Central Galloway has a great deal to offer visitors. There are several fine small towns that serve as excellent bases, whether you choose Castle Douglas, Gatehouse of Fleet, Dalbeattie, or picturesque Kirkcudbright. The Solway Coastline is a delight throughout, with sandy bays, shimmering estuaries, teeming bird reserves and enjoyable clifftop rambles - many with views across the water to Cumbria.
Inland the landscape becomes increasingly hilly and richly wooded as you head north into the Glenkens. The large village of New Galloway is the centre here, and with beautiful Loch Ken and dramatic Threave Castle there are plenty of possible backdrops for your first sighting of the majestic Red Kite which, since its reintroduction, has become the symbol of this landscape.