Southern Scotland - Scotland - page 354

Vine-engulfed Lochinvar Hotel ( 01644-430107; www.lochinvarhotel.co.uk ; s/d
£43/75; ) , an old hunting lodge built in the 1750s with a stately interior, has re-
cently renovated rooms, some of them enormous, with good bathrooms and appealing vis-
tas.
Walkers on the Southern Upland Way will appreciate Lodgings ( 01644-430015;
www.thelodgings.co.uk ; 26 Main St; r per person £25, with breakfast £30; ) . Its one
room sleeps four or more, and there are self-catering facilties as well as an information of-
fice offering route advice.
Bus 521 runs twice daily (except Sunday) to Dumfries (55 minutes). Bus 520 connects
Dalry with Castle Douglas (30 minutes, eleven daily Monday to Saturday); two services
continue north to Ayr (1½ hours).

Newton Stewart
POP 3600
On the banks of the sparkling River Cree, Newton Stewart is at the heart of some beautiful
countryside, and is popular with hikers and anglers. On the eastern bank, across the
bridge, is the older and smaller settlement of Minnigaff . With excellent accommodation
and eating options, this makes a tempting base for exploring the Galloway Forest Park.
This is great angling country. For fishing gear and permits, as well as advice on landing
the big one, drop into Galloway Angling Centre ( 01671-401333;
www.gallowayangling.co.uk ; 1 Queen St) . You can also check out the very useful
www.fishgalloway.co.uk .

Sleeping & Eating

Creebridge House Hotel ££
( 01671-402121; www.creebridge.co.uk ; s/d/superior d £65/116/130; ) This is a
magnificent refurbished 18th-century mansion built for the Earl of Galloway. A maze in-
side, it has tastefully decorated rooms with modern furnishings and loads of character. Try
to get a room overlooking the garden (No 7 is a good one). There's also good food here
(mains £11 to £18).

HOTEL

Flowerbank Guest House££

B&B