County Counsel: Dumfries and Galloway
South-west Scotland features rolling hills, beautiful lush countryside, breathtaking coastline and some wonderful historic towns. Bryony Symes explores
Explore rolling hills, lush countryside and coastline, and historic towns. Bryony Symes is your guide
Head to Dumfries for the Big Burns Supper; the Dumfries Art Trail
1 Tales of a town
It might have a long, turbulent history but the Dumfries of today is lively and creative, and often celebrates Robert Burns, who spent the last years of his life here. Visit Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, Old Bridge House Museum and the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura. Web www.dumgal.gov.uk
2 Galloway Forest
Looking for somewhere to escape for the day? You’re virtually guaranteed to find your own corner of peace and tranquillity in Galloway Forest Park. The 300-square-mile area is hugely diverse and has some spectacular views down valleys, across lochs and over heather-clad moorland. Web gallowayforestpark.com
3 My heart will go on
The stunning remains of 700-year-old Sweetheart Abbey hold on to a history of love and devotion. After her husband died in 1268, Lady Dervorgilla had his embalmed heart put in an ivory casket, which she carried with her. She founded Dolce Cor in tribute to her late husband, John Balliol. The monks at Sweetheart Abbey buried her in front of the high altar, with her husband’s heart clutched to her chest. Web historicenvironment.scot
4 Life on the wing
Although a common sight today, the humble red kite was extinct in both England and Scotland by 1879. The Galloway Kite Trail takes in some of Galloway Forest’s best viewing points, including a feeding station, the old cages where the birds could be cared for and monitored, and more. Web www.gallowaykitetrail.com
5 Island fortress
Of the many castles and fortified manors in Dumfries and Galloway, Threave Castle has a unique quirk: to reach it, you must take a boat across the River Dee to this foreboding island fortress. Tickets need to be bought at NTS Osprey Centre, but you’ll have to wait until it reopens in April. Another must-see nearby is Threave Garden, with baronial manor Threave House in the centre of landscaped beauty. The estate is a haven for wildlife. Web historicenvironment.scot
6 Rock stars
This is great walking country, with enough routes to boggle your mind, but if you choose the hills north of Kirkdale you’ll stumble upon a truly extraordinary reminder of our ancestors. The giant rocks at Cairnholy make up two chambered cairns that are thought to date from between 4000 and 6000 years ago. Web undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
7 Rabbie’s home
Although Ayrshire is largely regarded as Burns Country, one of the best places to learn about his life is at Ellisland Farm, near Dumfries, the home that he built in an idyllic spot. So idyllic, in fact, that it is said to have inspired much of his work. Or follow in his footsteps on the Galloway Tourist Route, which will take you to the Robert Burns Centre. Web www.ellislandfarm.co.uk
8 Arch installation
The progress of Andrew Goldsworthy’s Striding Arches across the hills of Cairnhead is a beautiful nod to the landscape of the Southern Uplands, a little-known unspoilt glen. The project includes an arch extending from a disused farm building, which sits atop a platform of land that acts as a viewing point for the surrounding amphitheatre of hills. This is ideal country for hillwalking, so pack up your rucksack and head out. Web www.stridingarches.com
9 Wildlife walk
Kirkconnell Flow Nature Reserve features a thriving raised bog. Follow the circular paths to admire it or take a picnic for a relaxing afternoon. You may even spot adders and lizards! Web www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
10 A Scotch sleeping beauty
A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without visiting a distillery and savouring one of the country’s most famous exports. Try some of the finest single malt Scotch whisky at Annandale Distillery, recently reopened after 90 years and with a heritage dating back to 1830. Choose from the classic tour, the restoration tour, the distillery manager’s tour, or a tour by the owner. Web annandaledistillery.com