Further Information About Your Horse Drawn Gypsy Caravan Holiday
Location map
Directions
Route to Old Spittal Wagons from Stranraer
In Stranraer take the A77 signposted Portpatrick. Continue on the A77 by turning left (signposted Lochans). After about 3 miles, turn left onto the B7042 and after about 1/2 mile you should see our base for Old Spittal Wagons up a driveway on the right.
What you will need to bring
- Food - Caravans are generally occupied between 4pm and 6pm on the day of arrival. At this point it is advisable to visit a local supermarket/shop and stock up with a least two days food and provisions. Small village shops are available on your journey. Water can be re-filled at your overnight stops.
- Clothes - Wardrobe space in the caravan is limited so you are advised to dress practically. Boots, trainers, casual gear and light wet weather gear are indicated. Bring a book to read, games for the children, And remember, there are no Banks or ATM’s on your route.
On arrival
On the afternoon on the day of arrival you will be introduced to your caravan, where you will spend your first night parked in our yard. Bedclothes will be provided at this time. We will brief you on the attractions and features of this area and advise you of your route - a map will be provided.
That evening you will get to know your horse - you will practise how to catch, look after, and harness a horse. There will be plenty of time to get to know and work with the horse allocated to you.
Mid morning, you will leave our base with our groom who, through the day, will show the correct method of controlling the horse on the road. On arrival at your overnight stops, our groom will help you unharness and settle the horse, and then leave you to enjoy the rest of your day.
Your horse drawn gypsy caravan has no driving lights so they must be parked off the road during the hours of darkness. The groom will meet you the following day - at your chosen time. He will help you with your horse, ready to support you and your horse while you are on the road.
Overnight Stops
A set route will be followed with designated overnight stops at selected farm/caravan sites where you will be welcomed and made to feel at home. They are available to horse drawn gypsy caravan visitors for a small fee. At a minimum they provide parking for the caravan, grass for the horse, toilet, washing/showering facilities as well as rubbish disposal.
A vital reminder is to close the main valve on the gas bottle before going to sleep at night and also before moving the caravan onto the open road.
On your tour
With an average horse pulling the weight of caravan we would expect you to travel roughly 3-7 miles a day. The travelling time for this distance is about 4 hours taking into account rest stops and harness checks.
Your selected route will take you through some of the most scenic areas of Rhins of Galloway.
A Static Caravan
For those who do not want to tour around with a horse drawn Caravan then why not try our static gypsy wagon, this wagon stays within our grounds, has all the amenities and quaintness of our other horse drawn wagons, but without the horse.
Bed and breakfast facilities can be offered with the static wagon or with in the main house (en suite double room) .
Carriage Rides
As an extra we can also offer our guests a ride in our open carriage - why not try a ‘taxi’ ride to the local pub on your first night, or just an hour or so ride to see the scenery in the comfort of our open carriage.