak periods.

Janette lee. CLIC. July 2005

Mulladdie Farm House CC CL
Port Logan
Stranraer
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
DG9 9NJ

Tel: 01776 860 212

This Site has changed hands recently and is now owned by a Mr & Mrs Connelly.

The site is situated in Port Logan in the area of Dumfries and Galloway and is approx. 7 miles from Stranraer and Portpatrick which is also nearbye and is worth a visit.

The caravans sit in a Field at the front of the farmhouse and they have a beautifull view over the Irish Sea, there is a small toilet block adjacent to the farmhouse building which serves for both Male and females, it is kept very clean and there is an Electric shower fitted in the building.

Port Logan has a small harbour and beach made up of sand and shingle, this locaction is where they filmed the TV Series :- "2000 Acres of Skye".

The site is fully booked until October and the owners of the site have started taking bookings from regulars for next year.

Please see CC book, Page 510, for further Info. and directions.

Jim Tierney. CLIC. August 2003

New England Bay CC Site --- Second report below
Port Logan
Stranraer
Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland
DG9 9NX

Tel: 01776 860 275

Page 224 CC handbook

The site consists of 154 Pitches and 10 hard standing which are within 7 pitching area’s, there are 7 Tent Pitches which are situated adjacent to 19 caravan pitches which are on a lower level at the front of the site and overlook Luce Bay. Most of the other pitches have a good view over Luce Bay.

The Site has good drainage but steel pegs are required.

All ptches have power points except the tent area.

There are two shower blocks on site which are well maintained but are not cleaned until mid afternoon.

The Site is ideal for persons who have inflatable boats with outboard engines, when we were there there were a large number of caravaners who had them, the beach is of both sand and shingle and appears to be very safe as there were a lot of children swimming in the water.

The surrounding area has some fabulous scenery and Stranraer is only about 7 miles away.

This was my first visit to the site but it will not be my last, the staff were found to be very friendly and very helpfull.

Jim Tierney. CLIC. July 2003

New England Bay CC Site
Port Logan
Stranraer
Dumfries & Galloway
Scotland
DG9 9NX

Tel: 01776 860 275

Page 224 CC handbook

Further to Jim Tierney’s report.

This site is still beautifully kept and has friendly helpful wardens. We were there two weekends in April.
It also has a small games room with pool table and a children’s play area.

The site is handy for Stranraer and it’s shops, including a large Safeway.

Don’t miss a short drive down to the lighthouse at the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point. On a clear day, you have spectacular views over Luce Bay to Whithorn, Cumbria, The Isle of Man and Ireland. There is a new tearoom there almost hidden in the cliffs and a visitor centre at the lighthouse.

Port Logan is where 20,000 Acres of Skye was filmed and you have a lovely view from the new tearoom overlooking the bay. I have it on good authority that they do delicious paninis.

Nearby is Portpatrick with its lovely seafront and harbour, The Crown there serves meals all day. It has won awards for its’ seafood and its’ scampi is to die for - that’s if you can finish the extremely generous portions!

Some of Scotland’s most beautiful gardens are in this area, Port Logan, Ardwell and Glenwhan (good tearoom there) to name a few. They get warmth from the gulf stream and have many exotic species.
If you don’t want to go too far, detour into Sandhead. The village shop is bigger than it looks and is well stocked.

I hope this is useful.
Editor note Yes it is June. All local info is helpful.

June Holland. CLIC. April 2005

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