Dumfries and Galloway Attractions

Follow the A710 south out of Dumfries. Before reaching the coast and the fine views over the Solway Firth, stop off at New Abbey and pay a visit to the delightful ruins of Sweetheart Abbey. The Cistercian Abbey here was founded in 1273 by Devorgilla, who also played a part in the creation of Balliol College, Oxford. She always carried the embalmed heart of her beloved husband John Balliol with her in an ivory box and after her death it was buried alongside her - hence the origins of the name.

Dundrennan Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian monastery, still retains some of its earlier splendor. The transepts and the chancel in Late Norman Transitional style are well preserved and the gravestones are of interest. May 15, 1586 is said to have been the last night Mary Stuart spent in Scotland, before seeking refuge in England.

Although the 18th century country house itself is not open to the public, visitors are welcome to wander through the beautiful park with rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, roses, three small lakes and a fine view of Luce Bay.

The A712 between New Galloway (to the northwest of Castle Stewart) and Newton Stewart passes through the magnificent woodland of Galloway Forest Park (152sq. mi/400sq.km).

In the middle of the 17th century the discovery of sulfur springs transformed the quiet village of Moffat ((pop. 2,000; 20mi/32km north of Dumfries) into a popular spa town. Of more importance for the local economy, however, was sheep farming. A bronze ram on the Colvin fountain in High Street symbolizes the prosperity that wool and textiles have brought to the region. The local woolen mill can offer a wide selection of high-quality woolen products from both the Southern Uplands and northern Scotland.

The post office in Sanquhar High Street has been in business without a break since 1738 and is said to be the oldest in Britain.

Langholm is the birthplace of Christopher Murray Grieve, the poet Hugh MacDiarmid.

This annual ten-day festival runs in May, offering more than fifty different performances. Events include operas, orchestral, chamber, jazz and folk concerts, theatrical and dance performances and visual arts exhibitions.Classical and early music combines with contemporary and modern works to ensure a diversified program. A number of venues are used for the festival, including the Bonshaw Tower.

The splendid gardens at Arbigland House near Kirkbean were laid out ca. 1700. During the 18th century John Paul Jones, the "Father" of the U.S. navy, worked here. He was the son of the head gardener.

Dalbeattie is located southwest of Dumfries near Castle Douglas.

Palnackie is located on the A711 southwest of Dalbeattie.

The pretty town of Kirkcudbright (pop. 2,500; 10mi/16km southwest of Castle Douglas) is situated further west along the Solway Firth. Attractively located where the River Dee flows into Kirkcudbright Bay, the town center has several interesting sights including the 16th/17th century Tolbooth, where John Paul Jones, founder of the American marines, was once a prisoner.

The 212mi/341km trail stretches from Portpatrick on the Scottish southwest coast to Cockburnspath on the east coast. The trail passes through valleys, forests and rugged uplands, with long and demanding stretches through remote hill country. Numerous shorter sections link rural towns and villages and are suitable for a day's leisurely walk.

The history and development of the region is illustrated in an old mill by the River Fleet.Slide shows, a model village and exhibitions about the restored cotton mill are offered from March to October.

Follow the A75 coast road from Newton Stewart eastward. The ruined Cardoness Castle with a 15th century tower house is situated about 18mi/30km away at the north end of Fleet Bay. It was formerly the seat of the McCullochs of Galloway.

About 10mi/16km to the west of Cardoness Castle lies the pleasant little town of Newton Stewart (pop. 4,000). It is a popular spot with anglers and also boasts a good golf course.

Wigtownshire is located near Castle Douglas on the A714.

Scattered over the farmland of the Machars peninsula to the south of Newton Stewart are a number of prehistoric sites. The standing stones at Drumtrodden and the remains of an Iron Age fort at Barsalloch are particularly impressive.

At the end of the fourth century St Ninian built a small chapel in Whithorn and named it "Candida Casa" on account of the white stone. The holy site was consecrated in the name of Martin of Tours, a teacher and friend of St Ninian who, as the historian Bede reported 300 years later, dispatched stonemasons to help with the construction. Soon Whithorn became an important early Christian abbey and the shrine of St Ninian developed into a popular place of pilgrimage. Whithorn was later elevated to a Celtic bishopric and ca. 1160 a monastery for the Premonstratensian order was founded here. After the Reformation, a Protestant bishop resided in the abbey, but from 1689 the sacred site became the parish church. Little remains of what is often described as the "cradle" of Christianity in Scotland. St Ninian's "White House" lay to the east of the chancel but only the foundations remain and they are hard to identify. The medieval main nave, now minus roof, underwent a number of changes in the 17th and 18th century, however, the tombs and Norman west portal deserve close attention. The grave of St Ninian once occupied the crypt (ca. 1200) and the Latinus or Barrovadus headstone in the museum is regarded as one of the earliest Christian monuments in Scotland.

Even the Romans appreciated the protected position of Loch Ryan and anchored their ships in the bay off Stranraer (pop. 11,300). The harbor is now used by ferries for Northern Ireland and, in the summer, for the Isle of Man.

Dunragit is located on the A75 6.5mi/10km southeast of Stranraer.

Glenluce is located on the A75 7mi/10km east of Stranraer.

The remains of a small chapel can be seen on the offshore island of Whithorn at the southeastern tip of the peninsula. It was built ca. 1300 probably for pilgrims who arrived by boat.

Solway Firth and the English Lake District beyond are visible from points to the southwest of Criffell (1,866ft/569m).

The Murray Isles are located off Carrick Point. They are two small, uninhabited islands in the Islands of Fleet.

Castle Douglas (pop. 3,900) sits on a small island in the Dee.

The gutted remains of Glenlair, destroyed by fire 1929, was the home of Maxwell, writer of the acclaimed Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism.