Sauntering Through the South-West of Scotland
Beating around the bushes of the British borders
Despite being one of the least well known regions of mainland Britain, the Borders and the south-west of Scotland is one of the most ethereal areas, boasting an abundance of beautiful towns and villages that have yet to be overly saturated by tourism.
Carlisle to Portpatrick
- 2 days
- 130 miles
- £31.73 avg. fuel cost
Top three road trip gems...
Location: Alma Block, The Castle, Carlisle CA3 8UR
Boasting more than 300 years of British military history, this museum in Carlisle castle stores a wide range of artefacts, uniforms, and weapons from the Cumbrian regiment.
Location: Burns St, Dumfries DG1 2PS
Acting as inspiration to famous poets from across the world such as Coleridge, Keats, and Wordsworth, this is the house where Scottish Bard, Burns, spent his later days.
Location: Dunskey Castle, Stranraer DG9 9AA
Visit the stunning ruins of Dunskey Castle which, sat at the peak of the cliff face, face out onto the beautiful Irish sea.
History Steeped
In the Jacobethan border city of Carlisle you can start your journey as you mean to go on at Foxes, famous for their delectable breakfast bagels and organic coffee. Move across into Scotland for the picturesque landscape as you meander your way towards the stunning harbour town of Portpatrick.
Gretna Green
We aren’t suggesting that you have upcoming nuptials planned, but stopping at Gretna Green, the wedding capital of the UK, is an absolute must. Visit the venue which has been helping people tie the knot since 1754. Get some snaps with the love wall and the courtship maze, and you and your beau could play the ultimate April Fool’s joke on your family by convincing them that you’ve actually got married.
Port William
This harbour village on the coast of Luce Bay is steeped in history, namely that of the smugglers. From the bay you have an unrestricted view of the journey their boats used to take, as on a clear day one can peer out across the Irish Sea, taking in the Isle of Man and the Emerald Isle further afield.
Castle Douglas
Alongside being a bustling market town with a variety of local, independent shops which offer a wide range of indigenously produced food, Castle Douglas is a prime location for bird watching.