Area Guides
Stranraer and the Rhins
Taking the form of a ‘double-headed’ peninsula at the west end of the region, the main population centre of the Rhins is Stranraer, which sits beneath the sea loch of Loch Ryan – across which ferries sail (from Cairnryan) daily to Ireland. The Rhins boasts a spectacular coastline, particularly along its western and southern sides facing the Irish Sea – which can be explored in stretches or its entirety in walking along the Rhins of Galloway Coastal Path (see our ‘Outdoors’ section on Long-distance Trails). Visitor attractions in the Rhins include the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Portpatrick (pictured) and nearby Dunskey Castle, and Castle Kennedy Gardens. The area is also rich in Early Historic (notably Christian) sites, towers and additional lighthouses, and is an ideal place to spot wildlife. (image credit: Galloway Wild Wanders).
The Machars, Glenluce, and Newton Stewart
Across Luce Bay from the Rhins, we discover the eastern ‘half’ of Wigtownshire in the form of another large peninsula known as the Machars. Again, it offers the visitor an impressive coastline which can be explored by several walks. In terms of pre-and-early historic and Christian sites, as an area to explore it has few if any equals in Scotland, with places such as Whithorn, the Drumtroddan Stones, and the Torhouse Stone Circle. Visit Wigtown, Scotland’s National Booktown, and the picturesque coastal villages of Port William, the Isle of Whithorn, and Garlieston. The Machars is also dotted with historic buildings such as towers and mansions (pictured: Galloway House). When the tide is out, stroll along magnificent beaches either side of Monreith; while at the ‘top end’ of the Machars, visit the towns of Glenluce and Newton Stewart plus the history and wildlife-rich ‘Moors’.
Western Kirkcudbrightshire
The historic county of the ‘Stewartry of Kirkcudbright’ has so much to offer that, even for a brief summary, we divide it here into west and east along the line of Loch Ken and the River Dee. The western ‘half’ as defined has varied landscapes: from remote upland moors and lochs, plus of the course the Galloway Hills, to stunning sections of coastline, plus a wealth of places to visit. Attractions include the quaint town of Gatehouse of Fleet, Carrick Bay, swathes of the Galloway Park (containing wildlife havens such as the Red Deer Range), the prehistoric Cairn Holy, and built-heritage sites ranging from disused Victorian railway viaducts to the majestic ruin of Kenmure Castle. (image: Kells Church, New Galloway).
Eastern Kirkcudbrightshire
It is within this half of the historic county that we encounter its principal towns: the heritage hub and Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright itself, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie – plus a range of pretty villages from the picture postcard Rockcliffe and Kipford on the coast, to St John’s Town of Dalry in the gorgeous Glenkens. Whether you are simply a lover of the outdoors and nature, an art aficionado, a history buff, or even an ornithologist, you will be spoiled for things to do in this part of the world. Places to visit range from Dundrennan Abbey and Threave Castle (which we could easily include in the western section as it sits in the middle of the River Dee), the museum and galleries of Kirkcudbright, New Abbey, Mabie Farm Park, and an abundance of walks. (image: Port O’ Warren as passed by the 12-mile Rockcliffe to Sandyhills coastal path).
Dumfries
By far the largest population centre in the region, Dumfries was founded as a royal burgh in the late-twelfth century (on the site of an earlier settlement) – its navigable position close to the Solway Firth and near the border with England being important factors in this respect. Although only earthworks survive of the medieval castles, principally that of Castledykes much fought over during the Scottish Wars of Independence, the fifteenth-century ‘abbey’ of Lincluden College remains as an impressive ruin just north of the town. Another important site is that of the now-vanished Greyfriars Monastery, where Robert the Bruce slew his ‘Red Comyn’ rival for the throne of Scotland in 1306. Perhaps above all, Dumfries is famed for having been the home of Robert Burns during the prime of his relatively short life, a fact reflected in landmarks such as the Burns Statue (pictured), the Burns Mausoleum, and the Burns House Museum – while also featuring in the story of visitor attractions of wider historical-cultural remit such as Dumfries Museum and St Michael’s Church and graveyard. The High Street core has preserved much of its Georgian aspect, and is the scene of events and festivals at certain times of the year. Within a fairly short drive of the town, visit the impressive triangular-and-moated Caerlaverock Castle. Additionally, suggested walks include those featuring historical landmarks in the burgh, with others taking in the scenic River Nith and areas of the surrounding countryside.
Nithsdale
Dumfries lies towards the lower end of Nithsdale, in topographical terms the valley of the River Nith, which stretches for over 40 miles from the vicinity of Caerlaverock in the south to just beyond Kirkconnel in the north. The main artery through the historic district is the A76, from which many smaller roads lead the explorer into a varied landscape of lush fields, lochs, and rolling hills. For heritage enthusiasts, visit the historic towns of Thornhill (with the nearby Drumlanrig Castle) and Sanquhar, numerous old churches and graveyards, the Robert Burns Ellisland Farm Museum, with a range of other attractions including the Lead Mining Museum (if just beyond the regional boundary) where you can try gold panning, Morton Castle, and the Crawick Multiverse. Walking options are meanwhile plentiful, especially in the area around Thornhill. (image: the old Auldgirth Bridge over the Nith).
Annandale
Like Nithsdale, Annandale is one of the historic districts of Dumfriesshire, covering a large area from Moffat in the north to Gretna, Annan and the Solway Firth in the south. Two historic towns with origins in the ancestors of Robert Bruce (and of ‘The Bruce’ himself) are Annan and Lochmaben, at each of which you will find remains of medieval castles and riverside walks (including one to the coast) – plus at the former location Annan Museum and an operative and visitable Victorian whisky distillery. Other places to visit include Gretna Green, famed for its central role in the Georgian ‘elopement marriage trade’ from neighbouring England, the quaint town of Moffat with its magnificent walking options, plus a multitude of ruined towers, castles, old kirks and kirkyards – not forgetting the wartime-heritage Devil’s Porridge Museum. Annandale is moreover crossed by the long-distance trail of the Annandale Way, with many additional walks ranging from challenging hill climbs to strolls through woods and glens, and along riverbanks and the Solway shore. (image: Lochmaben Castle and Castle Loch).
Eskdale
At the Eastern end of Dumfries and Galloway, in ways Eskdale has more the feel of today’s Scottish Borders region – in the troubled history of which it played an important role. Its principal town of Langholm is an ideal base to explore the medieval province, whether in terms of walks, sampling an array of historic buildings, or following the ‘Prehistoric Trail’ of hillforts and other ancient sites in the area around Eskdalemuir. Experience the peace and beauty of the Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, and enter the Border stronghold of the Armstrong family at Gilnockie Tower. By crossing just over the regional boundary, visit the impressive Hermitage Castle in Roxburghshire, or the castle-and-cathedral city of Carlisle in Cumbria. (image: Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre & Monastery, Eskdalemuir).