The picturesque scenery of this area is very popular with walkers and photographers and many find themselves simply staring in awe at the amazing natural beauty of the area.
The formal beginnings of Dalbeattie were in 1781 when George Maxwell of Munches and Alexander Copeland of Kingsgrange, [also known as the Copeland’s of Colliston], decided to encourage the development of the town by feuing their property. Every feu consisted of a piece of land, fronting a street, large enough to build a house and grow vegetables and keep chickens and pigs. Each feu also had the right to cut turves [peat] from Aucheninnes Moss.
Dalbeattie Granite works was established in 1820 and was situated in Craignair Street, following a direct route from Craignair Quarry which occupies a prominent position above the town and is the locality's major landmark. Large, good quality Granite blocks were transformed in this yard to form many ornamental monuments - one can be viewed at the Cross in the centre of Dalbeattie.
The town today has three local golf courses and many facilities for Tennis, Swimming and, of course, fishing.
Dalbeattie has a proud association with the Titanic, the ill fated ship which sank on its maiden voyage in 1912. The First Officer
William McMaster Murdoch was a native of Dalbeattie and today there exists a fascinating Titanic Trail that you can follow in the town. Click here for more information. Golf around Dalbeattie
Golf is a major attraction in the area. we have special arrangements with several local golf clubs and the list is growing.
Dalbeattie 9 holes (5710 yards for 18) short game course great views
Castle Douglas 9 Holes (5400 yds for 18)
Dumfries and Galloway 18 holes (6309 yds) historic parkland course in immaculate condition
Kirkcudbright 18 holes (6602 yds) Picturesque Parkland course
Moffat 18 holes (5218 yds) Moorland course with varied challenges
New Galloway 9 holes (4540 yds for 18) Great views over Loch Ken
Newton Stewart 18 holes (5903 yds) Scenic Parkland course offering a variety of challenges.
Thorhhill 18 holes (6085 yds) Mixture of Park and Heathland with magnificany views
Portpatrick 18 Holes (5913 yds) A true links course offering a good test at all levels
Lagganmore 18 Holes (5970 yds) Interesting course layout containing some testing holes
Southerness 18 holes (6554 yds) One of the finest least known links course
Solway Links 18 holes (4701 yds) Pay and play great value
All of these course can be booked through the hotel. Please call us on 01556 610345 for full details. Special Rates are available for parties to include golf, Dinner Bed and Breakfast.
Walking:
Walking in and around Dalbeattie is a joy. Through the beautiful Colliston park following the Dalbeattie Burn as it flows through the town to join the River Urr at Dub O' Hass, where the origional port was situated, five miles inland from the coast. You may catch of Grey Heron, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and the odd Otter.
Dalbaettie Forest, at the Southern End of the town, and extending six miles to the Colvend Coast, offers a choice of graded and marked walks. The serenity of the forest is only disturbed by the calls of Robin, Yellowhammer and Nuthatch. You will see Red Squirrel, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Lizard.
The Dalbeattie Wildlife Trail produced by Dalbeattie Community Initative provids suggestions for walks.
Mountain Biking:
Dalbeattie is an intrical part of the 7stanes mountain biking facility and hosts the annual Balbeattie Hard Rock Challenge which includes both biking and running. We have facilities for secure storage of bikes. See the 7 Stanes website for full details at http://www.7stanes.co.uk
Fishing:
Dalbeattie Angling Association (www.fishgalloway.co.uk) offer both river and reservoir fishing. Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Salmon can be caught with the best fishing in Late August into Autumn. The Reservoir offers Rainbow Trout and Wild Brown Trout.
Prices vary depending upon the time of the year and day and weekly tickets are available through the hotel.
Spring Fair:
In 2008 a major art event is being held with exhibitions in Dalbeattie and the surrounding area. This is Scotland's premiere art and craft open studio event. See the official Spring Fling Website
Sweetheart Abbey:
In 1273 Lady Devorgilla dedicated Sweetheart Abbey to her late husband, a founder of Balliol College, Oxford. They were so devoted to each other that she had her husband's heart embalmed and placed in a cask which, she carried with her until her death some 20 years later. At the time of her death, the Cistercian monks who lived in the Abbey, named the abbey "Sweetheart" in her memory. The abbey is located about 5 miles for Dalbeattie.
