Gatehouse of Fleet / River of Fleet Mill / Mossyard Beach.

Gatehouse of Fleet / Mill on the Fleet / Mossyard Beach.

Gatehouse of Fleet is a town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Gatehouse of Fleet is set in an area of natural beauty, close to the coast and surrounded by hills and ancient woodland. It is located on the A75 between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas and is a walkers paradise, offering many walks and trails around the town or into the hills and the Galloway Forest Park. For car drivers the route from the town of New Galloway via Laurieston offers picturesque views.

Gatehouse of Fleet is steeped in history and as you approach the town you will come across Cardoness Castle, a late 15th century fortified tower house. You will also see Cally and its famous gardens and nursery, built in 1765 and now operating as the Cally Palace Hotel and the Clock Tower, the former Gate House or Toll Booth which once offered a safe stop over point on the former stagecoach route between Stranraer and Dumfries. Also worth a visit are the impressive Neolithic chambered cairns at Cairnholy.

Gatehouse of Fleet

Mill on the Fleet

The town once boasted an industrious past due to its location near the mouth of the river called the water of fleet which empties out into Wigtown Bay. The Mill on the Fleet is a testimont to this thriving era, which was once a former bobbin mill and now operates as a visitor and exhibition centre. The town amenities include a bank, a golf course and several hotels, pubs, shops and cafes.

Mossyard Beach

On leaving the town head towards Newton Stewart on the A75 and look for the sign post to Mossyard on the left. Carefully drive past the Mossyard farm buildings and park in the Mossyard Beach car park. A section of Mossyard Beach is straight ahead. However if you take the path directly to the right decorated by flowering gorse bushs and several wild flower species you will come to the main Mossyard Beach, a beautiful area of sandy beach and calm water, frequented by the locals.