Chipperkyle is 1 mile from Kirkpatrick-Durham, which was established in 1783 and is a good example of a late 18th century planned village; visit Benny Gillies Antiquarian Bookshop and Moonstone Miniatures, (miniature houses and shops to see and bits to buy). Castle Douglas is 4 miles away and still has a cattle and sheep market. It is a bustling centre which has good Scottish bakers, a local fish shop and some great butchers selling Galloway meat and still a pork butcher at the bottom of the town.There are excellent shops for browsing and buying and a very good lunch/coffee spot at the Designs Gallery. Galloway has so much to offer in the way of arts and crafts, potteries, the Artists' town of Kirkcudbright, mountain biking, cycling, walking, sailing, golf, gardens, castles, bird watching - red kites, fishing, beaches, shooting…but most of all it is the slower pace of life, the beauty, peace and wonderful light that make everyone want to return. Just come and see. Now in its 6th year Spring Fling is the weekend of 24th - 26th May 2008 when the doors of farm steadings, village halls and art studios are flung open for everyone to enjoy the skills and talents of 87 of todays artists and craftsmen. A really inspiring weekend with a great brochure and well organized routes to follow. Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival runs from 23rd to 31st May. |