Wild Spring Festival - Wildlife Packages 2013
CAVENS - Wildlife Weekend with Cavens
Date: 26-27th April
Description:Treat yourself to a fabulous weekend of wildlife watching combined with the comforts and luxury of a stay at Cavens Country House Hotel. You'll be joined by two local wildlife guides, Lucy Hadley and Helen Fenby, on an exploration of local habitats and landscapes. Visit the Solway Firth coastline, just a mile or so from the hotel, well known for its wildlife diversity including otters, kingfishers, wading birds and ducks. Explore ancient woodland and take a close look at some of the wildflowers just emerging in the spring.
There will be an opportunity to join a Dawn Chorus walk in the grounds of the hotel before breakfast, search for bats hunting in the early evening sky, set live traps for small mammals such as voles, and if conditions are good we'll set a moth trap to get a closer view of some of the more elusive nightlife.
Rich in wildlife diversity, Dumfries and Galloway has much to offer and Cavens offers a perfect base for a relaxed weekend of gentle walks in inspiring landscapes, wonderful wildlife sightings and plenty of luxury along the way.
Bring your camera, binoculars, walking boots and warm, waterproof outdoor clothing. We look forward to sharing our wonderful wildlife with you.
This is an all-inclusive weekend that includes: Afternoon tea on the day of arrival, Ranger-led excursions and talks, pre-dinner drinks, a 3 course dinner from the Market Menu offering the finest freshest locally sourced produce (a la carte available), a glass of wine with dinner, packed lunches to see you through your day, a hearty Scottish Breakfast to set you off and of course accommodation in one of our individually unique bedrooms.
Cost: Between £550 - £600 per room, room dependent
Location: Cavens Restaurant with Rooms, Kirkbean, Dumfries DG2 8AA
Further Info: www.cavens.com/special-offers/
Register now - Tourism Industry Conference 2013
CAVENS - Birdwatching Weekends, 2013
Spring – 19 & 20 April
Autumn – 25 & 26 October
Coming up is the 10th year for Cavens Birdwatching Weekends. The two-day break combines our inimitable comfort and hospitality with daily excursions to nature reserves and birdwatching hot spots in Dumfries and Galloway under the leadership and guidance of local expert, Dave Fairlamb ex Mersehead RSPB Reserve. Now manager of wwwt Caerlaverock.
The wide range of habitats in this stunning part of Dumfries and Galloway provide fantastic birdwatching with the possibility of seeing over 80 species, including swans, geese, diving and dabbling ducks, waders, birds of prey and woodland birds. And, after a thrilling day in the great outdoors what could be more natural than enjoying good company, fine dining and life’s little luxuries back home at CAVENS?
These Wildlife weekends are all-inclusive: Afternoon tea on the day of arrival, Guided daily excursions & talks, pre dinner drinks, delicious dinner, wine with your meal, packed lunches, hearty Scottish breakfasts and wonderful accommodation in one of our eight individual bedrooms.
£550 per couple for a Country Room
£600 per couple for an Estate Room
Cally Palace - Dawn chorus Segway tour
Location: Cally Palace
Dates: 10th - 13th May 2013
Description: 3 Nights DBB at the Cally Palace with a dawn Forest Segway Tour (departing at approx 6am) and a Nature Tour around the forest. Max 5 guests per group. Please note: gentlemen are required to wear jacket, collar and tie in the restaurant.
Cost: DBB £74 pppn (sharing), Segway Tour £25 pp and tie in the restaurant.
Address: Cally Palace Hotel, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2DL
Contact:
Tel: 01557 814 341
Email: info@callypalace.co.uk
Web: www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk
Landscape Photography workshop (Abstracts)
Location: Dumfries and Galloway
Dates: 4th/5th May (arrival 3rd)
Description: Landscape photography workshop with Ted Leeming and Morag Paterson, taking in some of the best of the Galloway Forest Park
Cost: 799 Euros including two nights bed and breakfast
Address: Glenhoul Brae, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3UB
Contact:
Tel: +33 (0) 671 00 37 69,
Email: info@oceancapture.com
Web: www.oceancapture.com
Wildlife Weekend at Loch Ken Holiday Park
with RSPB Scotland and Loch Ken Holiday Park - Galloway Kite Trail
Location: Loch Ken Holiday Park, Parton, DG7 3NE
Date: Friday 10 May to Sunday 12 May
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Description: Friday, 10 May, 7 to 9pm Parton Village Hall, Parton. An illustrated talk by RSPB’s Calum Murray, on red kites in Dumfries & Galloway. Saturday, 11 May, 5.30 to 7.30am at Holiday Park (meet at reception). Listen to early morning birdsong, with hot drink & cake afterwards. Booking essential. Sunday, 12 May, 10.30am to 12am at Holiday Park (meet at reception). A walk to Parton Viewpoint in search of kites and other wildlife.
