Beachcombers of all ages will love the myriad of beaches just begging to be explored along the Solway Firth. Climb to the top of Criffel for a birds’ eye view of the patchwork fields and forests. Walk from the seaside village of Rockcliffe along to the hostelleries of Kippford or take in the lighthouse and vast expanse of beach at Southerness. This coastline is host to the RSPB Mersehead which offers a superb opportunity for bird and wildlife watching. For those wanting dappled shade, head for the Mabie and Dalbeattie Forests with their trails for walking or biking.  And of course this is the ideal place to start your exploration of the SWC300, the ultimate road trip of this delightful part of southern Scotland.

While nature takes centre stage in this stunning region, the town of Kirkcudbright offers a myriad of cultural delights. Known as Artists’ Town owing to some of its historical inhabitants, today the town continues to cultivate a cultural vibe. There are tours, art galleries and museums allowing further exploration of this abundance of art heritage.  Local celebrations and festivals fill the calendar throughout the year from a book festival in early spring to a tattoo and country fair in the summer and a fringe festival in the autumn.  

The town has hosted famous guests – Robert Burns is thought to have penned The Selkirk Grace at the inn known as The Selkirk Arms during a visit. Mary Queen of Scots passed through on a pilgrimage and John Paul Jones, of US Navy fame, was born here and later imprisoned here!