Galloway Activity Centre (GAC) was founded in 1988 by Richard and Heather Herman and is still family run. It started as a shed by the loch and over the years has grown from a small sailing school to the large activity centre it is today. GAC has a stunning location on the shores of Loch Ken in the heart of the D&G UNESCO Biosphere. With a team of expert instructors, they specialise in providing exciting and memorable holidays in a safe and friendly atmosphere. They have recently added an impressive Eco-Bothy to their range of accommodation.
A breathtaking location, wide range of accommodation and activities. From luxury glamping experiences with your own hot tub to bunkhouse accommodation, cabins, yurts and campsites, GAC offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. In autumn 2020 they will be opening a 6-bed eco-bothy called Osprey. 10 years and still the only instructor led water park in Scotland. Equipment hire available - mountain bikes, canoes, paddle boards, fishing boats and rowing boats. Loch Ken Weddings - Registered wedding venue set in 22 acres of grounds, stunning views over Loch Ken and of course incredible activities available. Wild Swimming - GAC run a charity Wild Swim every September (now in its 11th year) in support of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team. Loch Ken is an incredibly clean body of water, much loved by wild swimmers. As part of the hydro-electric scheme, the loch is regularly refilled with fresh water from the Rinns of Kells and is known as one of the cleanest lochs in Scotland. "Well organised and excellent facilities. I swam both days but was blown away by the night swim" - Ian. Activities - Laser tag Archery Water slide School trips Team building Climbing tower and zip wire. The Waterfront Café - The Waterfront Café has been serving hungry activity guests for years - offering delicious breakfasts and refreshments throughout the day. Sailing Lessons - As well as providing a first class tourist facility, Richard and the GAC team have been teaching the young people of D&G how to sail for the past 35 years.
Established in 1988 and still the same family run activity centre it has always been, you're sure to get a warm welcome. They started in a shed by the loch and over the years have grown from a small sailing school to the activity centre they are today. Situated on the beautiful shores of Loch Ken, Galloway Activity Centre offers a wide range of exciting accommodation and glamping options. From Mongolian yurts and cabins to luxury eco retreats, there's something for everyone.
The Eco-Bothy opened its doors in September 2020, six months late thanks to the pandemic, and the Hermans hope it will be their saviour. Covid has hit them hard, but they are beginning to fight back. Officially known as the Osprey - but some call it the Beehive, not only because of its shape but because of the wonderful smell of wax on the wooden floors - the Bothy is a wonderful creation. Built to sleep six, it has three en-suite bedrooms, a drying room and an upstairs open-plan lounge and kitchen with all the comforts of five-star accommodation. There are a couple of special extras too - an outdoor wood-fired Scandinavian hot tub for enjoying the stars in comfort, and a lakeside boat shed with a couple of two-man kayaks and paddleboards to try out on the calm waters of Loch Ken. Built on passive principles and completely off-grid, the bothy has its own solar array, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, a back-up generator and a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning stove. There is a huge mezzanine in the lounge ceiling, so you can see the stars indoors, and the room opens up to a glass front with sweeping views of the loch.