Sneaking off for a few days in D&G, probably more the Western end. In the past I have gone for the more Spartan camping, pods etc. but I fancy something a bit more expensive as a post Xmas treat. Any recommendations for solo bike friendly accommodation in the area?
Not so much western, but right next to Dalbeattie - barend holiday lodges
https://barendholidaylodges.uk/
I have always fancied this place myself:
https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/castle-of-park-5748/#Overview
With hot tubs!
This is right next to Kirroughtree. The only downer is that it is quite "family friendly" but that might be your thing.
Conifer Lodges - Solid Luxury - Newton Stewart - Dumfries & Galloway
bookmarking!
Well, proper treat would be Glenapp Castle 😉
Gatehouse of Fleet any good? The three little bothies at Galloway View are little comfy 2 person chalets with a shared laundry room for outdoor gear and cleanup etc. Much nicer and fully equipped rather than a normal camping pod but not a huge family chalet. They will also have secure bike storage somewhere (the bigger chalets have their own laundry / bike rooms and the owner bikes and runs).
https://www.gallowayview.co.uk/beths-bothy
The seaview snugs at Laggan outdoor centre are similar but I don't think they have kitchen facilities.
It's been quite a few years since my last trip but most of my weekends of riding in D&G I've stayed at the Conifers lodges in Minnigaff/Newton Stewart that hels recommended. I've never been in a cabin with a hot tub but the accommodation there seemed just right for a short mountain biking trip.
Some PR that just landed that might be relevant:
Mountain bikers and other forest visitors are being advised that the Dalbeattie Richorn (7Stanes) car park will be closed at the beginning of February.
The move will allow Forestry and Land Scotland, which looks after the 7Stanes trails and the surrounding forests, to carry out harvesting operations.
It is hoped that weather permitting the operations will be completed in time to re-open the car park for Easter.
Katharina Koehler, FLS’ Area Services Visitor Manager, said;
“Unfortunately, the forests here have fallen prey to tree disease Phytophthora ramorum, which mainly affects larch, generally killing the trees.
“There is no known cure or remedy for this disease. However, felling infected trees helps to slow the movement of the disease to new, unaffected forests.
“For public safety, we will have MtB diversions in place from Dalbeattie Townwood but car parking spaces here are very limited.
“We would ask forest visitors to park with consideration to local residents and minimise any impact on businesses by parking in designated areas only.
“While these essential forest works are being completed at Dalbeattie visitors may be interested in exploring our other nearby MTB destinations at Mabie Forest, Forest of Ae and Kirroughtree.”
Works are scheduled to be completed by 31 March.
https://barholm-centre.co.uk/ in Creetown, sefcatering accommodation. Stayed a couple times, comfortable, good value, very accommodating people.
Conifers if you want a chalet style room. Cree bridge hotel for a conventional hotel.
There's a good selection of good bnbs too.
I'm in newton stewart so feel free to PM if you have any questions
There’s a very nice restaurant just west of GofF called Gather which has a range of boutiquey accommodation options:
https://www.lagganlife.co.uk/stay/
Looking for a centrally located smart largeish self catering place for 4 or 5 of us to base ourselves for a 4 day gravel riding trip in May, aiming to do routes around Lochs Trool, Dee and Clatteringshaws Loch type stuff, any suggestions?
Barend is excellent
Barend is good. Are the pub and restaurant still open?
I remember that some of the lodges are owned by the site and some are private. You can rent both, as people rent out their private ones.
Some good suggestions, much appreciated
If wind up in newton shout if you want a beer.
Ive stayed at woodbank before i moved here a long time ago
Thanks, will definitely give you a shout. Woodbank is full on the dates we are looking at but we have a couple of alternatives.