Less than 45 min drive

Convenient points of interest located just a short, scenic drive away from your base at Serenity 22.

A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.

Caddie’s Cove Bistro: Relaxed Dining at Colvend Golf Club

22 Barend

Located at Colvend Golf Club, Caddie’s Cove Bistro is just a 4 min drive or 20 min walk from Serenity.

Quick info for your visit:

  • Distance from Serenity (22 Barend): 1.3 miles S (~4 min drive / 20 min walk)
  • Location: Colvend, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie, DG5 4PY
  • Food: Coffee & Cake, Breakfasts, Light Bites, and Evening Meals (also licensed bar)
  • Dogs: Allowed in the outside seating areas.
  • Local Tip: After you reach Sandyhills, there’s no footpath up the half mile of the A710, so walk on the right facing the traffic and be careful!

Caddie’s Cove is just a 4 min drive from Serenity 22. Check Availability

We popped to Caddie’s Cove Bistro for lunch after a coastal walk. As it’s located in the golf club, we weren’t sure what it would be like, but we received a warm welcome. It was midweek and fairly quiet; the restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere and the staff were friendly.

We sat by the window and enjoyed the surroundings. There’s outdoor seating too but it wasn’t quite warm enough when we visited.

A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.
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A wide, quiet sandy beach shoreline along the circular coastal route section of the Mersehead trail.

Barn Owls, Barnacle Geese & Barefoot on the Beach at RSPB Mersehead

22 Barend

I’m not really sure why, but for some reason we only visited this RSPB reserve for the first time this spring, even though it is literally a few minutes drive from the Lodge.  It’s amazing – I can’t believe we haven’t been before! The whole area is beautiful, and the wildlife is abundant. The visitor centre is small but very well thought out and has everything you need.  It was a really good afternoon out. 

A flat walking path goes through open wetlands and wild grass fields at RSPB Mersehead reserve.
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A pack of gravel cyclists racing on a dusty dirt trail, with the event title text "The Gralloch" and a stag logo overlaid.

The Gralloch Gravel Race

22 Barend

The UCI Gravel World Series comes to Galloway Forest Park, 40 minutes from Serenity 22

Quick info for your visit:

  • Event: The Gralloch — UCI Gravel World Series
  • Location: Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway
  • Distance from Serenity 22: 40 minutes drive (~28 miles)
  • Race distance: 111km, 1,761m climbing
  • Sportive options: The Stag (111km) and The Fawn (53km)
  • Ultra: Genesis Gralloch Ultra (323km)
  • 2026: 15-17 May
  • Next edition: The Gralloch returns 14-16 May 2027, aligning with the traditional UCI Gravel World Series calendar.

Dumfries and Galloway doesn’t often make international headlines. The Gralloch is changing that.

Britain’s first UCI Gravel World Series event, The Gralloch draws riders from across the globe to tackle over 110km of relentless gravel through the Galloway Forest Park – one of the most beautiful and least-known riding regions in the UK. Over 80% of the route runs through the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, an unspoilt landscape designated the UK’s first Dark Sky Park.

For guests staying at Serenity 22, it’s well within reach. Gatehouse of Fleet – the race’s start and finish – is around 40 minutes by car along the A710 and A75.

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