Enjoy this small and exclusive pod site with only 3 pods perched up on the Nithsdale hillside looking out to the valley below. Believe us when we say it’s a breathtaking view and a stunning area to visit. There is so much to do and see in the local area from Castles, walks, lochs and water, mountain biking, forests, beaches, wildlife or just local restaurants for a bite to eat.
Here are our favourite things to do in the local area while staying with us!
1. Drumlanrig Castle
At Drumlanrig Castle, you will find something for everyone. Explore the magnificent Pink Palace and its world class art collection on a guided tour. Marvel at the sights and scents in the acres of stunning Victorian gardens to explore. Shriek with delight in the woodland adventure playground. Watch crafters at work in the Stableyard Studios. Delight in the outdoors on our waymarked walks and world class mountain bike trails. Treat yourself in the Castle Gift Shop, Castle Tearoom or the Larchwood Cabin. An episode of the Outlander series was filmed here.
2. Nith Valley Alpacas
Only 5 minutes from the pods site, meet the Alpacas and walk with them in the beautiful grounds of the Capenoch estate, spend some time with these lovely creatures and get a chance to hand feed them, suitable for all the family. (Places are limited so worth getting In touch for availability)
3. Dumfries House
Part of the Prince’s foundation, a 2000 estate and 18th century house. With house tours, café, adventure playground and acres of gardens to explore, well worth a full day out.
4. Ae forest (7stanes bike trails)
Forest walking and cycling trails with a bike hire shop and café. Ae Forest is the perfect place to visit, whether you want to relax with a picnic beside the river, watch woodland wildlife, stroll through the trees or burn off some serious energy on the superb mountain bike trails. The waymarked routes include gentle rambles beside the sparkling Water of Ae as well as longer hikes into the hills with wonderful views. Ae Forest covers an area about the size of 10,000 football pitches.
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-of-ae
https://www.facebook.com/AeBikeshopandCafe
5. Mabie Farm Park/ Mabie Forest (7stanes bike trails)
A farm park with lots of animals to meet and feed, large adventure playground, quad bike rides, zip wires and slides. Café and gift shop. Then next door is the forest with walking and cycling trails, an adventure playground and picnic areas.
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/mabie
6. Beaches
There are plenty of beaches to choose from- Sandyhills, Powillimount, Southerness, Carsethorn, Rockcliffe and Kippford.
7. Loch Ettrick
Wild swimming and paddleboard tuition. The closest Loch to the pod site and popular with wild swimmers. Moffat SUP provide paddleboard sessions here, booking required.
https://www.facebook.com/moffatsup/
8. Grey Mares Tail Waterfall
This nature reserve has a dramatic waterfall. A paradise for botanists & wildlife enthusiasts who come to see the rare upland plants, peregrines, feral goats and, occasionally, mountain hares. A well-maintained steep path from car park to Loch Skene. A spectacular waterfall with walking trail featuring a loch at the top.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/grey-mares-tail-nature-reserve
9. Dalscone Farm Fun
With a large indoor soft play area and fun-filled farm park, Dumfries’ top destination for families! Enjoy the indoor soft play area, meet all of our famous animals, and play in our award-winning farm park! A family run farm park with lots of activities, featuring a café, an impressive toy shop and farm shop as well.
10. Ellisland Farm/ Robert Burns House
Visit the farmhouse built by Robert Burns for himself and his family. Find out more about daily life in the late 18th century in the farmhouse kitchen, and be inspired in Robert’s Spence where many of his famous poems were written. Then take the trip to Dumfries and visit the simple sandstone house that is a key pilgrimage site for Burns’ enthusiast from around the world where the national bard spent his last years. Over the years it has attracted many famous visitors including the poets Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats. View original manuscripts and some of Burns’ personal belongings. See his desk and chair in the study where he created some of his finest works.
With lots to do in the area, Hillead is the perfect base for your next adventure in Dumfries & Galloway!