Visit The Machars, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

The Machars of Galloway is a hidden gem in South West Scotland. It is a fantastic place for a break or family holiday.

There are beaches, hikes, mountain bikes, stargazing in the Galloway Dark Sky Park, rock pooling, wildlife, delicious local food, spectacular gardens, tasty pubs and pints... on your doorstep. There is something for everyone!

Our family has been visiting The Machars peninsula, south of Newton Stewart, for years and we hope the insights in our Galloway Guides will persuade you to visit, too, and help you to make the most of your stay, if you decide to visit.

If you like what you see, then please take a look at our cosy cottage, Burnside. It is a traditional, 19th century farm workers’ house near Port William. It sleeps five in three bedrooms with an enclosed garden for sitting out in the summer and a wood burner with an unlimited supply of wood to keep you toasty in the winter. The cottage is located a mile from the sea in a tranquil valley, hedged by fields. It’ll just be you, the wildlife and the view. And we would love to host you.

Glorious Galloway

The ‘Machars’ of Galloway is a word that comes from the Gaelic, 'Machair', meaning 'coastal plain'. The area is known for its coastline, pretty ports, sweeping fields and moorland, Scotland’s book town (Wigtown) and most southerly distillery (Bladnoch). The Machars, together with the nearby Rhins of Galloway (which includes Stranraer, Loch Ryan and Portpatrick) and the Galloway Hills have a rich history of religion, smuggling and conflict between Scotland and England, as well as a tradition of fine food and drink and a hearty welcome. The picturesque fishing villages of the Isle of Whithorn and Garlieston, and the historic Royal Burgh of Whithorn, the site of the first Christian church in Scotland, lie to the south of the Machars, while Newton Stewart, the gateway to the Galloway Hills, sits in the north.

In the Machars you will find rocky coves, sandy beaches, woodland rambles and coastal walks abound. The Galloway Hills; Galloway Forest Park; the 7 Stanes mountain biking centre at Kirroughtree; the activity centre at Loch Ken; the gardens at Castle Kennedy, Glenwhan and Port Logan, as well as Cream O’Galloway and other attractions are within reach. It is ideal for those seeking action and adventure, but equally suited to those who want to getaway and recharge in a stunning natural environment and families who need to reconnect as we hurtle through our busy lives.

We hope this website helps you plan a wonderful breakway off the beaten track, way out west in a little known area of Galloway.