Broom Fisheries it turns out is the home to coarse fishing lakes and waters at Newbie, just 2 miles from Annan in beautiful Dumfries & Galloway. The fishery is open from 8am to dusk every day. You may ask - as we did - what is coarse fishing? As I understand it (I think!) coarse fishing is fishing for species of fish that live in freshwater - other than trout and salmon.
Broom Fisheries offer the chance to catch barbel, roach, tench, perch, bream, rudd, gudgeon, chub, carp and ide. (Never even heard of ide!) They have records of bream and barbel weighing in at 6lbs and carp at 15lbs!
Coarse fishing is apparently a growing sport in Scotland and the fishery has 9 fully stocked lakes and a purpose built canal. They are all well signed and looked after. As well as offering fishing days out, at what to us seemed very reasonable prices, they also host a range of competitions and events - attracting some of the country's top anglers. The Tackle Box is an on-site shop, selling everything you might need - although it was closed when we were there. (There was however a notice on the door giving a telephone number if the shop was closed!!)
We began our adventure with coffee in the cafe, only open Fri-Sun, but warm and welcoming.
Setting off we wandered around all the lakes on grass pathways that had been cut to allow access to the various fishing stands on the lakes. Although only 2 miles from busy Annan we commented how quiet it was - not a sound! No traffic, just the tweet of birds in the trees. Blue tit, great tit, robin, blackbird,song thrush and a redwing were spotted on the way round and we disturbed a heron who then drifted majestically across the water next to us. Two mute swans stood at the side of the water as we passed by, seemingly not at all bothered by our presence. A buzzard landed in the tree in front of us and sat for a while before moving on when it was ready. Trees and lakes surrounded us in all directions. We had no clue as to where we were. It was wonderful!
We passed the ruins of several brick-built buildings and underground openings that were still left from its time as a propellant factory site for the War Office.
On our way round we also discovered there is a caravan and campsite - just 100 yards from the banks for fishermen! The site has beach access, electrical hook-ups, hard standing and private shower & toilet facilities. Dogs are also welcome on the site.
The site seems very well looked after and they have even begun a firewood log business. To maintain the grounds they had to cut and remove the older/precariously growing trees within the 200 acre estate and this led to a new business venture, which has continued to grow since then.
Finally returning to the cafe we sat outside in the sunshine and had our lunch. Not a huge menu but burgers, rolls etc all prepared and served in just a few minutes. Very reasonable prices and as we sat there there several local workers called in for their lunch too - so must be good if locals use it!
We shall certainly be going back, both to walk around and search out the wildlife - and to use the cafe (As long as we remember it is only open Fri-Sun)
Then to round off our time here, as we stood looking around, a sundog appeared in the sky. a beautiful end to our visit.
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