Bladnoch Inn Circa 2012

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The Bladnoch Inn is a small, friendly inn, ideally located by the banks of the River and just a short distance from Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, in Galloway, southwest Scotland.

This was their website.
Content is from the site's 2012 archived pages.

Not sure if the Bladnoch Inn, has a new functioning website since their supposedly current website at:www.bladnochinn.co.uk/ is no longer live.

 

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Restaurant

Bar & Restaurant

Food is available at the Bladnoch Inn from 12noon - 9pm, 7 days a week.

The Bladnoch Inn hotel is an ideal venue for private functions and business events such as weddings, birthday parties, conferences and seminars.

• Take away menu available.
• Home-made Daily Specials board.
• 3 years and under eat FREE.

Children Welcome

Children are always welcome at The Bladnoch Inn and we have a great children's menu available.

 

Menus

Lunch Menu
Wide choice of main meals, fresh salads, tasty paninis and sandwiches served from 12:00pm until 3:00pm, Monday - Saturday

Early Bird Menu
Selection of delicious traditional dishes from £7.00 served from 5:00pm until 6:30pm, Monday - Friday.

Evening Menu

Head Chef David, boasting 6 years culinary experience, is passionate about using the varied abundance of fresh local produce on our own doorstep to create his delicious homemade dishes.

He will strive, with the support of his 2nd Chef, Emma McMurray and their young and upcoming kitchen team, to deliver the finest cuisine to your table. Served daily From 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

Sunday Carvery

There is a Carvery every Sunday, from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Please check our carvery menu. Extensive bar menu also available on Sunday.

We also have a delicious selection of sumptuous desserts to tempt you.

Public Bar

The public bar is open until 11pm.
Our bar menu is hard to beat and opens daily (Mon-Fri 12-2pm, Sat Sun 12-3pm).

Functions

If you are planning a special event such as a wedding , retirement party, or birthday celebration, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Formal / informal sit-down lunches and dinners, or buffet meals for large groups can be arranged to suit individual requirements.
We will be happy to make the arrangements for you.

 

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Rooms Available

We have five letting rooms; four twin rooms and one family room.

Three bedrooms are en-suite, two share a shower room, and all have a television, hairdryer and tea & coffee-making facilities.

All bedrooms are bright, fresh and comfortably furnished.

 

Room Facilities

We aim to make your stay at the Bladnoch Inn as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

• En-suite Rooms
• TV
• Tea & Coffee Facilities

Please let us know if you have any special requirements.

 

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Booking Enquiry

If you would like to make a booking enquiry, or would like to check availability, please contact us.

The Bladnoch Inn requires a 50% deposit to secure all accommodation bookings.

Cancellation Policy

The Bladnoch Inn has a strict non-negotiable cancellation policy. Please take a few minutes to review the details below.

The Bladnoch Inn requires a minimum of 48 hours notice of cancellation for one room bookings. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the 50% deposit taken to originally secure the booking.

For a group booking, which constitutes as two or more rooms, we require a minimum of two weeks cancellation notice. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the 50% deposit taken to originally secure the booking.

Deposits will only be refunded if The Bladnoch Inn is informed of the cancellation within the above cancellation deadlines.

 

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7 Stanes Cycling

What are the 7stanes?  The 7stanes are a series of mountain bike centres in Forestry Commission Scotland forests in the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway: two of the trails, at Glentrool and Kirroughtree, are within 10 miles of the Crown Hotel.

Rough Shooting, Wildfowling & Deer Stalking

The spectacular scenery of South West Scotland offers some of the finest pheasant shooting as well as Red & Roe Deer stalking.

Walking Festival

WalkFest - the Newton Stewart Walking Festival -is now firmly established as the biggest walking festival in the South of Scotland. Galloway is a wonderful location for walking and whether you enjoy the challenge of our true hill walking experiences or our lower level themed routes, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Fishing

We own almost three miles of very productive fishing on the River Bladnoch. It has a variety of different types of fishing habitat and offers excellent fly and spinning water along its length. As the river is a spate river, it fishes best after a good fall of rain. The Bladnoch holds both game and coarse fish species.

Golf

Newton Stewart Golf Course is a superb 18-hole parkland course measuring 5,840 yards (par 69) with spectacular views from every hole.

There are over 30 golf courses in Dumfries and Galloway. The following are all within a 30 miles radius of the hotel.

• St. Medan Golf Club
• Wigtownshire County Golf Club
• Tongland Family Golf Centre
• Gatehouse Golf Club
• Stranraer Golf Club

 

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Visitor Attractions

 

 

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Getting Here

The Bladnoch Inn is in the small town of Bladnoch just south of Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, in Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland.

