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Touring routes

the sandy beack and green hills of Sandyhills Bay, near Colvend on the Solway Coastal Trail

Sandyhills Bay

boats sitting by the harbour in Kirkcudbright, on the Galloway Tourist Route

Kirkcudbright, on the Galloway Tourist Route

outside of the Globe Inn, Dumfries, on the Burns Heritage Trail

the Globe Inn, Dumfries, on the Burns Heritage Trail

Tour Dumfries & Galloway by signposted routes. Choose from the scenic Solway Coast Heritage Trail, the Burns Heritage Trail which includes the homes of the National Bard or enjoy a trip across the region on the Galloway Tourist Route.

Solway Coast Heritage Trail

To admire Dumfries & Galloway’s rugged southern coastline, follow the Solway Coast Heritage Trail which runs between the vast tidal flats of the Solway Firth and the towering sea cliffs of the Rhinns, taking in Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway.

With National Scenic Areas, conservation and protection areas as well as a local and National Nature Reserve, this Area of Outstanding Beauty is clearly well recognised and the route suggests plenty of places to stop off to enjoy it. You can also learn about marine life and find out more about local catches such as salmon, oysters, lobster and herring. Dwnload the Sea Life Sea Food booklet to find more information.

There are a number of great attractions on the route where you can find out more about the region's history, culture and beautiful scenery.

Plan your trip along the Solway Coast Heritage Trail and the attractions on the route by using our itinerary.

Burns Heritage Trail

See the landscape that inspired Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, who spent most of his short life in the area. Along the way you'll find stories and scenery that inspired him to write his romantic verse, from big skies and stunning coastlines to mountains and lochs.

The Burns Heritage Trail is a circular route which takes in Ayrshire as well as Dumfries & Galloway, and features important landmarks from Burns’ life and works. Travel from his birthplace in Alloway to his final home, Burns House, in Dumfries and view the memorials and museums erected in his honour along the way. Raise a toast to the bard at his favourite pub, The Globe Inn in Dumfries, visit Ellisland Farm, now an exhibition, where Burns lived and farmed, and the Murray Arms in Gatehouse of Fleet where he is said to have written Scots Wha Hae.

All the stop-off points on this tour help to build up a clear impression of the life of Robert Burns. From museums and well preserved homes to the monuments and drinking dens, you'll find Burns left a lasting legacy for you to enjoy exploring.

Galloway Tourist Route

The Galloway Tourist Route is an excellent guide to the area which suggests a scenic route around the best landscapes that the region has to offer and picks out plenty of great places to visit.

Leave the M74 motorway at Gretna Green to discover the beautiful variety of Galloway’s coast and countryside, allowing plenty of time to stop off at excellent attractions and great view points along the way. Travel along the Solway Coast, through picturesque villages and market towns before driving alongside Galloway Forest Park which boasts majestic mountains and lochs.

Find out about each local area at museums along the trail, including the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, where you find out more about the infamous Scottish wedding stop of Gretna Green, and Dalbeattie Museum which charts the area’s industrial past. Why not tailor your tour by picking out historic sites such as Threave Castle or choose to take a closer look at nature in Ken-Dee Marshes Nature Reserve?