The varied landscape and seascape of the Borgue area makes it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities.

Alpaca Trekking

Upper Senwick farm has alpaca trekking sessions where you can take a guided walk around the farmland with an alpaca.

Bathing

There are sandy bathing beaches with car parking and toilet facilities at the Dhoon and Brighouse Bay. There are several small, sandy bays on the section of coast between Kirkandrews and Carrick, accessible by crossing farm land from Kirkandrews or the coast road. Carrick Bay also has a shallow, sandy beach

Bird Watching

The Borgue Coast is home to a variety of gulls, ducks, divers, plovers, waders and other coastal birds. Gannets and terns may be seen diving for fish. The Borgue countryside provides a range of habitats for many bird species in the woods, farm lands and the characteristic ‘Gorsey Knolls’ that give shelter from the storms and strong winds blowing in from Wigtown Bay. There is a link below to a list of birds that are seen in the area. Birds of prey include buzzard, red kite, kestrel, sparrowhawk, peregrine, barn owl, tawny owl and the occasional hen harrier.

Camping

There is a camp site at Balmangan Farm (Solway View) with views over Kirkcudbright Bay. The holiday park at Brighouse Bay has facilities for camping and caravans. There are also Seaward camp site just outside Borgue on the road to Kirkcudbright and a camp site overlooking the town in Kirkcudbright.

Children’s Activities

Cream o’ Galloway ice cream farm and activity centre is at Rainton Farm, close to Borgue. It offers a range of activities for younger people, home-made ice cream and cheese and a cafe as well as hiking, dog walking and cycle trails.
The Cocoa Bean Chocolate Factory is just north of Borgue. It has a chocolate workshop and indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

Cycling

National Cycle Route 7 passes through Borgue and along the coast road before turning northwards. It is a popular route, especially in the summer months. The other roads around Borgue are also quiet and scenic – perfect for exploring the area by bicycle.

Deer Park Safaris

Gledpark Farm near Borgue runs quad bike trailer safaris for small private groups. Take a look at the web site for more information.

Fishing

Fishing is popular from the rocky headlands along the Borgue coast. There are boat launching facilities at Brighouse Bay holiday park.

Golf

There is an 18 hole championship golf course at Brighouse Bay. There are other nearby golf courses in Kirkcudbright, Cally Palace and Gatehouse of Fleet

Fishing

Fishing is popular from the rocky headlands along the Borgue coast. There are boat launching facilities at Brighouse Bay holiday park.

Kayaking and Canoeing

The Borgue coast has some interesting features that are best seen from the water. There are a number of easily accessible beaches where kayaks, canoes or other small boats can be launched. The Dhoon and Brighouse Bay have car parking and public toilets. The coast to the west of Brighouse Bay has large cliffs, sea caves and some pinnacles. Sea birds and peregrines nest along this section of coast.
Isle Mouth Bay, at the end of the surfaced road towards Carrick, is a good place from which to explore the Islands of Fleet. The Murray Isles are the two west-most islands and are owned by the National Trust as a reserve for breeding sea birds and seals.

Rock Climbing

The sea cliffs around the Mull of Ross are popular with local climbers. There are climbs in all grades along with the added excitement of a large tidal range and some loose rock. There is also a small wall with a few boulder problems at Carrick Wall which is at the end of Isle Mouth Beach near Carrick.

Walking

There is a network of footpaths all over the Borgue area. Most of these cross farm land so be aware of farm animals and keep dogs under control. Dumfries & Galloway Council has defined a network of ‘Core Paths‘. This is not however a well-travelled area and you may find that some paths are difficult to follow. The path from Mill Hall to Senwick through Senwick Woods is easy to follow and well worth walking in late spring when the bluebells are in flower.

The coast path from Brighouse to Carrick is fairly rough but very enjoyable. It passes through Kirkandrews and goes past Castle Haven Iron Age fort then on to Knockbrex House. The circuit of the Mull of Ross and Meikle Ross from Brighouse Bay is reasonably well signposted and gives spectacular views of the sea cliffs around Fox Craig and Slack Heugh Bay as well as views across Ross Island and Kirkcudbright Bay.