The Lowther Hills
the Dalveen Pass, Lowther Hills
Take to the hills in the east of Dumfries & Galloway for some serious walking, fascinating history and a visit to Scotland’s highest village.
The Lowther Hills lie north of Sanquhar and Thornhill in the east of Dumfries & Galloway. If you're travelling into the region from the north you can experience the dramatic grace of the Lowthers as you drive down by following the Dalveen Pass, from the M74 to Thornhill and get in the mood for some surprisingly testing walking.
The gentle inclines of these hills disguise their difficulty and if you make the climb, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view at the summit - but make no mistake that this is serious walking country. Lowther Hill itself marks the highest point of the Southern Upland Way, while Wanlockhead, at 1,531 ft above sea level, is the highest village in Scotland.
Discover history amongst these hills, as in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they were home to a number of extensive lead mines. You can find out all about the industry’s past at the Museum of Lead Mining, where you can actually go down a former working mine. Also in the village, are the Straitsteps Cottages where you can experience what it was like to live as a miner.
After a few days tackling the heights and history of the hills, why not take a rest and sit back and enjoy the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway - Britain’s highest adhesion railway, reaching 1498 ft above sea level. It was originally built to take refined lead to Scotland’s central belt, but finally closed in 1938. A length of track has now been re-opened between Wanlockhead and its twin village of Leadhills.
Search
Skip search formsSearch for accommodation
Search for attractions
Search for events
Search for activities
Newsletter sign up »
Sign up now to receive regular e-newsletters and be the first to hear about the latest news, exciting events and festivals.
Order a free brochure »
Order Dumfries and Galloway Brochures & Guides, such as the Accommodation Guide, Visitors Guide, Golf Guide, Walking Guide & Cycling Guide.
