You may have never considered visiting Southwest Scotland: here’s why it’s worth it

Travelers to Scotland often arrive in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, or they may come from England and head straight to these cities or the Highlands. While the Isle of Skye, distilleries, and Edinburgh Castle are well-known, just south lies a region filled with stunning landscapes, castles, forests, and unique experiences that rival those in the north.

Additionally, you can savor all this without the throngs of tourists that typically flock to the northern areas, especially during peak season.

Discover Scotland via the Southern Upland Way

As Scotland’s longest hiking trail, the Southern Upland Way stretches from coast to coast, encompassing forests, mountains, cliffs, and lakes. This 344km (214 miles) path spans from Portpatrick in the southwest to Cockburnspath in the east. It can be enjoyed as part of a longer adventure or tackled in shorter, more relaxed segments. The initial half through Dumfries and Galloway features breathtaking scenery, diverse trails, and numerous spots to explore, dine, and refresh along the way. Beginning in the charming harbor town of Portpatrick, the trail hugs the coast, with steep climbs and descents along the cliffs, revealing hidden coves and traversing fields of sheep and cattle. Stunning vistas await, and on clear days, views extend to Ireland. Benches along the way invite you to pause and soak in the landscape (and catch your breath!). For longer stretches, be sure to pack a lunch and plan your journey accordingly. The Galloway Forest Park section of the trail is particularly enchanting, showcasing vibrant, moss-covered ancient woods. It meanders beside rivers, over ancient stone walls, and around serene lakes, where you may encounter oak, beech, and hazel trees, holly, various mushrooms, and berries. Keep an eye out for buzzards and herons soaring overhead.

Certain parts of the hike appeal to those interested in the region’s rich history. Bruce’s Stone, located on the northern edge of Loch Trool, commemorates the 1307 Battle of Glen Trool. It was here that Robert the Bruce hid, while English troops searched for him along the narrow path by the lake. The Scottish King watched as his men launched a surprise attack on the English from above, using heavy stones as weapons.

History enthusiasts will find intriguing sites along the trail, including the haunted ruins of 13th-century Sanquhar Castle, the Museum of Lead Mining in Wanlockhead, and various remnants from WWII. There’s also an engaging treasure hunt along the Southern Upland Way, featuring hidden coins placed in sculptured kists (storage chests) at different points along the trail. With a total of 13 golden coins designed by local schools, you’ll know you’re nearby when you spot a post with a metal plate inscribed with “Ultreia” (Latin for “beyond”). While I can’t reveal too much, I discovered one near an ancient stone bridge in Galloway Forest Park…

Experience the wonders of astronomy by stargazing in Galloway Dark Skies Park

In addition to the Southern Upland Way, Galloway Forest Park and the broader Dumfries and Galloway region offer numerous ways to appreciate nature. This is the UK’s first designated Dark Skies Park, where Dark Sky Rangers are available to guide your celestial exploration. Local ranger Elizabeth Tindal provides an extraordinary experience, leading you to an ideal stargazing location in the forest. Wrapped in blankets on camping chairs, sipping peppermint tea, we marveled at the night sky as Elizabeth shared insights about stars, constellations, lightspeed, and cultural legends. If you’re fortunate like I was, you might even witness a shooting star!

Get up close with Highland cows at Kitchen Coos & Ewes

If you’ve spent time on social media, you’ve likely encountered the charming and photogenic Highland cows. At Kitchen Coos & Ewes, a farm featuring pedigree sheep and Highland cows, visitors can embark on a safari tour through the fields for a close encounter with these lovely animals. The engaging farm owners will share insights about the cows— their names, lineage, and relationships—while providing excellent photo opportunities. At the end of the tour, enjoy tea, coffee, and homemade cakes and biscuits. Farmhand Chase even enlightened us about the ecological benefits of cowpats. Due to their growing popularity on social media, these tours must be booked in advance. Don’t miss the caramel oatcake; it’s worth the trip alone.

Reconnect with nature in the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

For those passionate about Scottish wildlife and nature, Christy Miles of Way of the Wild can guide you through the rugged Southern Uplands. With a wealth of knowledge and a friendly demeanor, Christy teaches aspiring adventurers how to use paper maps and navigate wild terrain without relying on phones. You’ll also receive valuable lessons in foraging and identifying different species. After our walk, I was inspired to ditch Google Maps for future hikes. In addition to mountain skills, Christy offers sessions on bushcraft, fire-making, foraging, willow-working, and forest bathing.

Discover the fundamentals of curling

After a day of hiking the Southern Upland Way, you might not expect to want a sports lesson. However, a curling lesson at the rink in North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer is engaging, revitalizing, and a whole lot of fun. Gail Munro, a Scottish National Champion and rink manager, is a patient and supportive instructor. She’ll guide you through the basics, explain the rules, and demonstrate the various delivery styles in curling. Then you can participate in some games. There’s a viewing window from the hotel’s Alpine bar, so you might have some spectators watching your novice curls. For those seeking a unique experience, curling is definitely worth a try.

Getting to Southwest Scotland – and finding a place to stay

For eco-conscious travelers, Southwest Scotland is an ideal destination. It’s accessible by train or bus from other parts of the UK and features a Stenaline ferry route from Belfast, with multiple daily crossings to Cairnryan. Additionally, Galloway Forest Park is just an 85km drive from Glasgow. Accommodation options range from luxury stays like the cozy Blackaddie House in Sanquhar to more rustic choices, including a few bothies along the trail. It’s advisable to book inns, hotels, and B&Bs in advance, especially in busier areas like Stranraer and Dumfries. For adventurous souls, wild camping is permitted in Scotland, provided it adheres to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. With a variety of restaurants and pubs in the area, you won’t go hungry. Establishments like Henry’s Bar and Restaurant in Stranraer feature fresh local seafood (the scallops come highly recommended), and if you time your visit right, you might catch the Oyster Festival.

Amy Lynch visited Scotland at the invitation of SSDA as part of the Scotland Starts Here initiative. Staff members of Dinogo Planet do not accept complimentary items in exchange for favorable coverage.