Walking and exploring:
In Scotland you have a right to ramble any where on the condition that no damage is done, so put on your walking boots and start exploring the stunning Scottish scenery. The Galloway and Mabie forest are close by and there are some spectacular coastal walks within an hour of the cottage.
There are several OS maps in the cottage and some with suggested walking routes - with comments by those who have already travelled them. Don't forget your rucksack and flask.
Birdwatching:
There's always one pair of binoculars at the cottage to see the birds of prey that nest nearby.
Caerlaverock wetland reserve is within easy travelling and many an hour, afternoon or day can be spent there, with their small cafe offering refreshments.
From the cottage into Dumfries we spotted 45 different varieties of birds one day, truly amazing.
City breaks:
Edinburgh and Glasgow are just over 1 hour away by car or you can catch a train from Dumfries.
Both these cities are lively and full of culture, castles and shopping. It's worth taking the tourist bus with audio commentary which tells you the history of the cities - you can then go around again and stop off at places of interest.