You may love the Scottish Highlands or the Lake District, but trust me, if you’re driving on the M74 to either you need to stop off. And stay a while. I promise you will not regret it for a second, not when the glories of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly and most balmy region, tempt. I’ve just been back again and here are my 10 reasons you HAVE to visit Dumfries and Galloway. I suspect once you’ve discovered this glorious region you’ll be coming back again too.
1. Scenery to rival the Highlands
I’m throwing this right out there. Dumfries and Galloway is so wild and wildly beautiful that its scenery really is up there with the Highlands. We’re talking the majestic mountains of the Southern Uplands, a swathe of sweeping rivers, a sweep of thick forest and a rugged, heavily indented coastline that has drama at every turn.
2. The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path
Dumfries and Galloway already boasts a world-class long distance walking route in its share of the Southern Upland Way. That is a brilliant walk that is being joined by this remarkable coastal hike, which is currently being worked on. By combining it with the Mull of Galloway Trail you can tackle an 83 mile route. The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path, Scotland’s newest long distance walk, is a fantastic route. It starts and finishes on the Stranraer waterfront so it’s handily circular. Look out too for the excellent annual Newton Stewart Walking Festival – thought to be Scotland’s oldest walking festival – with its 30 or so options.
3. Brilliant biking
Dumfries and Galloway boasts brilliant biking. Take Kirroughtree, a mountain bike hub with a sweep of marked trails, with something for all skill levels. The visitor centre and café is superb too, with maps of the trails on the walls. The Brakepad Bike Shop next door can set you up with all the gear you need, even e-bikes which make those uphills far easier and let you stay out for longer. Look out too for the new Kirkpatrick C2C long distance coast-to-coast cycling route, which kicks off on the pier in Stranraer, before surging right across Southern Scotland.
4. Great food
I dined all over on my most recent visit and the quality and local produce shone through. The Fig & Olive in Stranraer is a warm and welcoming café just back from the water. The restaurant at Knockinaam Lodge was back to its best and – if they keep up their superb tasting menus – I can really see them reclaiming their Michelin star. The Oakhill Café & Deli is a bright café in the shadow of Carsluith Castle. On my last visit the smoked salmon linguine was superb, with the Belgian chocolate brownie a delight too.
5. Galloway National Park
Dumfries and Galloway (with a wee slice of Ayrshire possibly worked in) is slated to have Scotland’s newest national park by 2026. The region impressively beat off five rivals in summer 2024. Much work remains to be done and a multitude of opinions are circling over what shape Scotland’s third national park should take. If it comes to fruition it will be a great new asset for tourism in the region. Watch this exciting space. The boundaries of the proposed park have not been finalised, but if you visit the Galloway Forest Park you’ll get the idea – it’s a glorious wildscape.
6. Biosphere beauty
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere sweeps its protective arms around swathes of Dumfries and Galloway. It houses a remarkable oasis of genuine biodiversity, which the Biosphere works hard to protect. There is also a focus on how people can best live and thrive in the Biosphere in a sustainable way. They do brilliant work and there is hope – and every reason to believe – the new national park and the Biosphere will work very well together.
7. Great guides
A great guide can really make for a great trip. On my recent visit I hooked up with Mark Donald of Dumfries Tours, who did a great job of sweeping me around Dumfries and Galloway. Mark has a real passion for the region and its people, which really comes across and makes sure everything runs really smoothly. He is knowledgeable, polite, charming and helpful – in short a great guide and also a typical local in super friendly Dumfries and Galloway. I appreciated he was really flexible with itineraries too and always willing to give his input.
8. Lovely places to stay
Knockinaam Lodge is a grand retreat down on the coast on the Rhins of Galloway, as plush and romantic as any eloping couple could every want. They are great with kids too, and even welcome walkers passing on the gorgeous local trails. Creebridge House Hotel is a simpler, cosy affair just across the river from Newton Stewart. The lively bar attracts locals as well as residents, making it a fun base that also has a popular restaurant where my highlight was the venison pie. The Ship Inn in Gatehouse Fleet is another great place to stay with an acclaimed restaurant attached. Think seared scallops and steaks.
9. Dark skies
Dumfries and Galloway is already home to Europe’s first Dark Sky Park – the Galloway International Dark Sky Park. It has ‘Gold Standard’ Dark Sky status as one of the darkest places in Europe. The best way to really appreciate it is to go out at night with a Dark Sky Ranger, like Elizabeth Tindal. Her passion and enthusiasm really helps you make the most of the experience no matter the weather. The night skies here really are sublime – we’re talking not just constellations, but shooting stars, satellites and meteorites too.
This blog comes in conjunction with Scotland Starts Here. Note that all views and opinions expressed are independent and are our own.
