Dumfries and Galloway Area Guide

Dumfries & Galloway is a beautiful part of Scotland, with an undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, and acres of forest and green spaces inland. The region offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, history and cultural attractions, dark night skies, distilleries, delicious food and much more.

The town of Dumfries is the largest town in the region, founded as a Royal Burgh in 1168. Home to Robert Burns, the city is beaming with history and culture. On the south side of Dumfries lies the Crichton University and College campus which includes 100 acres of landscaped gardens. South of Dumfries lies New Abbey which is a charming and historic village, housing the National Museum of Costume, Corn Mill and Sweetheart Abbey.

Activities

Close to the charming village of New Abbey lies the popular Southerness Golf Course. Langholm, known locally as the ‘Muckle Toon’, is well known for its love of rugby and the Langholm Common Riding, a horse riding festival which attracts thousands of tourists annually. Travelling North from Langholm, up Esk Dale, reveals the most unexpected sight in Dumfries and Galloway, the Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre and Grey Mare’s Tail, a wonderful waterfall near Moffat, which is the fifth highest waterfall in the UK. Moffat is a desirable market and (former) spa town which is renowned for its quality of Moffat wool and toffee.

North of Dumfries lies Thornhill, home to Queensberry Estate which boasts Drumlanrig Castle, one of the first and most important Renaissance buildings in the country. Dumfries and Galloway is one of the genuinely rural areas of Scotland and therefore provides a quality of life that is becoming increasingly rare, offering a lifestyle property for country pursuits.

History

From Wigtownshire in the west, to The Stewartry in the east, the historic region of Galloway has long been known for its independent spirit. Its perceived isolation makes this one of the country’s most under-explored areas, often described as ‘Scotland’s forgotten corner’. There are many miles of fine coast, country, lochs and rivers on foot, paddle or bike to explore. Galloway is rightly famed for its wonderful coastline. A particularly notable stretch is the Colvend Coast from Sandyhills to Kippford, with the shell beach from Rockcliffe to Kippford being particularly scenic. There are many historic and culturally villages and towns to explore including Wigtown, an attractive and historic market town that is Scotland’s National Book Town and home of the annual Wigtown Book Festival, and the town of Kirkcudbright which is the artist's colony and one of Scotland’s most attractive towns with lovely boutique shops, Art Centre, a vibrant harbour, Parish Church and MacLellan’s Castle. Castle Douglas is situated inland north of the Colvend Coast which is home to several fine buildings, excellent independent shops, Threave Castle and Carlingwark Loch. Threave Estate is nearby which comprises the restored Scottish baronial-style Threave House, Threave Garden, Sculpture Garden and Nature Reserve. Gatehouse of Fleet lies to the south of the Galloway hills where there is The Mill on the Fleet visitor and exhibition centre, Cardoness Castle and lovely independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The attractive village and harbour of Portpatrick is a popular tourist destination, and the Logan Botanic Garden boats exotic plants due to the mild climate down the Rhins of Galloway. The southernmost tip of Scotland is the unspoilt paradise of the Mull of Galloway. So as you can see, there any many places to discover, offering the perfect potential for relocating to a more rural, tranquil location or a key destination for second homes.

Highlights and attractions

Visit Sweetheart Abbey

Discover the tale of devotion behind the abbey's evocative name. Monks named it Dulce Cor in memory of Lady Dervorguilla, who founded the abbey in tribute to her beloved husband, John Balliol. She kept his embalmed heart close to her for the rest of her life. Sweetheart Abbey is set in the heart of New Abbey, a desirable village on the Solway Coast road, and which offers an historic corn mill, hotel, village shop, cafe, primary school and a village hall.

Walk from Rockcliffe to Kippford

One of our favourite Solway Coast walks in Dumfries and Galloway; this easy to moderate route takes in two attractive villages as well as superb scenery. For a shorter journey, you could walk to Kippford and take a bus back to Rockcliffe; however, if you have a little more time it is also possible to make this a longer, circular walk (approximately four miles). Rockcliffe is located just off the A710 road and there is a handy car park on the left hand side as you come into the village.

Shop in Castle Douglas

Castle Douglas is a small market town in South West Scotland that has a unique shopping experience. This includes over 50 traditional local and independent shops, three butchers, delis, grocers, clothing shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, antiques and furniture.

This small and friendly town will always make you feel welcome and provides quality products with a high level of service and a smile! Castle Douglas is well located in the centre of Dumfries and Galloway to provide an excellent point for travelling around the countryside of this beautiful part of Scotland, where the wildlife and scenery is just outstanding.

Enjoy fishing

There is ample opportunity for fly fishing for salmon, sea trout, brown trout, grayling and pike in some stunning locations around Dumfries and Galloway. The River Nith is one of the most prolific and affordable game fishing rivers in Scotland, while visitors can also find good fly fishing on the River Annan.

Visit Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. This category A listed castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry.

If you love history, exploring beautiful countryside - or even adrenaline-fuelled mountain-biking - you'll love a day out here. From children's activities to salmon fishing, there are a wide variety of activities to choose from on this 90,000 acre estate. A host of events are held throughout the year.

Commuting

Dumfries is well connected, with regular trains to Carlisle and the west coast mainline every two hours to Glasgow (1 hr 45 mins). A 25 minute drive will take you to Lockerbie and the M74, and you're only 15 - 30 mins from a beach.