The South West of Scotland is the perfect place for golfers who like to escape the crowds and discover something new. This itinerary is designed to take in clubs included in South of Scotland Golf’s Wigtownshire Golf Pass. You can purchase the pass directly from South of Scotland Golf and for just £110, you get access to all five courses featured in this itinerary.
Each day we have included one course, plus a variety of other sites and activities which we hope will inspire you to get to know our wonderful region a bit better.
Newton Stewart Golf Club is set on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park. This 18 hole course offers delightful views of the Galloway Hills and surrounding countryside at every hole.
Not far from the club, high on a hillside above Loch Trool, within the Galloway Forest Park, sits Bruce’s Stone. This huge granite boulder marks the location of one of King Robert the Bruce’s battles with the English during the First Scottish War of Independence.
If fishing is something you enjoy, why not visit Glenquicken Trout Farm near Creetown. This 4.5 acre trout loch is stocked with Rainbow, Blue and Brown Trout. A great place to round off your day is at Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year 2020, Crafty Distillery, their award winning Hills and Harbour gin is quite simply delicious!
Day two takes you to St Medan Golf Course south of Port William. This 9 hole golf course is perfect for novice and experienced players alike and offers breathtaking views over Luce Bay for you to enjoy as you play.
To the south west of the club, is Whithorn, one of Scotland’s earliest Christian sites. Whithorn was home to St. Ninian, who is said to have brought Christianity to Scotland, you can discover more about his story at the Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre.
If all that golfing and sight-seeing has given you a thirst, beer lovers can visit Five Kingdoms Brewery to sample award winning beers which use whole hops, quality malts and fresh local water. Whisky lovers should make their way to Bladnoch Distillery, this 202 year old distillery produces premium single malt whisky in the traditional lowland style.
Wigtownshire Golf Course is a true links 18 hole course on the shores of Luce Bay. A test for those with high and low handicaps, it is a very popular course.
A short drive from the golf course, sits one of Scotland’s best preserved monasteries, Glen Luce Abbey which was founded in 1192. One of the loveliest beaches in the region is also nearby, at Sandhead. This broad expanse of beach is a lovely spot to take in the sea air and relax.
Or if you enjoy gardens, why not visit Glenwhan Gardens? Hewn from rough moorland 40 years ago, this lovely garden is home to many tender plants from around the Southern Hemisphere, together with large collections of rare trees and shrubs, plus it has a lovely tearoom!
You’ll be spoiled for choice at Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club, which has two courses, an 18 hole and a 9 hole which are a mixture of rolling moorland and seaside heath.
Just a couple of miles away, south of the charming seaside town of Portpatrick, are the dramatic clifftop ruins of Dunskey castle, well worth a look. Another of our favourite places to spend time and enjoy a spot of lunch is Logan Botanic Gardens, you may be surprised to see so many exotic plants in a Scottish Garden.
Or why not visit Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway? From here on a clear day you can see England, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. If you have the energy, you can climb the 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse for an even better view!
The last course on your visit, is the outstanding Championship Golf Course at Stranraer. It is well worth making time to play, beautifully designed with a prevailing wind from the sea and some real testing holes.
Another place worth a visit is the beautiful Castle Kennedy Gardens. Whatever the season there is always something to admire on the 75 acre estate.
For angling enthusiasts, Stranraer and District Angling Association offers five different venues for brown and rainbow trout and roach. Or if you fancy taking in some more of the dramatic coastal beauty of the region, the Mull of Galloway Trail is the perfect choice!