Dumfries and Galloway Spring 2026

Hello all.

Just a quick review of the recent trip to Scotland with 7 vans meeting up for the week. One new couple joining us for the first time, Jocelyn and Brian. It was good to meet you both and we hope to see you at future events.

Wendy and I had stopped off at Dumfries on the way to watch our son-in-law play in the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra concert. The concert was also attended by Princess Anne, Princess Royal, patron of the SFO.

We continued on to the Caravan and Motorhome Garlieston Club Site the next day where we were fortunate to have a harbour side pitch and absolutely brilliant weather with clear blue skies but a cool wind.

For those who have not been, the site is adjacent to a small village with wonderful views out to sea. Watching the tide come in and go out very quickly became a favourite pastime along with watching the wild swimmers. It is a very nice site with good facilities.

Cathy Cowan handed out her much requested, excellent shortbread to each van and very nice it was too!

The first night we got together and had a glass or two of wine and general chit chat. Wendy and I gave out a pictures quiz for the vans and a Dingbats sheet to while away the time. We arranged to go as a group to the local pub on the second night. They were very accommodating and provided excellent food and service.

During the stay some of the group went to the local village and the award winning cafe (The Hive). Coffee and cake was enjoyed along with other delicious treats.

Brian and Jocelyn went off on their bikes exploring the area, including a visit to Logan Botanical Gardens. A good relaxing start to the week was had by all attending.

We then moved across to Sandhead with Jim taking the lead. This was fortunate for us as there were road closures along the way. We stopped off for lunch at Port William at a cafe that is run by locals to raise money for inshore rescue boat. It’s called The View, and indeed the view was brilliant through the big windows, watching the sea birds diving for the fish. Once again we enjoyed good food and great service. (I think Cathy and Jim had influence as it’s a fairly local venue for them, especially Jim who visits on his cycle rides with his cycling group.)

When we arrived at Sandhead the staff were helpful and quickly booked us all in. The electric was on a new meter system with an app to download before any power was available which proved a little challenging, but we were soon connected up.

The site area we were in is at the far end of the site with easy access to a massive sandy beach ideal for taking the dog on and walking into the village.

There is a well stocked village store in Sandhead along with a good pub.

We were again blessed with excellent weather and able to walk and cycle as well as sit about with a glass or two and chat with friends. We had a group meal in the on site bar where the food and service were again excellent. On the last day before the end of the meet we gave out the answers to the quizzes.

We would like to thank all who attended for your company and a nice relaxing time was had by all.