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Highlights of Galloway

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Highlights of Galloway

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Guest Author: Kezia Rice, Freelance Content and Copywriter
Published: Oct 01, 2024

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1. Discover Galloway
2. Biking
3. Hiking
4. Canyoning & Kayaking
5. Wildlife
6. Local Experiences
7. Culinary Delights
8. Galloway Beaches

Scotland’s Secret Haven

Imagine standing on the serene beaches of Galloway, where the Solway Firth stretches before you, and in the distance, the rolling hills of the Lake District rise across the shimmering sea. Located at the southwest tip of Scotland, Galloway is the border county of Dumfries. Home to 150,000 people, along with abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, cultural sites, and a rich history. Often overlooked as tourists drive north through the region to Scotland’s famous lochs, highlands and islands, Galloway offers visitors a tranquil escape from the crowds.

With gentle hills, ancient woodland, marshland bird habitat, and a wild, windswept coastline, Galloway’s landscape is diverse enough to satisfy hikers, adventurers, bird-watchers, and beach lovers alike. Due to its proximity to England, Galloway was a crucial battleground during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Today, visitors can learn about the region’s history by exploring the medieval castles built during these wars or travel back in time with a visit to the area’s pre-historic settlements.

Read on to discover some of the region’s top attractions and activities.

Biking

Mountain bikers can hire bikes from 7stanes centres and hit the trails in Galloway Forest Park. Try Kirroughtree for everything from family-friendly routes to black-graded trails, and go to Glentrool for longer trails and more remote adventures.

For cyclists who favour the road, gravel biking offers a fantastic alternative. Combining the best of road cycling and mountain biking, gravel biking lets you explore a mix of smooth tarmac, forest paths, and rugged off-road terrain. It’s perfect for those who want the thrill of adventure without the technical demands of steep, rocky trails. The Machars have many cycle routes encompassing local towns, historical sites, and a beautiful coastline.

Learn more about gravel biking in our guide here.

Galloway offers spectacular rides through serene, winding countryside on quiet, undisturbed roads. It’s the ultimate destination on our 5 Countries Road Cycling journey.

Find Out More

Hiking

Hiking Galloway

While Galloway may lack the towering Munros found elsewhere in Scotland, it still offers spectacular walks with stunning views—without the crowds that flock to Ben Nevis. The Southern Uplands Way is a 215 mile coast-to-coast hike that starts in Galloway’s Portpatrick.

If you fancy a challenge, Merrick is the highest summit in Galloway at 843 metres, boasting breathtaking views over the county and beyond. For a more serene experience, consider a coastal walk—make your way to Brighthouse Bay or the Mull of Galloway. These routes offer a peaceful stroll with the chance to encounter local wildlife and soak in the fresh sea air.

Canyoning and Sea Kayaking

For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, both canyoning and sea kayaking offer unforgettable experiences, each with its own unique blend of excitement and connection to the outdoors.

Try canyoning at Murray’s Canyon if you’re searching for a truly exhilarating adventure. This adrenaline-pumping activity combines hiking, swimming, abseiling, and cliff jumping through rugged landscapes. With the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll navigate the canyon’s wild terrain, making for an unforgettable experience. If you’re new to canyoning, introductory courses are available to help you get started and build your confidence.

If you prefer the water, sea kayaking at the Mull of Galloway presents an exceptional opportunity. Seasoned kayakers will find challenging and rewarding paddling routes along the dramatic coastline, offering the most unique views and the chance to explore hidden coves. Are you new to kayaking? Don’t worry—numerous courses are available to help you get started and build your skills, ensuring a memorable day out on the water for you.

Why not check out our beginner’s guide to sea kayaking and get fully prepared for your adventure on the sea?

Sea Kayaking in Scotland

Wildlife Encounters

A holiday in Galloway is a perfect chance to experience some of Scotland’s rare and endangered wildlife. Explore the vast Galloway Forest Park, where you might catch a glimpse of elusive red squirrels darting through the trees. For a closer encounter with majestic red deer, visit The Red Deer Range. Just a short distance away, the Wild Goat Park is home to distinctive long-horned goats, offering another unique wildlife sighting.