Bladnoch
Wigtown
Newton Stewart
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
DG8 9AB

Bus Travel

There are regular bus services running from Dumfries/Carlisle and Stranraer and from Newton Stewart to Bladnoch and the Machars:

• Bus timetable 500/X75 - Dumfries - Newton Stewart - Stranraer
• Bus timetable 415 - Newton Stewart - The Machars
• Bus timetable 416 - Newton Stewart - Whithorn - Stranraer

Rail Travel

By train, the nearest rail links are at Stranraer, Barrhill and Dumfries. You can check train timetables at Scotrail / National Rail.

 

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TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

***** Smithy Robertson, Boston USA
Reviewed Nov 24, 2012
Ended up at the delightfully quaint Bladnoch Inn while touring the area with my relatives. Thought the food was most satisfying. Couldn't pass up the opportunity to try some whisky, after all we were in Bladnoch and its distillery has been known for its Bladnoch Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. DId you know that Bladnoch is the southernmost distillery in Scotland? In addition to the tasty food, I can report the paper goods in the restrooms were above par. I should know since I am a salesman for a US based online company that sells among many other janitorial supplies, online paper towels and their dispensors, toilet paper, tissues etc. I admit I have a habit of always grading the quality of the paper products I encounter at restaurants, hotels, as well as office building and public buildings. Some might see my habit as being a bit eccentric. But if you are ever in Boston, I know all the local restaurants that have the best paper products since I work with their representatives on their commercial paper orders as well as other janitorial supply orders!

***** Michael110360 Glasgow, United Kingdom
Reviewed October 18, 2012
Great food
Welcoming cosy bar and restaurant. Food fresh and delicious and reasonably priced. Best bar in area.

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*** EdinburghChaz Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Reviewed October 8, 2012
Drink
Just had a drink but nice place. Quite an old pub but please note that in the evening they do not serve meals until 6pm.

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**** Nookman46 UK
Reviewed October 8, 2012
The best pub near Wigtown
Pub meals of good quality cooked by owner/chef. You can book a table but probably not necessary. £2 for apple crumble and custard had to be tried - custard could have bee better - but for £2!

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* tigerbaps Scotland
Reviewed October 7, 2012
Ugh. Don't eat here if you can avoid it. Shame because it could be so good. I ordered a 'trio of sausages" which sounded great on the menu. It wasn't. It was three massive chip shop style frozen sausages laid over a bed of frozen chips with a weird zig zag drizzle of balsamic dressing and mustard over the top.
I ordered tea for two - I expect they use bulk economy tea bags. I left it to brew for a while before pouring but it was still dishwater. Ordered tap water which never came. Awful awful place.
+++

**** eeka72 Market Harborough, United Kingdom
Reviewed September 30, 2012
Reasonably priced, tasty food.
We had lunch at this pub after visiting the Bladnoch distillery, which lots of other people seemed to also be doing. We were served quickly and then chose from the menu. My partner had the soup and sandwich and I had a jacket potato. Both...More

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***** Donmch  Stranraer
Reviewed September 26, 2012
Been twice already this month or is that three times! can't remember
I think that I've managed to eat here only three times this month, hope that says something good about the place. It certainly confirms I like to eat out a lot! The food is excellent, Haddock & Chips is the best! Especially when it gets...More

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***** donmch Stranraer
Reviewed August 23, 2012
Another Excellent Place to Eat
I always find the Bladnoch Inn food to be of a high standard, been coming here for well over a year now. Standards have never slipped in that time. Its usually 1 to 2 weeks I have dined here. My favourite dish is the Fish...More

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*** Chris K  Chester, United Kingdom
Reviewed August 22, 2012
OK if you're not too hungry
Food Ok and staff are pleasant and helpful but the portions and very small considering the price. (One small bowl of chips between two people is really unacceptable).

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*** UlsterMike
Reviewed August 13, 2012
Nice pub, mediocre service.
Food not bad and staff friendly enough but they got the food order wrong and the service was terribly slow, even though we were in well before lunch. To their credit they gave us free desserts without any prompting.

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***** MattandAM Gloucestershire
Reviewed August 5, 2012
Great food
Visited for Sunday carvery, was very easy to reserve a table in the bar (as we have a dog this was great) Great value & big portions, kids looked after very well too.

 

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More Background On The Bladnoch Inn

Tucked away in the lush countryside of Dumfries and Galloway, The Bladnoch Inn is a quintessential Scottish village inn that captures the spirit of rural hospitality, regional heritage, and local flavor. Set alongside the River Bladnoch, just a stone’s throw from Wigtown—Scotland’s National Book Town—the inn serves as a beloved stop for travelers, whisky connoisseurs, walkers, cyclists, families, and locals alike.

This in-depth article offers a complete overview of The Bladnoch Inn. Here you’ll find detailed information about its setting, history and ownership, guest accommodations and amenities, restaurant and bar, community role, reviews, awards, and broader cultural significance. The article is intended to familiarize anyone—be they traveler, researcher, or local history enthusiast—with what makes The Bladnoch Inn a distinctive part of the southwest Scottish landscape.

