 | Rolling hills of Scotland’s borderlands | | | From cycling through the remote Outer Hebrides to making late-night friends in a lively Glasgow pub, I’ve long loved traveling around Scotland and experiencing all the beauty and charm that it has to offer. But following the announcement of southern Scotland as one of our Best in Travel destinations for this year, I realized that I have been missing a vital part of the country.
The region south of the two great cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh is home to ruined abbeys, meandering rivers teeming with salmon, rugged forests and gorgeous coastlines. And the popularity of the islands and highlands further north means that there’s always peace and tranquility to be found under its forest canopies and among the seabirds.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with miles of hiking, biking and fishing possibilities. And literature lovers will delight in Abbotsford and Dumfries, the homes of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.
We called it "Scotland’s most overlooked region" in our latest Scotland guidebook. Kay Gillespie, travel blogger, itinerary planner and expert in all things Scottish travel, called it "Scotland’s great underdog". But southern Scotland is finally having its moment, and it is definitely next on my list.
| | | | | Destination ditor for Ireland, the UK, Scandinavia and Iceland | | | | | | | Seven perfect days in southern Scotland | This surprisingly overlooked region lies south of the country’s main cities – the opposite direction of where most visitors gravitate. And that’s exactly why you should go. | | | Take in the varied (and spectacular) experiences that southern Scotland has to offer. | | | | | The natural beauty of the Upper Tweed Valley is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The quiet trails of Cardrona Forest will soothe spirits and clear minds. Sir Walter Scott was one of the first advocates for traveling in this region. | | | | | Atmospheric Melrose Abbey is the highlight of the border abbeys, with ruins famous for their stonework carved with saints, dragons and gargoyles. Melrose Abbey is the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce. | | | | | Check out the cosmic garden at Crawick Multiverse, a land art installation designed to mimic the galaxies. Designed by American artist Charles Jencks, the Multiverse is a corkscrew path that represents all of the universes and their varying fates. | | | | | Join a night-time tour guided by Biosphere Dark Sky Rangers in Galloway Forest Park. In 2009, Galloway Forest Park was announced as the first designated Dark Sky Park in the UK. | | | | | At the end of the dramatic Rhins of Galloway peninsula, the iconic Mull of Galloway Lighthouse feels like the end of the world. The nature reserve here has viewpoints where you can see gannets, guillemots and puffins. | | | | | The new Lumo train makes accessing Scotland a fast, affordable breeze. Instead of heading to the Highlands, aim for the Borders and other areas of southern Scotland to learn more about the country’s history and famous residents like writer Robert Burns. | | | Travel blogger, itinerary planner, island hopper, and all round Scotland expert, Kay Gillespie has made it her life's mission to inspire adventures and experiences in her home country. | | | According to you, southern Scotland is the country’s "greatest underdog" – is this changing since it was named Best in Travel 2023? | The Best in Travel 2023 feature has definitely created a huge buzz and sparked new interest in this amazing region, but it still remains a relatively under-the-radar, underdog destination, and that’s all part of the charm. Striking a balance is important; enough visitors to boost tourism and support local businesses, without impacting the environment and experience.
| | | What is your favorite place to visit? | Mull of Galloway really stands out for me. The most southerly tip of Scotland, at the end of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, it feels like the edge of the world; plunging cliffs, endless sea, an RSPB nature reserve rich with birdlife, and a clifftop coffee shop. On a clear day, from Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, you can see Cumbria, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. | | | Which hike or cycle route would you recommend to visitors who want to experience the beauty of southern Scotland? | The Eildon Hills, accessed from the pretty town of Melrose, certainly live up to their "steep" reputation, but it won’t take more than half a day to bag the whole trio; enjoy a panorama of countryside and rolling hills throughout. Back in the town, check out the ruined 12th century Melrose Abbey and head to Burts Hotel for food and drinks to reward your efforts. | | | | | “Striking a balance is important; enough visitors to boost tourism and support local businesses, without impacting the environment and experience.” — Kay Gillespie | | | What one food should visitors definitely try? | Regardless of the weather, it’s got to be Cream o’ Galloway ice cream, the product of an award-winning, ethical, cow-with-calf dairy farm in Dumfries & Galloway. Go straight to the source at its visitor centre in Gatehouse of Fleet or keep an eye out in local shops, attractions and eateries all across the region. Flavors include Scottish Tablet and Whisky, Honey and Oatmeal. | | | Is there a special souvenir people should bring home from their visit? | Memories are the best souvenir, but there are lots of fantastic independent retailers, artists and makers for unique crafts and souvenirs. Anyone with a love of books should head to Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, to browse for new reading material in no less than 12 quirky bookshops, including The Bookshop, Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop. | | |  | Love travel inspiration in your inbox? | | | Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking here. | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
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