If you like a holiday to be relaxing and varied, then Dumfries and Galloway is the perfect place to visit. It is easily accessible by car with a journey time of around 6 hours from the South of England. As you go passed Carlisle and the M6 ends, you enter Scotland and Dumfriesshire. Turn left on the A75 and in half an hour you will be in Dumfries, with Criffel, the largest hill in the area as a magnificent backdrop.

Neolithic Times: The largest stone circle on mainland Scotland is known as the 12 apostles and lies just outside Dumfries, despite this, it is not well known by the locals or 'Doonhammers'. Further West from Dumfries is Cairnholy. This superb Clyde-type chambered cairn has a monumental curving façade of eight tall uprights, and about 150m further up the hill is the second chambered cairn. In all, there are 10 stone circles, cairns and tombs in the area.

Towns and Villages: Dumfries is surrounded by beautiful towns and villages which nestle amongst the Galloway hills. Each have become known for their own particular 'flavour'. Moffat over to the North-East, is known as the 'Spa Town' because of the spas the Victorians loved. Further West of Dumfries lies Kirkudbright, the 'Artists Town', which is where the 'Glasgow bhoys' such as E A Hornel painted. West again and Castle Douglas is known as the 'Food Town'

Trails: There are so many trails in the area, and not all for the car. We have the Southern Upland way for walkers and a beautiful National Cycle way along the Solway coast. A route I enjoy is the A712 'Queens Way' from New Galloway to Newton Stewart. This has many points of interest along it, such as Bruces Stone, mountain goats and a viewing platform over a deep valley.

Ice Cream!: If you like icecream, then the place to visit is 'Cream O Galloway', West from Dumfries along the A75. Not only is this a meca for ice cream, but also is a great place to visit. Nice walks for adults and a 'jungle' for the kids to play in.

Off the beaten track: Now just when you have seen it all, a wee surprise awaits you at Eskdalemuire on the B709. If you like something a bit different, then the Samye Ling Buddhist centre will fit the bill. Interest colours, shapes and customs straight from Tibet awaits you - it also has a nice tea shop for refreshments.

Visiting Dumfries, Places to Stay in Dumfries, Eating in Dumfries, People in Dumfries, Tourism in and around Dumfries