Opportunity to wake up on banks of Loch Ken, with bird song, wildlife and red kites and maybe the odd osprey or otter!
Cost: £2 per activity/event (to be paid at event). Full package = £6 per person (adult or child).
Address: Loch Ken Holiday Park, Parton, DG7 3NE.
Contact:
Tel: 01644 470282,
Email: office@lochkenholidaypark.co.uk
Web: www.lochkenholidaypark.co.uk
GALLOWAY HOLIDAYS - 'Around Castle Douglas Wildlife and Food Tour'
Location: Based from Castle Douglas ‘food town’, visiting places around the area. Stay in 4 star B&B accommodation subject to availability.
Date: minimum of 4 on a tour) – £495 p.p. 3 day tours starting Mon 22nd April, Monday 29th April, May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27. Arrive Monday, 3 days guided activities, depart Friday. For 4 nights in quality B&B accommodation, 3 days of tours including visits and tastings according to weather, participants interests and sites / guides schedules with packed lunch or tea room visits included and 3 dinners, all with the support of a local guide with some interesting stories along the way.
Description: A unique 3 day guided wildlife tour interspersed with local food visits and experiences in and around Castle Douglas ‘food town’.
The minibus tour will consist of a flexible schedule of visits and short walks from: Wildlife – Threave Estate, with wide range of animal and plant species, including osprey nest and bat reserve with guided walk option by a National Trust ranger. Ken Dee Marshes, Loch Ken and Galloway Kite Trail including daily feeding spectacle with talk by Calum Murray, Trail liaison officer. Mersehead Nature Reserve (RSPB) and Solway Coast locations, Cairnsmore of Fleet Nature Reserve – in Scotland’s first Biosphere, Early evening wildlife walk with Keith Kirk, local natural history writer and photographer (two different coast and woodlands options) option for a Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park visit. Food –Award winning local food experiences with and some tastings at,Thistle B Scrumptious deli, In House chocolates, Sulwath brewery, Loch Arthur creamery and farm shop – with tea room, Kirkcudbright scallops – from fishing boats, Earth’s Crust – artisan bakery for real bread and option for a Lorna Willock (nutritionist) food clinic.
Cost: (minimum of 4 on a tour) – £495 p.p.
For 4 nights in quality B&B accommodation, 3 days of tours including visits and tastings according to weather, participants interests and sites / guides schedules with packed lunch or tea room visits included and 3 dinners, all with the support of a local guide with some interesting stories along the way.
Address: Based from Galloway Holidays, Summerhill, Abercromby Place, Castle Douglas.
Contact:
Tel: 01556 502 979, Mob: 07974 814 172,
Email: mail@gallowayholidays.co.uk
Web: www.gallowayholidays.co.uk
GALLOWAY HOLIDAYS - 'A Galloway Wildlife Walking Tour'
Location: Based from Castle Douglas ‘food town’, visiting places around the area. Stay in 4 star B&B accommodation subject to availability.
Dates: 3 day tours arriving Tuesdays 23rd April, 30th April, May 7th, May 14th, May 21st and May 28th.
Arrive Tuesday, 3 days guided walking with wildlife visits, depart Saturday.
Description: Visit several wildlife locations on a 3 day leisure walking break based from Castle Douglas.
Locations from Threave Estate, Ken Dee Marshes, the Galloway Kite Trail, Solway coast, Cairnmore of Fleet (biosphere), Galloway Forest Park and Mersehead (RSPB) and the option of a Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park visit, all with walks included.
Tea rooms, visitor centres and other interesting places between locations – we can be flexible according participants preferences, weather conditions and with additional wildlife talks as extras.
Cost: (minimum of 4 on a tour) – £395 p.p.
For 4 nights in quality B&B accommodation, 3 days of visits to wildlife sites and other interesting places, all with the support of a local guide with some interesting stories along the way. Local produce packed lunches included.
Address: Based from Galloway Holidays, Summerhill, Abercromby Place, Castle Douglas.
Contact:
Tel: 01556 502 979, Mob: 07974 814 172,
Email: mail@gallowayholidays.co.uk
Web: www.gallowayholidays.co.uk
GALLOWAY HOLIDAYS - 'A Galloway Wildlife Cycling Tour'
Location: Based from Castle Douglas ‘food town’, visiting places around the area. Stay in 4 star B&B accommodation subject to availability.
Dates: 3 day tours arriving Sundays 21st April, 28th April, May 5th, May 12th, May 19th and May 26th.
Arrive Sunday, 3 days guided cycling, depart Thursday.
Description: Visit several wildlife locations on a 3 day gentle cycling break based from Castle Douglas.
Threave Estate, Ken Dee Marshes, the Galloway Kite Trail, Solway coast and the Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park are all within 20 miles day circuits with further afield options to Cairnmore of Fleet (biosphere) and Mersehead (RSPB) partly by minibus.
