Articles - Serenity 22 Barend

Sleeps up to 8 - Loch view - Fast WiFi - Pet Friendly - Pub 4 mins walk - Beach 10 mins - Free Golf & Swimming

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Walking & Hiking in Dumfries & Galloway

30 March 202416 March 202522 Barend

We love the walking and hiking near Serenity 22 Barend and in Dumfries & Galloway.

From gentle strolls to more strenuous hikes, there’s rewarding scenery every time!

Here are some of the places we’ve enjoyed going to:

Breakfast outside on a picnic bench overlooking a wild landscape

Top 10 places to eat near the lodge

16 November 202326 March 202522 Barend

It’s actually a top 8 list at the moment! The Crab Pot is coming soon, we’ll review it in April. Also one or two of our other favourite places have closed in the last few months, so we’ll be using it as an excuse to eat out at a few more nearby 😋

This list reflects our tastes and preferences, but we hope you’ll also enjoy going to eat at all of these places!

They’re listed in order of distance from the lodge, and there’s a short summary and a link to our review where applicable so that you can find out more.

Sculpture of a Stag at Bainloch Deer Park Visitor Centre & Bistro

Top 3 “must see” places near Dalbeattie, D&G

11 November 202315 March 202522 Barend

We keep coming back to Dumfries & Galloway because we have favourite places to return to, and keep discovering new attractions we want to see.

Before that, we spent years going on holidays and rarely returning to the same place twice!

So, if you only come to Serenity 22 Barend once, here are our top picks…

View of the stream and Solway from Criffel

Criffel Hike (out-and-back trail) Review

30 October 202316 March 202522 Barend

11 miles NE ~20 min drive DG2 8DH

Criffel is a hill in the historical county of Kirkcudbrightshire, Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. It qualifies as a Marilyn.

The moderately strenuous climb is well worth the effort, rewarding you with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Ensuite Shower room at Serenity 22 Barend

New En-suite and Shower!

30 October 202323 April 202422 Barend

One first priority when we acquired the lodge, in terms of bigger renovations, was a second shower.

The original en-suite bathroom, a relic from the 70s, only had a dated toilet and sink, with no heating! The sink, awkwardly positioned over the stairs, felt a little cramped and limited. It was hard to imagine where a shower could even fit.

But now…

Lunch at Abbey Cottage Tearoom by Sweetheart Abbey

28 October 202316 March 202522 Barend

12 miles NE ~20 min drive DG2 8BY

These small but pleasant tea rooms are right next to the Abbey ruins but are run independently and open at times when the Abbey is closed. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and also a small gift shop too.

Dalbeattie Garden Centre, Shop, Tea Room

27 October 202323 November 202322 Barend

Afternoon Tea at The Olive Tree Tearoom, Dalbeattie

6 miles NW ~12 min drive DG5 4DS

Dalbeattie Garden Centre is reasonably priced and has a good selection of plants. The shop is surprisingly big and has necessary gardening items as well as toys and gifts.

Mackintosh at the Willow Glasgow Visit

26 October 202323 November 202322 Barend

96 miles N 2 hours drive G2 3EX

Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow are the last surviving tea rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and originally opened in 1903. (Not to be confused with The Willow Tea Rooms on Buchanan Street, which are Art Nouveau and Mackintosh themed but not designed by Mackintosh himself.)

For those with a love of all things Mackintosh the tea rooms are a real treat.

Visit to John Paul Jones Cottage Museum

26 October 202328 October 202322 Barend

8 miles E 17 min drive DG2 8BQ

Recommend using What 3 Words to find the entrance: comet.lump.sprouting

If you’re thinking “John Paul Jones – who’s he?” Then you’re not alone. 3 of the 5 people in our group hadn’t heard of him before visiting this little museum in the village of Kirkbean.

It’s the Historic Birthplace Museum of John Paul Jones, the “Father of the American Navy.”

Hill House Box by CR Mackintosh

24 October 20234 March 202522 Barend

123 miles NNW ~2h 30m min drive G84 9AJ

Hill House is over 2 hours drive from Sandyhills, but if you’re a fan of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and/or art nouveau it’s definitely worth it! The house is a true piece of art, and so it’s a fascinating experience to visit.