WILDLIFE & BIRDWATCHING:
Otters and Kingfishers: We have otters in the local area and they can often be heard at the bottom of the garden. They sound just like a squeaky bicycle wheel. There is a purpose made otter hide at the Wood of Cree Reserve, four miles up the road from Minnigaff. They can be seen regularly, but the best time to see them is just before sundown.
Kingfishers can be seen in the front garden, and a set of binoculars are always in the dining room to assist in seeing them.

Ospreys are once again to be seen in this part of Scotland. Clatteringshaws Loch can offer sightings. Clatteringshaws is about 10 miles from Villa Cree, up the A713. It has a visitor information centre and is a very picturesque spot. From spring to autumn, you can also watch live CCTV footage at Wigtown County Buildings of a nearby osprey's nest.
There is an RSPB Reserve at the Wood of Cree, four miles from Villa Cree, north on the A714.
There are wild goats to be seen, red kites, red deer, and many, many other species of wild-life in the surrounding area.
It is a veritable haven for the wild-life enthusiast.

FISHING:
The river Cree is a respectable salmon, sea-trout and brown trout river. The runs of salmon are present all season, with spring fish present from opening day (March 1st), although not in the great numbers as years gone by.
The main runs start in late August through to the end of the season(14th October). Fly fishing is the norm, a 14foot double handed rod will suffice, but worm and spinner are allowed in high water conditions.
Casting tuition is available for fly fishing by Steve, for both single and double handed casting styles. Prices available on request.
The Cree was once a very prolific sea-trout river with large catches and large fish, but like all other rivers, these days have passed us by, although given the right water conditions the Cree can still offer a good night's sea-trout fishing.
Tickets are available across the Cree Bridge at Galloway Guns and Tackle shop - Tel: Tony Dickenson 01671 403 404.
Website: www.gallowaygunsandtackle.co.uk . Night tickets must be purchased before the shop closes at 5.00pm.
Other rivers in the area include the Bladnoch, Luce, Stinchar, Nith ( a river that gets stuffed with fish from August on), Annan, Urr, Kirtle Water, Girvan and Ayr. The fish Galloway website will offer further assistance. www.fishgalloway.co.uk
We can provide lob worms given 48 hours notice at £28.00 per kilo. (Non refundable once ordered.)
Home tied flies are also available.

SHOOTING:
Commercial shooting is expensive in the area (£37.50 per bird) and is mainly sown up by large syndicates in Stranraer.
Tony Dickenson at Galloway Guns and Tackle Shop can offer more advice on this, and on the availability of deer stalking.
(Contact as above.)
Wildfowl shooting at Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve can be arranged by contacting the Town Hall in Wigtown, where relatively inexpensive shooting can be obtained.

GOLF:
Within walking distance of Villa Cree is Newton Stewart Golf Club - Tel: 01671402172 | Website: www.newtonstewartgolfclub.com
There are many other golf courses in the area, offering some excellent and challenging golf, from 9-hole links courses with wonderful seaviews, to 18-hole championship golf courses. See the VisitScotlandD&G website for more infomation.

MOUNTAIN BIKING:
We are right in the heart of mountain bike country, with 2 of the newly opened “Seven Stanes” mountain bike forest trails, just up the road from Villa Cree, at Kirroughtree and Glen Trool. These are specifically designed for mountain bikers, offering different routes around Galloway Forest Park, with varying degrees of challenges, and taking you through some breath-taking scenery. There are even toilets and water filling stations allocated to the Seven Stanes.

WALKING & RAMBLING:
There are innumerable beautiful walks in and around the area. Coupled with mountain bike trails, the Seven Stanes has some lovely walks. The Wood of Cree is also spectacular, incorporating Glen Trool, with spectacular white water rapids, and forest walks.
The Southern Upland Way, coast to coast across the south of Scotland, starts at Portpatrick a few miles up the road, again offering spectacular walks for the intrepid walker, with short sections of the path making a good day's outing.
The Newton Stewart Walking Festival, in early May, lasts for a week. Varying degrees of difficulty are offered, from the novice to the hardened cross country fell walker. See website www.newtonstewartwalkfest.com for further details.
Be sure to book your accommodation early as it gets very busy at this time.

Packed lunches can be made up by Sheila if ordered the night before.