This Visit Scotland 3 star graded cottage has a heated swimming pool (May - September inclusive, available by prior arrangement with the owners) and tennis court (available by prior arrangement with the owners) and access to the footpaths over the owner's farm ( Kirkland) and there is also easy access to the Forestry Commission Dalbeattie Woodlands which has attractive walks and also mountain bike trails. Dalbeattie Woodlands form part of the 7Stane Forestry Commission Mountain Biking Trails and the other trails are all within easy reach.
Rockcliffe is a short walk from the cottage and has an attractive beach and further access to cliff walks or the Jubilee Path leading to the busy sailing village of Kippford. The local area has plentiful opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Kirkland Farm is managed by Clive and Faith Sinclair with the intention of promoting wildlife and a wide diversity of flora and fauna. There are in total more than 50 distinct interventions under management to achieve this objective. The key partners in this project are: the Scottish Government (through the Scottish Rural Development Programme), Scottish National Heritage, the Scottish Agricultural College, and the RSPB. Please feel free to chat over items of interest with Clive or Faith.
Surveys of the farm have been made covering: birds, flowers, Dragon Flies, and of three extant sites of archaeological interest. Copies of these surveys are placed in Tumbling Bank.
Kirkland and Torbay hills are characterised by SNH as 'Lowland Heath', and contain a rich mosaic of different habitats. There are 7 different kinds of orchids on these hills (frog, fragrant, greater butterfly, early purple, common spotted, heath spotted and northern marsh), two kinds of heather, as well as blaeberries. In June, the hills are covered with bluebells.
There are six small woodland plantations on the farm, which have been stocked with native hard wood species of tree.
On the 14th of April, 8 Swallows arrive from South Africa. On the 16th of September, its time to go south again. We usually count about 35 on the way out.
On the farm, there is a vibrant population of Roe Deer, as well as badgers, foxes, voles, field mice, hares and lizards. And otters call in at certain times of the year.
The farm is host to a fold of Highland Cows, and a flock of Romney Sheep. Romney sheep are renowned for the quality of their wool and good meat.
There are in all 5 horses on the farm. Oscar is the oldest : 36.
We can provide stabling for guests with horses, and offer access to more than 30 cross country jumps, the menage, and we can advise on the hundreds of miles of near traffic free hacking all accessible from our farm. Coarse fishing (perch and pike) can be organised on the farm's waters.
Kirkland Farm, Kirkland Farmhouse, and Tumbling Bank have a mains electrical supply but one which is supplemented by renewable generation units : a 5 KW Wind Turbine, and Solar panels.
POSTCODE: DG5 4QE
Tumbling Banks is let Saturday - Saturday. Short breaks are accepted if within 28 days of arrival.
Accommodation over two floors: Ground floor; Open plan Living room/Dining room/Kitchen, Bathroom, Cloakroom, twin bedroom. First Floor: Twin bedroom accessed by an external stair.
Services: Electric central heating* Bed linen provided (please bring your own towels)* Electric cooker* Fridge with freezer box* Microwave* Mobile phone reception* BT Broadband inc sports channel & Wifi* TV with DVD Player* Parking* garden with patio, furniture and BBQ* Bicycle storage* Dogs welcome* A tumble drier can be made available* Use of Tennis Court & Heated Swimming Pool (by prior arrangement with the owners).
EXTRAS: £20 charge per dog per week.
To see more pictures visit www.tumblingbanks.co.uk