Tea rooms, visitor and other interesting places along the route – which can be flexible according to the weather with additional wildlife talks as extras.
Cost: (minimum of 4 on a tour) – £325 p.p.
For 4 nights in quality B&B accommodation, 3 days cycle hire, 3 days of visits to wildlife sites and other interesting places, all with the support of a local guide with some interesting stories along the way. Lunches and evening meals not included.
Address: Based from Galloway Holidays, Summerhill, Abercromby Place, Castle Douglas.
Contact:
Tel: 01556 502 979, Mob: 07974 814 172,
Email: mail@gallowayholidays.co.uk
Web: www.gallowayholidays.co.uk
Brookford B&B
Stay at Brookford B&B whilst attending any of the 100+ events during the festival period and we will provide each guest with a free Packed Lunch (normally £7.00 per person) for each day of your stay - to let you make a full day of it.
We will be happy to book events for you, if required, at time of booking your stay at Brookford B&B. For details of this offer including availability and bookings please visit: www.brookfordbandb.co.uk/special-breaks-brookford-bed-and-breakfast
Cost: £35.00 per person per night (sharing either our ensuite twin / super king double or ensuite king size double rooms) and single occupancy rate of £44.00 per night in either room.
Address: Brookford B&B, 4 St.Johns Way, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3UQ
Contact:
T: 01644 430 512
M: 07855 501 398
W:www.brookfordbandb.co.uk
Accommodation in The Machars
Glaisnock Guest House
with Stephanie and Carl Davis
We are surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife including the Cree Estuary, R.S.P.B bird hides in the wet marshlands of Wigtown bay.
Cost: We have 2 double rooms available at £55 per Night
1 single room at £25 per night
1 Family room (4 beds) £75 per night
Single occupancy is available at £30 per room
We are able to offer evening meals on top for a fixed price of £5 per person for a home cooked meal, flexible meal times by arrangement and packed lunches on request at £3.
Our accommodation has off road parking, drying room and good transport links
Address:
Glaisnock Guest House, 20 South Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9EH
Contact:
Tel: 01988 402 249
Web: www.glaisnock.co.uk
The Posthouse Flat,
Sleeps 5
Address: 68 George St, Whithorn, Newton Stewart, DG8 8PB
Cost: £250 per week April £275 per week May short breaks from £120
Contact: Anne Richards
Tel: 01988 500326
Email: eannerichards@hotmail.com
For more info see: www.cottageguide.co.uk/posthouse
Craiglemine Cottage
Located near the coast it is possible to see seals and even sea otters not far away. We can give you a tour of our night sky full of star while you listen to owls and also bats with our detector.
Address: Craiglemine Cottage, Glasserton, DG8 8NE
Cost: from £26 per person per night
Contact:
Tel: 01988 500594
Email: cottage@fireflyuk.net
Web: www.craiglemine.co.uk
Faldarroch Farm (Barrachan) and Pend House (Whithorn)
Faldarroch is in the midst of an unspoilt 19th Century landscape, with small field enclosures and low intensity grazing.There are red squirrels, deer, buzzards, heron and mallards.
Cost: Short weekend breaks £260, weeks £470
Contact:
Tel: 01988 500469
Email: juliamuirwatt@btconnect.com
Web: www.pend-house.com
Cults Cottage Holidays
Lovingly restored country cottage, sleeps 4 (one ensuite), near Whithorn. Magnificent views, beaches, dark skies and Booktown.
Cost: £300 per week and £50 per night.
Contact: Kirsty Currie
Tel: 01988 500267
Email: kirstycurrie@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.cultscottageholidays.co.uk
Burrowhead Holiday Village
Cost: Prices are £50 per unit per night for a 4 berth Galloway Apartment and £75 for a 5 berth Coastal View Lodge. Minimum booking is 2 nights.
Address: Tonderghie Road, Isle of Whithorn, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 8JB
Contact: Stuart Fairclough
Tel: 01988 500252
FAX: 01988 500855
E-mail: burrowheadhv@aol.com
Fourlands Bed and Breakfast
Surrounded by rolling countryside in this quiet corner of Dumfries and Galloway, relax,unwind and enjoy the timeless beauty of this quiet and unspoilt peninsula in the South West of Scotland
Cost: Double room £30 per person per night
Address: Whauphill, Newton Stewart, DG8 9QA
Contact:
Tel: 01988 840236
Email: murielduncan7@btinternet.com
Web: www.fourlands.org.uk
Chapel Outon Farmhouse
Dogs made especially welcome
Cost: Rates are B&B from £32.50pppn. Evening meal - 3 course £20 and 2 course £16.00.
Address: Chapel Outon Farmhouse, Whithorn, DG8 8DH
Contact: Kath and Tim Annison
Tel: 01988 500136
Email: kath@chapelouton.co.uk