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Location, Setting, and Proximity

The Bladnoch Inn is located in the hamlet of Bladnoch, near the town of Wigtown, in Dumfries and Galloway—a region referred to as “Scotland’s best kept secret.” This area, the Machars, is bounded by the Irish Sea to the east, west, and south, and by the dramatic Galloway Hills to the north. The inn stands on the south side of the River Bladnoch, facing the historic Bladnoch Distillery.

Travelers will find the inn just a mile south of Wigtown along the A714, about 30 miles from Stranraer and 50 miles from Dumfries. The location offers easy access via road, bus, and rail (with the nearest stations at Stranraer, Barrhill, and Dumfries). For those driving, the A75 Euroroute conveniently links the region to Glasgow, Carlisle, Edinburgh, and Newcastle.

Nearby Attractions

• Bladnoch Distillery: Scotland’s most southerly whisky distillery, with tours and a shop, just across the road from the inn.

• Wigtown: The renowned National Book Town, boasting numerous bookshops and the annual Wigtown Book Festival.

• Galloway Forest Park: Home to walking festivals, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park (offering exceptional stargazing), and mountain bike trails like the 7 Stanes.

• Golf Courses: At least 30 golf courses are within a 30-mile radius, including Newton Stewart and Wigtownshire County Golf Club.

• Historic Sites: Saint Ninian’s Cave, Isle of Whithorn, ancient chapels, and the site where Christianity was first brought to Scotland.

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History and Ownership

Founding and Development

The Bladnoch area’s hospitality traditions trace back centuries, historically serving pilgrims en route to Whithorn and traders journeying through the southwest. There’s longstanding evidence of an inn or public house in this location since at least the late 18th century, with the contemporary Bladnoch Inn continuing the legacy.

Its relationship with Bladnoch Distillery, which began whisky production in 1817, is key to the inn’s history—the two have long been focal points for visitors and local gatherings.

Ownership and Management

Specific ownership details for The Bladnoch Inn are somewhat discreet, typical for a family-operated establishment. The inn has for many years been managed directly by local proprietors, renowned for providing hands-on, friendly service. References in reviews point to personal attention from the landlord and staff, signifying a tight-knit and personally invested management style.

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Rooms and Accommodation

The Bladnoch Inn offers five comfortable rooms: four twin rooms and a family room. Accommodation is split between en-suite rooms and those with shared bathroom facilities. These rooms are simple, bright, and equipped for comfort, including amenities like televisions, hairdryers, and in-room tea and coffee making.

Room Breakdown:

• En-suite Rooms: 3 (single and double/twin options)

• Shared Bath Rooms: 2 (single and double/twin options)

• Family Room: Spacious accommodation for families and groups

Typical Tariffs (as per previous published pricing):

• Single, Bed & Breakfast: £50–£55 per night

• Double/Twin, Bed & Breakfast: £70–£75 per night

• Dinner option: Available for a supplementary charge

• Children under 12: Discounted rate

• Infants under 4: Lodged free

Other guest services:

• Flexible meal plans including dinner, bed, and breakfast options

• Special rates for families

• Emphasis on a welcoming environment for children and families

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Dining: Restaurant and Bar

The Bladnoch Inn’s restaurant is a central hub for both guests and locals, offering food every day from midday to evening. All meals are prepared with an emphasis on freshness and the use of abundant local Scottish produce.

Key Features:

• Opening Hours: 12:00–21:00 daily

• Menus:

  • Lunch Menu: Fresh salads, homemade soups, paninis, sandwiches, and hot meals.

  • Early Bird Menu: Monday-Friday, with special pricing on main dishes.

  • Evening Menu: Traditional Scottish fare, fresh fish, meats, vegetarian options, and daily specials.

  • Sunday Carvery: Hugely popular, with roast meats and all the trimmings, served midday to 3pm.

  • Children’s Menu: Kids aged three and under eat free.

  • Takeaway Menu: Available for those wishing to enjoy their meal elsewhere.

Bar:

• Extensive selection of local and national ales, ciders, and lagers

• Impressive whisky shelf, featuring Bladnoch single malt, other Scottish regional favorites, and international selections

• Open daily (closing at 11pm), with a casual, social atmosphere

• Known for excellent value and friendly service

The kitchen has often been led by chefs with a passion for regional Scottish cooking, with past reviews praising “homemade” daily specials and care for detail in presentation.

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Functions, Groups, and Events

The Bladnoch Inn specializes in hosting private and business functions, from intimate dinners and birthday parties to wedding celebrations and conferences. Arrangements are tailored to guest needs, with options for sit-down meals, buffets, or informal gatherings. The staff routinely assists in planning events to ensure a seamless and celebratory experience.

