Visiting Sorbie Tower
How to Get There, Where to Stay and What to See
Where is Sorbie?
Sorbie is located in Dumfries and Galloway, southwestern Scotland. The nearest sizeable town is Newton Stewart.
Here are some helpful links:
How can I get to Newton Stewart?
Newton Stewart is reached by one of three main roads:
If you have access to a GPS unit, or can print out a map from a computer, that will be very helpful. Here are some helpful links:
How can I get to Sorbie Tower?
The nearest sizeable town is Newton Stewart. The best bet is to get yourself there first. Once you’re in Newton Stewart:
Traveling eastward from Sorbie to Garlieston, the entrance to the tower is located on the left hand side of the road, at the first major curve you encounter (the road veers to the left, then curves to the right).
If you have access to a GPS unit, or can print out a map from a computer, that will be very helpful. Here are some helpful links:
How can I get around (transportation)?
How long will it take to get there?
Give yourself between two–and–a–half and three hours to get from Glasgow or the main airport to Newton Stewart. Prestwick Airport is perhaps 30 minutes less. Sorbie is an additional half hour south of Newton Stewart by car.
Don’t let the short distances fool you, as roads are narrow, often with only moderate speeds possible, and tend to pass through small villages.
What should I know about driving in Scotland?
The roads can be quite narrow. If you encounter another vehicle on a narrow road, especially a tractor, you may have to back up to the nearest place to pull to the side; pull-overs are sometimes provided every so often, but it may be a ways behind you. As you drive, get used to noticing where these are.
You will often need to pull over as far as possible: really hug those hedges! In some situations, you might want to fold in your side mirror(s), just in case. It’s tight!
Also, in case you didn’t know, we drive on the left here. If this is new to you, it takes some getting used to, but just remember “left turn tight, far turn right” (or some variation) and that might help [Adam’s trick].
What weather can I expect?
Winter: Generally mild, cold and damp in winter with little or no snow.
May to September: Area benefits from the gulf stream. Warm and dry. Can be showery due to the proximity of the Galloway Hills.
Or just check the weather right now.
Where can I get WiFi?
Free WiFi can be found at most of the cafe and bars in Whithorn, Wigtown, Garlieston and Newton Stewart. You can also ask at hotels and such.
There is little to no mobile/cell signal at the Tower.