Taking you back in time

History of the Ken Bridge Hotel

The Ken Bridge Hotel was built to command the crossing of the River Ken either by means of two shallow fords or by the Hotels own ferry boat. In 1796 a bridge was built beside the hotel by public and private subscription, but in 1811 this was destroyed in a terrific flood.

In 1821 the present bridge was built from granite hewn from a local quarry and has stood the test of time creating a beautiful backdrop for the hotel and gardens.

The hotel sits on the Old Edinburgh Road an important trading route and droving road between Ireland and Scotland. The Glenkens was also the centre of the opposition to religious changes instigated by James I + VI. The Presbytarian view was that Christ was the head of the church and not the King, nor did they wish English style ceremony imposed upon them. The strength of their beliefs endured through four decades of murder and persecution until the 1680s.

Books such as ‘The Raiders’ by S.R Crocket and ‘Old Mortality’ by Sir Walter Scott give an excellent historical account of these times. Many relics of ancient times can be found close by, from stone circles and standing stones marking battle grounds to Castle and Abbey ruins.

Robert Paterson, known as Old Mortality, was a school teacher who dedicated his life to tending the graves of the Covenanters.  The now ruined Kenmure Castle has played host to many famous figures including Robert Burns and Mary Queen of Scots.

Explore the area while staying at The Ken Bridge.

The Ken Bridge, a 10 bedroom Georgian hotel, has a spectacular river bank location close by Loch Ken, in an area renowned for its tranquility and picturesque views. This 18th Century Coaching Inn was originally built to provide food, ale and shelter for travelers and coaches on the Old Edinburgh Road between Ireland and Edinburgh.

The hotel is a superb centre for fishing, golfing, hill walking, cycling on the surrounding quiet country roads, mountain biking on the world famous 7 Stanes routes, bird watching, photography, clay pigeon shooting, field and water-sports or for simply relaxing and taking in the wonderful scenery.

We are on the edge of the UNESCO Dark Skies Park created in 2009, which at the time was the only one in Britain and only the 5th worldwide. The river beside the hotel is a seasonal host to Osprey, Kingfisher and Oyster Catcher, there is also a healthy population of Otter and the hotel gardens receive regular visits from Red Squirrels. Early risers may see deer in the meadows across the river, as well as fox and badger.

The woodland to the west of the hotel is used as a roost by up to as many as 35 Red Kite which frequently soar and wheel spectacularly over the hotel.

The Ken Bridge Hotel is ideally situated enabling you to explore the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway has so much to offer from Castles and Historic attractions to numerous outdoor activities. Here are just a few to help you choose when planning your holiday.