The Nithsdale towns and villages
Wanlockhead
the George Hotel in Moniaive
Thornhill
the world's oldest post office in Sanquhar
Observe the world’s oldest post office, visit Britain’s highest village, explore Drumlanrig Castle & Estate and the glorious scenic countryside.
Continue to explore this magnificent region in the northern part of Dumfries & Galloway, home to a range of beautiful towns and villages.
The little market town of Sanquhar nestles in the Nith Valley and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The nearby range of rolling hills offers great walking opportunities and the Southern Upland Way passes straight through the town. Send a postcard from the Sanquhar Post Office, the oldest post office in the world or visit the town’s most notable building, the handsome Georgian Tolbooth Museum. Inside you can find out about Sanquhar's famous knitting tradition and the stories of local miners.
Wanlockhead in the Lowther Hills is Scotland’s highest village, standing at 1,531 ft above sea level. The former lead mining village is right on the Southern Upland Way, making it a good place to stop for walkers. If you are approaching by car, you’ll pass through one of the most beautiful and majestic glens in southern Scotland - the Mennock Pass. Wanlockhead is connected to neighbouring Leadhills via the charming Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway - a great way to see the countryside
Just 14 miles north of Dumfries is the attractive and bustling village of Thornhill. Take a stroll along the village's leafy main street, which is lined with lime trees and handsome, prosperous Victorian villas, all built in the local red sandstone. Be sure to visit Drumlanrig Castle, which lies just to the north. Afterwards, head to Moniaive which holds a number of festivals throughout the year and has been described by The Times as one of the ‘coolest’ villages in Britain.
Don’t forget to pay homage to the birthplace of Kirkpatrick MacMillan, who invented the bike in 1839, by visiting Keir Mill, near Penpont.
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