A B & A Matthews Newton Stewart

So, picture this: you’re driving through the rolling, sheep-dotted hills of Galloway, the air smells faintly of peat and freshness, and you’ve got a sudden, pressing need for something wonderful. Not just any something—perhaps a walking jacket that doesn't make you look like a pastel-colored teapot, or a chunky knit jumper that could double as a hug. Where on earth do you go? Well, my friend, you head straight for A B & A Matthews in Newton Stewart.

Let’s get real for a sec. “Countrywear” can sometimes be a bit… well, stuffy. Like you need a landowner’s licence to enter. But not here. A B & A Matthews is the opposite of stuffy. It’s the kind of place where the staff actually know the difference between a gilet and a body warmer, but won’t judge you if you don’t. (Hint: a gilet is the posh, quilted friend; a body warmer is what you wear to walk the dog in the rain. Both are welcome.)

Walking through the door at 37 Victoria Street is like stepping into a warm, woolly embrace. You’ll be greeted by the smell of quality leather and perhaps the gentle rustle of waterproof fabric. They stock all the big names—Barbour, Schöffel, Hunter—but they curate them with such care that you never feel overwhelmed. It’s like a wardrobe for a lifestyle you desperately want to live, even if your “estate” is just a slightly damp patch of lawn.

And can we talk about the footwear? The shoe section is a danger zone. I went in for a simple pair of wellies and came out with a pair of Dubarry boots that cost more than my first car. But honestly? No regrets. They’re so comfortable, I’ve worn them to a wedding. (It was a barn wedding. It counted.) The staff will patiently let you stomp around the shop for twenty minutes to “test the grip.” They’re saints, is what I’m saying.

18 Albert Street, Newton Stewart, DG8 6EJ - A B & A Matthews

Now, here’s the truly magical bit. A B & A Matthews isn’t just a shop; it’s a Newton Stewart institution. It’s been a family-run affair for generations, meaning they know their tweed from their fleece, their local customers from their holiday-makers. You’ll hear banter at the till about the weather (it’s Scotland, so it’s probably raining), and they’ll give you genuinely useful advice about which hat won’t blow off on the Machars peninsula. They don’t just sell you a coat; they equip you for an adventure.

So, whether you’re scaling the Merrick, feeding a flock of greedy sheep, or just popping out for a posh sausage roll, do yourself a favour. Stop by. Try on a wax jacket. Run your fingers over a cashmere scarf. Let the lovely folks at A B & A Matthews make you look effortlessly, joyfully outdoorsy—even if your only real plan is to stand in a field and take a deep breath. You’ll walk out feeling ready for anything, and probably a little bit richer in style. And isn’t that the kind of shopping trip we all deserve? Go on, treat yourself. The hills are calling, and they want you to look fabulous.