Tumbling Banks

Tumbling Banks lies within Kirkland Estate, which is a 300 acre farm. It is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with views to the Lake District, the Isle of Mann and the Moffat hills. At night in dry weather the sky is crystal clear.

The cottage is close to the village of Colvend and is a practical base from which to visit South West Scotland, relax and chill out or as a base for the active holiday option. On the farm there is stabling and grazing facilities for two horses, with access to a rubber surfaced arena, show jumps and a small cross country course (weather permitting).

Tumbling Banks has been converted from its previous use as a granary. Downstairs sleeps 2 and the externally accessed loft sleeps 2 more. A large French window leads out to a patio (with barbecue facilities) and access to a small tree plantation which you can walk through. It is double glazed throughout and has modern appliances within, giving snug, comfortable accommodation with adjustable electric heaters in each room. Up to 2 dogs are welcome but are not allowed in bedrooms.

There is use of a recently built tarmac tennis court by arrangement with the owner. On site Kirkland Estate has an abundance of wildlife, including roe deer, hare, foxes, red squirrel and various species of bird such as buzzards, sparrow hawks, herons, swallows, finches, woodpeckers, Canadian geese and barn owls. Owing to the variety of habitats on the farm there are several plants indigenous to South West Scotland, including 6 different kinds of orchid, found on the hill, in peaty areas and by the Black Loch. A variety of tracks give walkers easy access to the estate.

Close by is Rockcliffe beach, which is popular with families as it is safe, has rock pools as well as sand, and the sea is warm, heated by the Gulf Stream and the long shallow beach the tide has travelled over. Sandyhills is just two miles away with a long stretch of golden sand. The National Trust owns the coastal area between Sandyhills and Rockcliffe and maintains the walkers' path, which winds above cliffs and down to smugglers coves. There is also the attractive Jubilee path going from Rockcliffe to Kippford, which is a very picturesque estuary port for sailing boats. Birdwatchers may also visit the RSPB reserve at Merse Head and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Caerlaverock, famous for the huge flocks of Barnacle Geese that visit between October and April.

Other local amenities include mountain or leisure biking in the Dalbeattie forest, three golf courses at Colvend, Barnbarroch and Southerness which welcome visitors, sailing, pony trekking, a deer park, Threave National Trust Gardens, castles and local craft centres. There are art galleries and National Trust properties at Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas. Both towns are picturesque and well worth visiting.
The Colvend Corner Shop is only half a mile away and sells general groceries and local produce, there is also lunchtime café nextdoor. Rockcliffe has a tea and a cake shop. There is a hotel nearby which has a popular bar and restaurant for informal meals. Kipford also has two great hotels which serve bar meals and have good views onto the tidal estuary. Colvend church is a stone's throw from Tumbling Banks and welcomes visitors.