Chatelherault, Ruthwell

Annan 6.5 miles. A single-storey cottage nestled in the village of Ruthwell close to the Solway Firth, Chatelherault is a lovely base for exploring this area of southern Scotland. Ideal for a couple or a family of four, this pet-friendly Scottish holiday cottage is within easy reach of Gretna and Dumfries along with plenty of attractions. Enter through the door into the light and airy dining room where you can enjoy home-cooked meals, before finding the sitting room to relax in with a gas stove-effect fire to add a warm ambiance as you watch TV. The kitchen comes well-equipped with a host of appliances including a fridge/freezer and a washing machine, providing all you need for a self-catered stay. The family bathroom offers both a bath and a walk-in shower to freshen up in, while there are two bedrooms to choose from at night, with a double and a twin. Enjoy sitting outdoors at the garden furniture with a morning coffee or evening drinks. Ruthwell is a small village which boasts one of the finest Anglo-Saxon crosses in the UK which can be seen in Ruthwell Church, with further historic significance found in The Savings Bank Museum as one of the village's residents, Henry Duncan, was the first in the world to open a commercial savings bank in 1810. Venture down to nearby Caerlaverock Wetland Centre to stretch your legs in the fresh air of this beautiful landscape and catch sight of migrating birds which flock here along with a host of other wildlife. Enjoy the return of the Barnacle geese to the area over winter on The Solway coast from early October until March when they return to the north. Many thousands of barnacle geese, whooper swans and other birds arrive back at Caerlaverock to shelter in the Solway Firth and take advantage of its expansive salt marshes, tidal pools and grazing land. Make a trip to the lovely town of Annan where you can browse the bustling high street with a great range of local shops and independent businesses, with Annan Museum showcasing the town's history along with some fascinating artifacts including a 4000-year-old Bronze Age burial urn. Bring your little ones to the exciting Dino Park for some dinosaur themed fun and play, or head over to Mabie Farm Park where there awaits animal encounters and fun rides. The town of Dumfries is home to Robert Burns House, Scotland's national poet, with exhibits to see before discovering the many fantastic eateries and shops scattered around this riverside setting. Slightly further afield, you can reach the northern end of the Lake District National Park within an hour's drive and discover the lakes of Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater, as well as the 931m-high peak of Skiddaw and the popular market town of Keswick. Make Chatelherault your chosen base for a wonderful holiday to Dumfries and Galloway. EPC Rating: Band D