Sandhead Self Catering Mull of Galloway - Best 100 Self Catering in Scotland

Helensdale - Self Catering in Sandhead, south west Scotland (sleeps 6)

Helensdale located in a small bay on the western shore of the Mull of Galloway, with stunning views over this rugged coastline which is a haven for wildlife including nesting Puffins.. It is remote, but is close to lovely ports and villages with all the charm of a forgotten scotland.

Prices From

£400

£650

short breaks available all year

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Vernon's personal review of the accommodation, location and items of interest

Auld Dairy Self Catering in South West Scotland

Helensdale - 1 accommodation (sleeps 6)

The beach is deserted, I have just taken the small drive to sandhead village shop to buy the morning paper and after finding out from the lady behind the counter that Logan Botanic Gardens are having a celebration day and that I should pay a visit during my stay.

I amble across the empty sands with the sound of the sea gently lapping at my feet I look across the village that runs along the length of the beach. It is quiet, just the small sounds of the postmans van stopping to deliver some mail and a curlews cry from the distance. This stillness is restorative, it repairs my senses and makes me enjoy a peace that my normal life misses.

The drive back to my remote holiday cottage is stunningly beautiful, this part of Scotland is a peninsula that borders the Solway Coast and the irish Sea, as I drive over to the gentle descent to the cottage I catch the view across to Ireland. The sun is shimmering over the waves and I see the welcome of my quiet retreat as it nestles in the cove on the western shore.Elspeth has restored this large home with flair and understated charm, it retains its natural elegance but benefits from the modern touches including the most comfortable matresses and bed linnen, a very well applianced kitchen which I make use of to prepare breakfast.

I take the advice given earlier and head off to Logan Botanic Garden where I meet the Head Gardener Richard who eagerly takes me on a tour of the Garden. As one of the Nation's Botanic Gardens this is linked to Edinburgh and Kew in London, they are part of our national heritage that ensures the future of many plants and Logan has a collection of plants from all over the world in particular there are over 1000 varieties of Eucalyptus. Richard is very knowlegable and so eager to convey the work that they carry out, but as he loses me as his eulagies drift off into Latin, I just admire how pretty it all is. I am surprised that we have the climate that seems to support such a wide variety of plants. I particluarly like the fish pond with its many large Coy that like to be stroked. The tour is finished off in the cafe and I enjoy the home baked cakes that festoon the counter top.

I return to the Helensdale many hours later, after a lovely meal at the local pub called the Tigh'Na'Mara, and relax in front of the blazing log fire and enjoy a spot of local Bladnoch Whiskey. I reflect how much my children would have loved a holiday here cross a quiet road to the beach, they would have played on the sand happily all day when they were young ...mmm I think we would probably enjoy a get together now come to think of it. The Auld schoolhouse would be perfect for a family re-union

Facts and Figures

The large house accommodates up tp 6 people in 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms, there is a large living room with open fire. There is a separate very well equipped kitchen with dining table.

All costs like linen, heating, lighting, towels, cots, high chairs are supplied and are are included in the price.

Changeover days are flexible, just enquire and we will try to accommodate your dates.

Location - blue marks the exact location of this property (use the buttons on the left to zoom in and out)

Points of interest

the old exchange

Located in a small cove overlooking the Irish Sea
Area of National Scenic Beauty
Very good for wildlife spotting
Beaches and rocky coves close by
Get away from it all withy peace and quiet
Close to the Mull of Galloway
Ireland makes a good day out across the ferry to Belfast
Adjacent to Logan Botanic Gardens
Selection of 30 golf courses including competition courses
Over 30 gardens and nurseries Logan Botanic is close by.

So what is there to see and do close by ?

	Helensdale is placed just yards from the shore, it stretches for a couple of miles and is very quiet even in peak season.
	Close to Scotlands Royal Botanic Garden called Logan, where there is a great display of plants from across the globe. Logan House Garden is another public garden close by as well as many nursaries.
	Great area for walking the dramatic coastline, there is a footpath that navigates the extremity of the Mull and continues up to Portpatrick where the Southern Upland Way starts on its journey across Scotland to the East Coast.
	The Onyer Marks team consists of four boats taking up to four anglers each. We specialise in light line Tope and Pollack fishing; both species are caught from the beginning of May until the end of October. An average days' fishing will produce 10-15 species but we have have caught 27 species in one day during a species hunt.
	There is a really nice bub in Sandhead called the Tigh'Na'Mara, that serves good food, there are others in Drummore and Portpatrick that are worth experiencing.
	Just along the road between Sandhead and Drummore is a stables that offers beach horseriding, novices are welcome and I guarrantee that you will always remember galloping across the Solway sands taking in these dramatic coastal views.