A brief travel and tourism guide to Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Introduction

Dumfries and Galloway is located in the south of Scotland and borders the English county of Cumbria. Historically, the region is intertwined with significant events in Scottish history, especially around AD 1300. Its rural areas are often sites of natural beauty, and parts of Dumfries and Galloway are part of historic Scotland with many tourist attractions open during the summer months.

threaves castle

Threave Castle was built in the 13th century and was the home of Archibald Douglas, better known as “Archibald the Grim”. Threave Castle became Archibald’s stronghold after it was granted earldom by King David II for services rendered to Scotland by the Douglas family. Archibald’s father, Sir James Douglas “The Good”, had been tasked with carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce to Jerusalem, but had been murdered by the Moors in Spain. The family had also played an important role in suppressing rebellions that sided with the English. Subsequently, the black heart symbol became one with the Douglas family.

This is just a snapshot of the history that lies within the walls of Castle Threave. His grim but fascinating story becomes even more real thanks to the boatman who takes him to Threave Island. The castle is now part of Historic Scotland and is open during the summer months.

outdoor laggan

Laggan Outdoor presents outdoor activities for the family and serious outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain Balling, Water Balling, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Segway, Mountain Boarding and Grass Sledging are all catered for. Although they skew the marketing towards team builders, families are welcome as are stag and hen parties. They are situated in a particularly beautiful part of the Galloway coast.

Old Gretna Green Smithy

Gretna Green is famous for marriage on the go. A bit like getting married in Las Vegas, only there are no casinos and much less tacks. The Old Blacksmith’s Shop contains an anvil and carriage museum, a tartan and tweed shop, and other attractions that tell the story of Gretna Green and how it became the home of the runaway couple.

The tail of the gray mare

Gray Mare’s Tail is the deepest waterfall in Scotland. The water falls 200 feet into a valley and fills the Moffat Water well below Loch Skeen, the starting point of the waterfall. The surrounding area is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust for Scotland. There are excellent hiking trails that start or end at the Tail of the Gray Mare and due to the formation of the valley due to geological erosion, the Tail of the Gray Mare is a site of geological interest.

roberto burns

Robert Burns is arguably Scotland’s greatest poet and has written enduring poetry that has survived generations. For much of his adult life, the great man lived in Dumfries and there are several monuments in his honour. Many tourists from Dumfries and Galloway tend to visit the site, which is an organization dedicated to preserving the memory and works of Robert Burns to learn more about Scotland’s greatest poet.

There is a wide range of holiday accommodation and holiday rentals in Dumfries and Galloway, and throughout Scotland.