Andy's Guidebook
Sightseeing
The remains of a once substantial fortress, much fought over in the Middle Ages, has Bruce connections. Is worth a visit for its lochside setting as much as anything else.
Lochmaben Castle
The remains of a once substantial fortress, much fought over in the Middle Ages, has Bruce connections. Is worth a visit for its lochside setting as much as anything else.
You can a walk all around the loch, visit the castle, popular with dogs!
8 locals recommend
Castle Loch
You can a walk all around the loch, visit the castle, popular with dogs!
Impressive castle which is nearly complete and has a most and drawbridge, everyone’s idea of a medieval fortress. Kids can run around the substantial lawns, there’s often historical re-enacting and sea oak events. Definitely worth visiting.
48 locals recommend
Caerlaverock Castle
Impressive castle which is nearly complete and has a most and drawbridge, everyone’s idea of a medieval fortress. Kids can run around the substantial lawns, there’s often historical re-enacting and sea oak events. Definitely worth visiting.
Seems incongruent set among remote Scottish moorland with all the colourful Buddhist statues and the monastery, but is worth visiting for those with a spiritual leaning but also of interest to the just curious. There is a cafe and you can visit the main temple to see Buddhist devotions. Leaves a lasting impression.
Samye Ling Victory Stupa
B709Seems incongruent set among remote Scottish moorland with all the colourful Buddhist statues and the monastery, but is worth visiting for those with a spiritual leaning but also of interest to the just curious. There is a cafe and you can visit the main temple to see Buddhist devotions. Leaves a lasting impression.
A sombre place but many people want to pay their respects to the victims of the Lockerbie Air disaster of 1988.
Dryfesdale Cemetery
A sombre place but many people want to pay their respects to the victims of the Lockerbie Air disaster of 1988.
Pretty little town nestled amongst the hills of the Southern Uplands. Has plenty of independent shops, places to eat and with great hillwalking all around. Great day out.
29 locals recommend
Moffat
Pretty little town nestled amongst the hills of the Southern Uplands. Has plenty of independent shops, places to eat and with great hillwalking all around. Great day out.
Great little museum for those interested in the life of Robert Burns. Very authentic, people have been visiting the house since Burns died. Lots of artefacts and the house is interesting in itself.
29 locals recommend
Robert Burns House
Burns StreetGreat little museum for those interested in the life of Robert Burns. Very authentic, people have been visiting the house since Burns died. Lots of artefacts and the house is interesting in itself.
Nature
Impressive nature reserve, with a waterfall and nesting birds of prey. I steep climb takes you up beside the waterfall then you walk around Loch Skeen when you get to the top, you can also climb further up White Coomb, 821 m (2,694 ft)
16 locals recommend
Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve
Impressive nature reserve, with a waterfall and nesting birds of prey. I steep climb takes you up beside the waterfall then you walk around Loch Skeen when you get to the top, you can also climb further up White Coomb, 821 m (2,694 ft)
Various archaeological remains set in a large conifer plantation with various trails through the forest.
Castle O'er
Various archaeological remains set in a large conifer plantation with various trails through the forest.
Shopping
Really decent range of shops from fashion to homewares, like Superdry, Ralph Lauren and Denby. Nice choice for such a rural location and will definitely take up an afternoon.
35 locals recommend
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village
Glasgow RoadReally decent range of shops from fashion to homewares, like Superdry, Ralph Lauren and Denby. Nice choice for such a rural location and will definitely take up an afternoon.
Apart from the constant weddings going on the shopping centre has some decent food and quality countrywear and woollens etc.
32 locals recommend
Gretna Green
Apart from the constant weddings going on the shopping centre has some decent food and quality countrywear and woollens etc.
Food scene
Recently refurbished, revamped menus, nice historic inn in central Dumfries. Check opening times.
9 locals recommend
Globe Inn
56 High StRecently refurbished, revamped menus, nice historic inn in central Dumfries. Check opening times.
Kids
Great place for the kids, large play area and homemade ice cream made on-site from the farm’s dairy herd.
13 locals recommend
Drummuir Farm
Clarencefield RoadGreat place for the kids, large play area and homemade ice cream made on-site from the farm’s dairy herd.
With a mixture of soft play, other activities and farm and other animals, a great day out for the kids. Busy at peak holiday times.
25 locals recommend
Dalscone Farm Fun
Edinburgh RoadWith a mixture of soft play, other activities and farm and other animals, a great day out for the kids. Busy at peak holiday times.