Things to see and do Southwest

The Merrick is the best known and most popular peak in the Galloway Hills. It is a Corbett (a mountain between 2,500 and 2,999 feet above sea level) 843 m high. The hike to its summit is relatively well marked and easy to follow. It starts at Bruce's Stone, at the head of Loch Trool. It offers splendid panoramic views of the Galloway Forest and crosses the Ben Yellary. As with all mountain climbs and hikes, a few minimum precautions are required: good physical condition, suitable equipment, good weather.

Ellislad Farm is the farm where Robert Burns lived from 1788 to 1791. It was here that he wrote some of his most beloved nature poems. You will be immersed in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Almost nothing has changed since the poet and bard left the house. You will enjoy travelling back in time and discover the daily life in the 18th century, the farm buildings, the stable and the orchard... You will also be able to walk along the banks of the Nith and let yourself be carried away by bucolic inspirations...

For history lovers, the town of Lanark has created a history trail in the footsteps of the Scottish hero. You will walk in his footsteps and discover the church of St. Kentigerns: this is where William Wallace first saw Marion Cornelia Braidfute. You will then visit the church of St Nicholas, which holds the oldest bell in Europe, then the house where the couple lived (at the top of Castlegate), the remains of Lanark Castle, and the cave where he would have taken refuge.

The Mull of Galloway experience is to be at the southernmost point of Scotland and climb the 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse. There, on a clear day, you will see a breathtaking panorama of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. You may also be lucky enough to see gannets, porpoises and dolphins. Also visit the exhibition to learn more about lighthouses. On certain dates, you can enjoy a foghorn demonstration!

People come to Dean Castle both for its beautiful 80-hectare park, which is very popular with families, and for its old ^14th-century walls. Home to the Boyd family, it contains interesting collections of weapons, armor, tapestries and musical instruments. Ideal for a bucolic and historical outing. There is a tearoom at the visitor center. Between the visit of the castle, the walks in the immense park, the Adventure Play Space for the children and the animal farm, one can easily spend the day there.

Built in the late 16th century, this castle in the heart of Kirkcudbright was the residence of the MacLellan family until the 18th century, when it passed into the hands of the Earl of Selkirk. Now maintained by Historic Scotland, its ruins show the living conditions of the servants in the basement, as well as the curious Laird's Lug, a secret hole in the chimney from which guests were spied on... Take advantage of your visit to extend it by discovering Greyfriars church, which houses the memorial to Sir Thomas & Lady Grissel macLellan.

Built in 1734, this house was home to the artist E.A. Hornel from 1901 to 1933. E.A. Hornel was a member of theGlasgow Boys, many of his works are on display here, as well as pottery, ceramics, sculptures, bronzes and furniture from his acolytes. The house and studio are in Edwardian style. The library is probably the most beautiful room - he was a passionate collector - and the Japanese gardens are also worth a visit.

On an island in the middle of the River Dee, this keep was built in the 14th century by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway. Besieged by James II in 1455, its 30 m high walls are still impressive, despite the damage inflicted by time. To reach it, you have to park at Kelton Mains farm and walk 800 m to the landing stage. There you will use a bell to be picked up, don't hesitate to call if you have any problems. Please note, however, that the conditions of transport are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Once a town hall, a court, then a prison, Kirkcudbright's Tolbooth is now the artistic lung of this city so attached to culture. Several local artists are exhibited there, such as E.A. Hornel, Jessie M. King, E.A. Taylor, Charles Oppenheimer, or the watercolourists S.J. Peploe and David Gauld. The top floor hosts a revolving program of contemporary art and crafts from the region and around the world. Coffee, with its delicious pastries, is one of the assets of this unusual place.

On the long peninsula of the Rhine of Galloway is also this botanical garden, a branch of the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. It was born thanks to the Golf Stream that blows on the southern tip of Scotland. Its exoticism is unique in the country and it hosts many species from the southern hemisphere. It has a real tropical paradise feel that will surprise many, just a few steps from the cliffs shaken by the Irish Sea. The colorful walled garden and palm trees provide a complete change of scenery.

A natural reserve where wild geese, swans and other birds are resting from October to April. Safari organized at 11 h and 14 h each day.

Opened in the summer of 2015, it is the museum of a whole region, in the Clyde Valley. Its diverse collections explore 14,000 years of history in rural areas and small villages in the surrounding area, from prehistory to the mid-20th century. The first men of Scotland, the Neolithic farmers, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Romans, the Middle Ages, the Victorian era, the World Wars are covered here, through period objects and reconstructions.

In operation from 1839 to 1973 - among the first to open and the last to close - this coal gas plant in Scotland is presented in this attraction that looks back at Biggar's industrial past. Unchanged since its closure, we discover a capital activity of the Victorian era, to light the streets and dwellings. The shovels and wheelbarrows have not moved, and you can also see the machines, some of which are in operation, learning about production techniques and breathing in that particular smell that you no longer know.