Galloway is a haven for birdwatchers, offering the chance to observe a wide variety of species, from birds of prey to coastal and wetland wildlife. At the RSPB Ken-Dee Marshes reserve, you’ll find both wetland and woodland habitats, where species like Greenland white-fronted geese, lapwings, and barn owls can be spotted. The area is also part of Galloway’s renowned Kite Trail, making it an ideal location for observing red kites in flight.

For a deep dive into woodland wildlife, visit the RSPB Wood of Cree reserve. Here, you might see willow tits, tawny owls, and wood warblers amidst the trees, with the added bonus of an otter viewing platform nearby. Take a scenic walk from Wigtown to the Crook of Baldoon reserve, which offers stunning views over saltmarshes and mudflats, where you can spot shelducks, whooper swans, and redshanks.

Interested in learning more about the wildlife of Scotland? Take a look at our wildlife holidays.

Learn More

Local Culture & Experiences

From its neolithic settlements to mediaeval castles, Galloway is steeped in history – and legends about the area abound. A legend about a strongly guarded recipe for brewing beer from heather is the subject of Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem ‘Heather Ale’, while Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns spent the end of his life in Dumfries and made frequent visits to Galloway’s coastline, which inspired many of his poems. The poetic power of this part of the world is evident – spend a few days exploring the region and discover the magic of Galloway for yourself.

During your time in Galloway, a stop in Wigtown is a must. As Scotland’s national book town, it offers a treasure trove of bookshops and hosts an autumn book festival—perfect for aligning your visit. For those interested in the arts, Kirkcudbright is another essential stop. Known for its vibrant contemporary art scene and its ties to many famed Scottish artists, this historic town offers a deep dive into both past and present art culture in Galloway.

If you’re a history buff, you could spend a week visiting Galloway’s castles and many Neolithic sites. Learn about the region’s local culture and its significance in Scottish history. Marvel at the red sandstone of Drumlanrig Castle, which gives the 1691 ‘Pink Palace’ its nickname. Guided tours, impressive gardens, an extensive art collection, and an adventure playground for kids ensure a packed day out.

For a more rustic experience, visit the ruins of Dunskey Castle, set on the cliffs of Portpatrick overlooking the sea. At 12th century Dundrennan Abbey, you can explore the abbey ruins where Mary Queen of Scots sought refuge in 1568 before escaping to England. And, at the Cairn Holy Tombs, a neolithic burial monument built in the 4th millennium BC, you can discover the legend of Galdus, a mythical Scottish king who is said to be buried there.

Love castles? Learn about the dramatic castles of Scotland over on our blog.

Drumlanrig Castle

Library books in Galloway

Culinary Delights

Exploring all that Galloway offers will likely build up your appetite. From scallops and lobsters freshly caught from the Solway Firth to speciality salt marsh lamb and award-winning smoked salmon, there is plenty of local produce to try. To satisfy your sweet tooth, round off your meal with locally made ice cream or Galloway fudge.

Dive into the diverse range of foods in Scotland in the articles below.

Scottish Foods: Our Pick of Scotland’s Best Restaurants

From Haggis to Shortbread: Navigating Scottish Food

Insider’s Scotland: Episode 1 – Skye’s Foodie Culture

Galloway Beaches

Thanks to its diverse landscape and curving coastline, Galloway has a wide range of beaches to explore. Watch the sunset at west-facing Carrick bay; visit the Dhoon to enjoy surprisingly warm waters for swimming; and head to Sandyhills to enjoy stunning white sand and glorious views over to Cumbria. If you’re after big waves, head west away from the Solway Firth to Portpatrick, where you’ll find massive stretches of empty sand to enjoy all to yourself.

Explore Galloway by Bike with Us

Road Cycling

Road Cycling – The Five Countries Tour

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Gravel Biking

Galloway and the Lakes

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Meet the Guest Author: Kezia Rice

I grew up in Lancaster, in the northwest of England, and every few weeks, I travelled north of the border to visit family in Scotland. My summer holidays were spent everywhere, from the Isle of Skye to Galloway, from North Berwick to the Black Isle. Now based in Berlin, I craft wanderlust-inducing content for sustainable travel brands and spend weekends cycling to every lake the city has to offer.

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