Situated north of Castle Douglas on the eastern fringe of the Galloway Forest Park, this unique area covering the Ken Valley surrounding the famous Loch Ken consists of the small scenic villages of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, New Galloway, St Johns Town of Dalry, Parton and Corsock.

The Glenkens is an oasis of natural beauty and activities which provide many things to see and do. It is an ideal base for a holiday in Scotland whether activity based or just simply to relax and enjoy the majestic beauty of this diverse area.

Castle Douglas

The land on which Castle Douglas sits was acquired and developed in 1789 by Sir William Douglas. The settlement here was first known as Causewayend, then Carlingwark. Castle Douglas is a planned town, founded in the late l8th Century by Sir William Douglas, a merchant who had made a fortune in Virginia and the West Indies and wished to establish a centre of commerce in his native Galloway.

Although Sir William’s original idea of establishing the cotton industry in Castle Douglas was not successful, the town soon became an important market, with cattle and horse fairs. It has remained a thriving centre for the prosperous local farming area, the home of the annual Stewartry Agricultural Show and the Dumfries and Galloway Horse Show, and has one of the most modern auction marts in Scotland. Recently Castle Douglas became the third ‘themed Town’ in Dumfries & Galloway achieving the title of ‘Castle Douglas – The Food Town’ with an ever-increasingly popular annual Food Fair.

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway has a great deal to offer to the tourist looking for a holiday to remember in Scotland. From Stranraer with its easy transport links to Ireland to Dumfries with it's links with Robert Burns to Gretna Green where a short break can even be combined with a quick hitch, a multitude of outdoor activities will entertain you and quaint towns and villages that will entice you back to enjoy memorable holidays in this magical corner of Scotland.