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Duncan Beattie
Last Post :
15 Jan 08 13:10:06
Stuart McLaren
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Golf
Dumfries has 4 golf clubs, as well as a number of others in easy travelling
distance.
The two longest established clubs are Dumfries and County on Edinburgh Road and Dumfries and Galloway on Castle Douglas Road. It's been a long time since I played either course (I'm a member at Thornhill, about 14 miles from Dumfries), but my recollection is that 'The County' is the better course but can be a bit 'snooty'. This may have changed by now through, it was about 20 years ago that I was a member. 'The Galloway' is a decent course, I slightly prefer 'The County', but it certainly had a better atmosphere the last time I was there. The 3rd 18 hole course is The Pines, on the by pass at the Lockerbie Road Round About. This is quite a new course and is still 'establishing' itself, as a result it has some quite quirky holes. I haven't actually played it since the 18 holes were completed, so again it might have improved greatly since then. They are certainly much more 'pay as you go' golfer friendly, and will be much cheaper for a single round as the other two. It also has a driving range if you just fancy a hit. The 4th course is the 9 hole Crichton course, across from the hospital on Bankend Road. This is another well established club, but it used to be for Health Board employees only. These days, anyone can join, and as far as I know, day tickets are available to all.
Health Clubs / Gyms
Dumfries' largest Health Club is Banatynes on Edinburgh Road, just before
the By Pass. It has loads of the usual equipment, and also a swimming pool.
I'm not sure what their policy is for Th. admission of non-members through.
The Cairndale Hotel on English Street has a smaller but well equipped gym
and a pool which is better described as a 'Leisure pool' than a swimming
pool, but is still a decent size. It is open to residents and members, again
I'm not sure on their policy towards pay as you go. Dumfries swimming pool
is on the Greensands (across Buccleuch Street from the Whitesands) but it
is old and falling apart, and long over due replacement (a new one is supposed
to be getting built near the Cairndale, but this has been the case for years).
A better option is Annan pool (about 15 minutes from Dumfries), but this
is a school pool, so check on opening times before travelling.
Other gyms are at Classic World of Fitness on Irving Street (near Dumfries Academy) and Peak Physique on New Abbey Road. I can't claim to be a regular visitor of gyms, so can't really give you a full run down. There are one or 2 others dotted around various schools and sports facilities, but these are the main ones.
Other Facilities
Dumfries Ice Bowl is currently the largest indoor facility in Dumfries (until
the new swimming pool complex is completed, if ever!). As well as skating,
the ice also hosts curling and Ice Hockey, so phone first to make sure it
is available. It also has a large indoor bowling rink. King George V Park
across from Cukoo Bridge Retail Park has floodlit all weather surfaces for
football, hockey etc. Needs to be booked in advance. The Loreburn Hall in
Newall Terrace also host the occasional event, as do a few of the School
Halls.
