Gatehouse of Fleet is a lovely little village with only a handful of shops, but some definite points of interest and well worth a visit.
The picturesque main street has retained its old fashioned charm, with an assortment of small, mostly independent shops and cafés.
At the end of the street is the imposing Clock Tower. Behind this is the Murray Arms, a public house where Robert Burns penned his first draft of ‘Scots Wha Hae’
There’s an archway off the main street that we ventured through. We found small but very pretty gardens, and a path that leads over a stream and out onto large playing fields and a children’s play area.
Another attraction is the Mill on the Fleet, an old Cotton Mill and Waterwheel dating back to the mid 1700s. The restored Mill houses an historical exhibition including an impressive model of the village in the 18th Century. They have assorted arts, and crafts and gifts for sale too. There’s also an extensive second hand book shop that you could easily spend a whole afternoon in, plus a café with an open air terrace.
We only had a short time to explore but enjoyed it and would definitely like to return.
Other attractions, which we didn’t get chance to explore but will return to, are nearby Cardoness Castle, a late 15th-century fortified tower house that was the ancient seat of the McCullochs, and the ruins of Anwoth Church, with many covenanter graves. (Interesting to research the Scottish Covenanters if you like history.)
Gatehouse of Fleet is a scenic and fascinating historical village that we’d love to explore further.
For more places to visit, click here: Places to visit near Sandyhills, Dumfries & Galloway
Contact, Links & Reviews
Planning Your Visit
28 miles W ~39 min drive DG7 2HS
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/vi4yTK7eNe6nggAGA
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