Miles

147

Kms

237

Days

3

We know that you adventure seekers are always on the move and looking to squeeze in a short break here and there. But there are just too many great adventure options on the South West Coastal 300 to fit the full route into 3 days, so we’ve put together two 3-day bite size itineraries, one covering the southern half of the route and one covering the northern half.

This one takes in the northern half of the route so you have the option of doing the SWC300 in two short visits, or should you wish to come for longer, you can simply do one after the other!

Opening dates and times vary across attractions. Please ensure to check opening times and availability directly with each attraction before you visit.

Day 1

Day 1 - Glentrool to Ayr

First stop is to climb The Merrick, the highest mountain in the South of Scotland, the shortest ascent begins at the car park in Glen Trool.

For mountain sports, water sports or forest activities, Adventure Carrick in Girvan has got you covered. From foraging to abseiling to coasteering, they have something fun for you to try.

No trip to the Ayrshire coast would be complete without seeing one of the most dramatic Scottish castles there is. Culzean Castle is perched dramatically on a clifftop and surrounded by 260 hectares of estate. For pint sized adventurers, don’t miss the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.

Miles

41

Kms

65

Stops

3

Travel Time

1h 30min

Stop 1 - The Merrick

The Merrick is the highest mountain in southern Scotland. With a summit elevation of 843 metres, it lies in the Range of the Awful Hand, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills and is named due to their resemblance to the fingers of a hand. The Merrick is popular with hillwalkers, with the shortest route of ascent beginning from the car park in Glen Trool.

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Stop 2 - Adventure Carrick

Adventure Carrick is open all year round and has 15 years experience in providing high quality outdoor adventure experiences throughout the South West of Scotland including Watersports, Mountain Sports, and Forest Activities. Let the fun begin!

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Stop 3 - Culzean Castle and Country Park

With a dramatic clifftop setting, Robert Adam architecture, fascinating history & beautiful surrounds, Culzean Castle and Country Park is one of Scotland’s best days out. This glorious 260 ha estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis. The park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses.

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The Coo Shed
location_on Ayr

Unique family run coffee shop. All food prepared and baked in-house, locally sourced if possible. Set in the rural Ayrshire countryside on South Corton Farm.

Few Hotels in Ayrshire offer the same combination of coastal setting, superb restaurant and modern accommodation.

Pirleyhill Pods
location_on Girvan

Pirleyhill Pods – a luxury glamping pod experience. Pirleyhill Pods sit just off the west coast of Scotland, near Turnberry in South Ayrshire.

At The Walled Garden Caravan Park We are an Adults only site is set within the old walled garden in Kilkerran estate in South Ayrshire.

Day 2

Day 2 - Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park

If horse-riding is your thing, why not join Blackstone Clydesdales on one of their beach, woodland or countryside treks!

Or if you prefer two wheels to four feet, why not head out on some of our fantastic gravel trails with Galloway Cycling Holidays?

Don’t miss the South of Scotland’s spectacular Dark Skies. Head out with the Dark Sky Ranger who will share both the science and legends as you watch the sun go down and the stars come out.

Miles

76

Kms

122

Stops

3

Travel Time

2h

Blackstone Clydesdales, Greenan beach and castle, Dumfries and Galloway, South West 300

Stop 1 - Blackstone Clydesdales and DIG-a-Day Experience

The Blackstone Clydesdale Centre was established to secure a way to care for our growing Scottish rare breed family, to give you a chance to experience the Clydesdale horse magic, learn about their lives on the farm and witness first hand these magnificent animals, so the Clydesdale Experience was born.

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Stop 2 - Galloway Cycling Holidays

Discover and explore the South West of Scotland by bike – enjoy nature, culture and its people with our unique cycling holiday tours. We take the nitty-gritty out of the planning of a tour and route finding. We will put your in touch with the authentic world of Scotland and make sure you will relax and feel safe. We want to make this a wonderful memorable experience.

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Stop 3 - Dark Sky Ranger

Dark Sky Tours in Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and across Dumfries & Galloway. Learn about space and star gazing with the option to receive high quality photos of your experience!

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Community Hub and Cafe

Hopetoun Arms
location_on Leadhills

The Hopetoun Arms hotel is a grade two listed building and is the highest residential hotel in Scotland

Queensberry house B&B
location_on Moffat

Winner: Best B&B Experience, Scottish Thistle Awards 2022-23. A characterful, relaxed three-room B&B in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway.

Stay in a cosy off grid shepherds hut surrounded by woodland walks, wild rivers and wildlife just 3 miles from St Johns Town of Dalry.

Day 3

Day 3 - Thornhill to Moffat

Adventure awaits at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, whether you’re travelling back in time, getting back to nature or going downhill fast!

If you’re looking for another great biking option head to Ae Forest, home to another of the 7stanes centres, it has miles of trails for you to explore.

The Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall near Moffat is the perfect way to round off your trip. Climb to the top to enjoy the stunning views of Loch Skeen, it is well worth the effort.

Miles

31

Kms

50

Stops

3

Travel Time

1h

Stop 1 - Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

If you like delving deep into history, exploring beautiful countryside – or even mountain biking – you’ll love a visit to Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate. There’s even an adventure playground for little adventurers!

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Stop 2 - Ae Forest

Another of the 7 Stanes world-class mountain biking centres, 7 Stanes at Ae Forrest has a superb variety of green, blue and red graded trails, an extreme downhill section for the serious experts, and a skills area for honing your technique.

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Stop 3 - Grey Mare's Tail

The Grey Mare’s Tail is a spectacular 60 metre waterfall plunging into the Moffat Valley from the breathtaking Loch Skeen at the top of the falls. You can follow the path alongside the waterfall up to the top of the hill, where you will find spectacular views of Loch Skeen and the peaks of Lochcraig Head, Mid Craig and the summit of White Coomb beyond.

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Ae Cafe and Bike Shop
location_on Dumfries

There will always be a warm welcome at Ae

The Buccleuch Arms Hotel is a 14 bedroom hotel providing a comfortable base to enjoy the quaint town of Moffat and explore the stunning local area.

Drumlanrig Mains Cottage
location_on Thornhill

You can now stay on the historic & picturesque Drumlanrig Country Estate. Choose between 3 properties, perfectly located to enjoy the walks, trails & history.

Nithbank Country Estate
location_on Thornhill

5 Star Gold Country House, Thistle Award: Best B&B Guest House Experience 2023 11 acre estate, warm homemade scones on arrival. Suites with stunning views

Where to Stay