Galloway Forest Park
Yes, I know. Everybody wants to see the Highlands and you really should, but please.....don't forget Scotland's south. Dumfries & Galloway, a largely rural area, is so incredibly rich in it's bounty.
It is bursting with great scenery and is home to three national scenic areas, designated as areas of scenic beauty.
The Southern Upland Way, a 338 km long coast-to-coast walking trail along southern Scotland takes off from Portpatrick. Castles, beaches, digs etc.
Don't stay on the motorway. Turn inland. This is a ritch region where the past is still very much alive.
Site rating:
Although the featured attractions, sites and landmarks are always chosen by me, I have made a serious effort to differentiate 4 levels:
- (***) This is, for whatever reason, a very personal favourite! Will definitely be on my itinerary! Could possibly be disappointing for someone else though.
- (**) A major must-see tourist attraction that you can find in many a brochure.
- (*) Worth seeing and possibly interesting if you happen to be in the vicinity.
- (-) A hefty dollop of imagination is a must, but it might be interesting if you know the background.
My very personal selection:
Location: Shearington / Plus code: XFFG+X9X Dumfries
Location: Garlieston / Plus code: QJ5V+389 Newton Stewart
Location: Newton Stewart / Plus code: 4GRP+P3X Newton Stewart
- Gilnockie Tower ***
Location: Canonbie / Plus code: 32WH+XMX Canonbie
- Lochmaben Castle ***
Location: Lochmaben / Plus code: 4H89+GJG Lockerbie
- Morton Castle ***
Location: Carronbridge / Plus code: 77F2+PXP Thornhill
- Mull of Galloway ***
Location: Damnaglour / Plus code: J4PR+46W Stranraer
- Sweetheart Abbey ***
Location: New Abbey / Plus code: X9JJ+25H Dumfries
- Threave Castle ***
Location: Castle Douglas / Plus code: W2QJ+M7Q Castle Douglas
- Whig's Hole ***
Location: Moniaive / Plus code: 7WG4+H7J Castle Douglas
And than there are.....
Location: Moniaive / Plus code: 7WMX+RP6 Thornhill
Location: Middlebie / Plus code: 3PWF+C6C Lockerbie
Location: Barholm / Plus code: VM5Q+4PJ Newton Stewart
Location: Gatehouse of Fleet / Plus code: WPWR+R96 Castle Douglas
Location: Moffat / Plus code: CG29+3G9 Moffat
Location: Dundrennan / Plus code: R342+RJ9 Kirkcudbright
Location: Glentrool / Plus code: 3GPG+RP9 Newton Stewart
Location: New Luce / Plus code: 2659+2HP Newton Stewart
Location: Wigtown / Plus code: VHC7+FC2 Newton Stewart
Location: Sanquhar / Plus code: 936J+QPF Sanquhar
Location: Whithorn / Plus code: MHV2+RFQ Newton Stewart
Location: Whithorn / Plus code: MJXQ+6MC Newton Stewart
Location: Whithorn / Plus code: PHMJ+6CH Newton Stewart
Location: Middlebie / Plus code: 3Q7G+X68 Lockerbie
Location: Shearington / Plus code: XFF8+372 Dumfries
Location: Gatehouse of Fleet / Plus code: VRF2+8V8 Castle Douglas
Location: Carsluith / Plus code: VM53+Q9G Newton Stewart
Location: Lockerbie / Plus code: 4JQC+Q44 Lockerbie
Location: Portpatrick / Plus code: RVPR+52G Stranraer
Location: Gretna / Plus code: XWMF+F92 Gretna
Location: Gretna / Plus code: XWPG+7PV Gretna
Location: Torthorwald / Plus code: 3FQM+J5C Dumfries
Location: Tynron / Plus code: 64GV+62R Thornhill
Location: New Galloway / Plus code: 3P7M+X2Q Castle Douglas