The Biggar Puppet Theatre is an institution that extends far beyond Biggar's borders, as it is known around the world and regularly tours internationally. It is also the only institution of its kind in Scotland. For 40 years, the shows have been thrilling the childlike souls of their spectators and inviting them to poetic journeys. These are shows with large puppets, manipulated in the Bunraku style, designed for children, but widely appreciated and appreciated by adults.

A few kilometres after Newbridge, you will find Ellislan Farm where Robert Burns lived. A small museum consists of original poems (one of them was written on a window with the kitten of his ring). Burns, then farmer, was respected by other farmers for his scientific methods and his sense of trade.

The Dumfries Museum tells the story of Dumfries & Galloway from prehistoric times to not so long ago! Fossils, utensils from the early inhabitants, stones carved by Christians, life on a Victorian farm: the visit is a journey into the area's past. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. On the top floor of the museum you will have access to the Camera Obscura (fee: £3.40/adult, £1.70/child), an optical instrument that offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside.

It was in this small, simple, unadorned townhouse that Robert Burns spent the last years of his life until his death in 1796. The interiors give us a good idea of how the Scottish bard lived with his wife, Jean Armour, and their children. We enter the office where he wrote some of his most beloved works, as well as the different pieces of his daily life. The house became a true place of pilgrimage afterwards: Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats all passed through it to gather.

600 works of art by Scottish artists, from the 1880s to the present day, are stored in this gallery and are presented in its temporary exhibitions. There are of course paintings, especially by famous local watercolourists, but also sculptures and very contemporary works. Exhibitions vary regularly: the Scottish Boys, modern Scottish painting... Artists and craftsmen are also in the spotlight in the art centre's shop: a great idea to treat yourself to a unique souvenir! A café is also open on site.

This visitor centre provides valuable information about the valley's nature reserve and its history. Several species such as badgers, bats and hawks live here and can be observed depending on the season and time of day. His stunts inspired painters Turner and Wordsworth in their art. Dundaff Linn, Corra Linn and Bonnington Linn are some of the places that are accessible. It is reached via several footpaths that criss-cross the area.

This short, easy and accessible walk offers superb views. Bruce's Stone stands on a magnificent vantage point overlooking the waters of Loch Trool (north shore). It is named in memory of Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland, and the Battle of Trool, fought in 1307. English soldiers were ambushed as they marched along the shores of the loch. Robert The Bruce's men attacked them by surprise, with stones. The victory was quick and bloody. Bruce's Stone is also the starting point for the Merrick ascent.

In ruins for more than 300 years, this castle is nevertheless particularly imposing and impressive, overlooking the sea. It was once more important than Culzean Castle, its famous neighbour. Its origins date back to 1200. The Kennedy family prospered here. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have stayed there for three days from August 4, 1563, as the guest of Gilbert Kennedy. The castle was the scene of battles and the object of many conflicts. It became a ruin around 1700 and was used as a quarry before becoming a romantic site.

This high ruined castle was built by Robert II in the 1370s, shortly after his accession to the throne. Because of its location on a promontory, it offers a superb view of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde. The visit allows to discover the history of the place and the building, from room to room. The surroundings are also interesting and worth putting on good shoes: Dundonald Woodland (large deciduous forest), access to Auchans Castle (remains), walk on Smuggler's Trail (leaflets at the castle).

A few kilometres further south of Withorn, along the B7004, lies this charming tiny harbour, built astride an island, attached to the land by a dyke, hence its name Isle of Withorn. Here you can see the remains of the 13th century St Ninian's Chapel and, further along, St Ninian's Cave, where he used to go to pray. Be careful though, this is not easy to find and you will have to go to the hamlet of Kidsdale, west of Isle of Whithorn, to find the way there.

This place is a must for those who are interested in the country's heritage or for budding genealogists. It has many resources on the history of the region, with newspapers, maps, photographs, books, official and unofficial archives. If you need to do genealogical research, you've come to the right place. At its heart is the statue of Robert Burns, the centerpiece of the original monument erected in 1879. It is the only place in Scotland to have archives dating back over 500 years. For £15, you can even do genealogical research.

The Dick Institute's exhibition program is very diverse. The main gallery hosts travelling exhibitions provided by national institutions, as well as regular shows. The other galleries are semi-permanent and showcase East Ayrshire's social and natural heritage. In 2023, the museum celebrates the 10th anniversary of the spring exhibition. On this occasion, it will showcase the work of regional artists, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of contemporary practices through the finest works.

The Merlin Trail is a 7-day itinerary, organized in 4 themes and can be broken down into one or two-day excursions. It includes the main sites of the region dating back to the ^5th, 6th and 7th centuries, when the famous enchanter would have lived. The route is an opportunity to rediscover history and explore lesser-known heritage sites and monuments. History, archaeology, etymology, topography, botany and popular memory mingle for a real plunge into time and the origins of the legends we still know.

Sanquhar is known worldwide for its knitting and the traditions that go with it. That's what you will discover in this museum, and much more. Dedicated to the local life of Upper Nithsdale in the 18th century, it describes the traditions and history of the town. You will be immersed in the life of the miners of the past, when they worked in the surrounding mines. You will also see that it was not enviable to be a prisoner in the city jail