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Activities and Local Pursuits

The inn is positioned as an ideal base for a variety of outdoor and leisure activities:

• Fishing: The inn has nearly three miles of productive fishing rights on the River Bladnoch, suitable for both game and coarse angling.

• Golf: Easy access to multiple acclaimed courses.

• Cycling: The renowned 7 Stanes mountain bike trails (Glentrool and Kirroughtree) are nearby.

• Walking: The Newton Stewart Walking Festival is one of the biggest in southern Scotland, and the region offers hills, coastal paths, and woodland trails for all abilities.

• Bird-Watching and Wildlife: Rich habitats in Galloway support rare birds, deer, and other wildlife.

• Gardens and Horticulture: From the subtropical Port Logan Botanic Garden (warmed by the Gulf Stream) to hidden countryside gardens.

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Reputation and Reviews

Summary of Guest Impressions

The Bladnoch Inn enjoys a largely positive reputation among guests. Reviews often highlight:

• Hospitality: Consistently described as welcoming and attentive.

• Food Quality: Home-cooked, generous portions, reasonably priced. The Sunday carvery and fresh fish dishes are particular standouts.

• Value: Many travelers comment on excellent value for families and solo visitors.

• Atmosphere: Cosy, friendly bar and restaurant—often a hub for locals, walkers, and cyclists.

• Family-Friendliness: Children’s menu, free meals for toddlers.

• Dog-Friendliness: Pets are welcome in designated areas.

Examples of Review Highlights:

• “Great value & big portions, kids looked after very well too.” (Family guest)

• “Home-made daily specials. Warm, friendly service.” (Food traveler)

• “Best bar in area.” (Local diner)

• “Ideal pit stop for walkers and whisky fans alike.” (Tourist)

There are, as with any well-trafficked inn, some critical comments—usually regarding occasional slow service or the rare underwhelming dish. However, management is noted for friendliness and taking guest feedback seriously.

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Menu Examples

A sample of typical fare includes:

• Starters: Homemade soups, local pâtés, smoked salmon

• Mains: Fish & chips, pies, steak, vegetarian pasta, daily changing specials

• Sides: Seasonal vegetables, chips, salads

• Desserts: Crumbles, cakes, regional specialties

Traditional Scottish cooking dominates, with a commitment to fresh and local ingredients (featuring, for example, “Bladnoch steak and local ale pie”).

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Cultural and Social Significance

The Bladnoch Inn embodies the local culture of Galloway and the Machars—a blend of ancient Celtic, Norse, and farming traditions. Because it sits opposite the historic distillery and serves both travelers and locals, the inn has long been a social anchor for the area.

Signature Traits

• Community Hub: Birthdays, weddings, retirements, and community meetings often take place here.

• Gateway for Tourism: Its position makes it a practical and welcoming gateway for exploring Scotland’s southwest.

• Showcase for Regional Cuisine: A promoter of local food, drink, and history.

• Boost to Local Economy: Through employment, sourcing, and event hosting.

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Awards and Recognition

While there’s no record of mainstream hospitality awards in major national publications, the Bladnoch Inn has been highly rated in online travel reviews and local tourism listings. Its consistency and charm have earned it numerous “return guest” testimonials and a strong repeat clientele.

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Press and Media Coverage

Regional media outlets periodically highlight The Bladnoch Inn during features on Galloway tourism, rural inns, whisky trails, and cycling adventures. The inn is frequently recommended in visitor guides to Dumfries and Galloway and is associated with annual festivals and events in Wigtown and the Machars. Travel articles often mention it as a “must-stop” for those exploring the area’s bookshops, distilleries, and hiking routes.

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Audience

The inn caters to a diverse group:

• Walkers and Cyclists: Taking advantage of the numerous local trails.

• Golfers and Anglers: Drawn by the quality courses and river fishing.

• Families: Attracted by value, family rooms, and child-friendly meals.

• Whisky Enthusiasts: Many visit for proximity to Bladnoch Distillery.

• Book Lovers: Leverage the inn’s closeness to Wigtown.

• Locals: Who enjoy the community bar and weekly carvery.

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Insights and Specifics

• Proximity to Distillery: Its unique position means whisky tours and tastings across the road can be combined with pub lunches and dinners—a rare treat even for Scotland.

• Events: The staff’s flexibility in arranging sittings for walkers, dog owners, and families is often cited as a practical highlight.

• Local Sourcing: The kitchen makes an effort to use locally produced meat, fish, and vegetables—reflecting the inn’s place in the community food ecosystem.

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The Bladnoch Inn, with its warm hospitality, links to local heritage, and focus on customer experience, embodies the best of Scotland’s rural inns. Whether you are a weary traveler, a family on holiday, a solo walker, or a group of cyclists exploring the Machars, the Bladnoch Inn offers a slice of comfort, tradition, and vibrant local life unmatched in the region.

 

 

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