So Much to See and Do
Blackaddie House Hotel is set in the idyllic countryside of Dumfries & Galloway on the beautiful banks of the River Nith. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. It is also the perfect base to explore Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire. Here is a flavour of the many things you can see and do in the area.
Blackaddie is a perfect spot for the fisherman almost all year round. The river Nith is a significant Scottish Salmon river and it flows at the bottom of our garden. It’s not only good for Salmon though as it always used to be well known for Sea Trout and wild Brown Trout, Grayling are there too.
The Southern Upland Wayis Britain’s first official coast to coast long distance foot-path. It starts at Portpatrick on the west coast of Scotland and goes 214 miles (344km) to Cockburnspath on the eastern seaboard and runs right past the end of our drive.
One of the UK’s newest and most beautiful driving routes, the South West Coastal 300 passes the end of our driveway. A stunningly scenic 300 mile loop that will take your from the rollings hills and forests of South West Scotland to its enchanting lochs and coastlines. The breathtaking beauty of South West Scotland will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Golfers may take advantage of Sanquhar Golf Club situated just 300 meters from the hotel. This is a very attractive 9-hole parkland course with good views of the surrounding countryside. The course offers a challenge for low handicappers while being enjoyable for moderate golfers. Day tickets are available for visitors.
Sanquhar’s post office is over 300 year’s old and dates back to 1712 when it started out as a staging post for runners moving mail about the country on foot and horseback.
Crawick Multiverse is a major land restoration project to transform a former open cast coal mine into a spectacular artland and public amenity. The ecology of the site, and materials found within it, inspired the design which is based around space, astronomy and cosmology.
The Mennock Pass offers some of the most stunning scenery in the region. Set in the Lowther Hills, the pass twists and turns alongside Mennock Water. You may well encounter some traffic jams in the form of flocks of sheep on the road as they wander across it to find the best grazing!
The Museum of Lead Mining is set in the picturesque village of Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland. The museum tells the story of the 18th century lead mine and shows how the miners really lived. You can even go inside the mine and see for yourself!
The majestic Drumlanrig Castle is less than a 20 minute drive from Blackaddie and it is well worth a visit. One of the most spectacular examples of 17th Century Renaissance architecture in Scotland. The castle is surrounded by 40 acres of beautifully tended gardens and are a lovely place to stroll.
Dumfries House is an 18th Estate and House, set in 2000 acres, was saved by His Royal Highness Prince Charles in 2007 and has since been beautifully restored. It houses a stunning collection of Chippendale furniture.
Blackstone Clydesdales is a farm where you get the chance to experience the magic of these beautiful animals up close. You can even go for a ride if you are not scared of heights!
Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet, built Ellisland in 1788 for himself and his family. It is an idyllic spot and like Blackaddie house is also set on the beautiful banks of the river Nith. Admire the view from his study, where many of his great works were penned.
The Scottish Industrial Railway Museum restores and demonstrates unique and historically significant industrial steam and diesel locomotives. You can see the locomotives up close and even take a short ride in the brake van of one of the steam locomotives!
The Dark Sky Observatory is situated on a stunning hilltop site on the edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. It has some of the darkest skies in the UK and has two large telescopes through which to observe the night sky. There are a variety of visit options available which you can find on their website.
The Grey Mare’s Tail is one of the UK’s highest waterfalls at 60 metres high. If you are feeling energetic you can walk to the top and enjoy stunning views over Loch Skeen. You may see mountain goats on the way up, these nimble locals are often perched in the most precarious of spots. Or for the bird watchers among you, peregrine falcons, ospreys and ring ouzels can be seen!