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The tenderly managed woodlands and countryside have provided a perfect habitat for wildlife and the clean water tumbling from the Lowther Hills has ensured that the River Nith remains one of Scotland's finest salmon and sea trout rivers. The River Nith runs through the estate offering great salmon and sea trout fishing. The water fished is the Upper Nithsdale angling association beat which is 11 miles or so of mostly double bank fishing with over 50 named pools. It takes its share of salmon and grilse, but is best known for its sea trout. The salmon and sea trout seasons are from February 25th to November 20th. There is no fishing for salmon or sea trout on Sundays in Scotland. Small fishing parties for up to 4 can be catered for in the lovely old estate house, this includes bed and breakfast, evening meal if required and packed lunches on request. Important rules -
Day fishing tickets are included in the price of the bed and breakfast although in the latter months there is a small increase. There is a local gillie on hand to offer advice and assistance. For a small fee he will accompany you for a 1/2 day to get you started, meeting you for breakfast and showing you, in his opinion, the best pools for the fly, spinning, worm etc.
There are several golf courses close to the Rigg. These include Sanquhar and Thornhill, the latter being Andrew Coltard's home course to which his father is the president and visitors are most welcome. Thornhill Golf Club is about 17 miles from Rigg House. See their website for current rates and policies. The Royal Troon Golf Club is about 35 miles from us, worth considering if you fancy a challenge. For more information visit their website.
The area is abundant with routes to suit all abilities. Whether you choose to explore the area on your own, or join one of the many organised walks where you can enjoy the company of others, there is always somewhere new to see. Visit the Uppernithsdale events webpage for more information about walking festivals in the area. Brochures for self-led walks available at Rigg House.
Sanquhar - The Royal Borough of Sanquhar is just down the road. Dating back to the eighth century, boasting the oldest post office in the world. Sanquhar Castle ruins are visible from the main road. The 18th Century Tollbooth museum which also doubled as a gaol gives you a glimpse of lives past. Drumlanrig Castle, Gardens & Country Park - surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, Country Park and grand Victorian gardens, Drumlanrig Castle was completed in 1691 by William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry and is one of the first and most important renaissance buildings in the grand manner in Scotland. Steeped in history, this unique and historic Scottish Castle is filled with treasures. It's Estate and Gardens is one of the principal visitor attractions in South Scotland offering Castle tours, guided walks and the best sporting opportunities in South Scotland. The historic Scottish castle, constructed from local pink sandstone and set in a hill (Drum) at the end of a long (lang) ridge (rig), affords visitors beautiful views across Nithsdale to rolling hills and woodlands. This ancient Douglas stronghold is brimming with treasures; fine paintings and furniture; carvings; tapestries and silverware dating from a bygone age of opulence. Museum of Lead Mining - at Wanlockhead where 300 years of Gold and Lead mining history have been brought to life.There are guided tours of the mine and the miners cottages. You can pan for gold or take advantage of one of the other educational opportunities they have to offer. There's something for all ages. Burns House & Robert Burns Centre - See the chair where Scotland's national poet wrote his last poems and manuscripts or take a trip to the award winning visitor centre to see the extensive exhibition dedicated to Robert Burns.
The Crown Inn - a most welcoming place for a wee dram. Full of local characters. The area is abundant with good restaurants, bistros, pubs, cafes and tea rooms. Holland House Home Leisure & Garden Centre - open Tuesday to Sunday serves good quality evening meals in its restaurant between 6pm and 9pm.
There is a Farmers Market at Drumlanrig Castle on the last Sunday in the month. For wildlife lovers, there are red kites, wild black grouse and buzzards in the area, and every chance of spotting a golden eagle. Keep your eyes open, you may even spot a kingfisher or an otter. A little further afield is the Galloway Kite Trail, around Loch Ken where hides and feeding stations have been established to enable visitors to view the red kites. Also worth a visit is the famous Electric Brae on the A719 south of Dunure near Ayr. Pull into the layby, if you were to release your brakes, you would mysteriously roll uphill. The stone placed in the layby explains this curious optical illusion. |
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