7 Days exploring Nature & the Outdoors on the SWC300

WWT Caerlaverock is a stunning nature reserve on the Solway Firth. The entire population of Svalbard barnacle geese migrate to the Solway for the winter and the reserve provides amazing views of thousands of geese from over twenty hides, towers and observatories. One of the best wildlife watching sites in the UK, the site also boasts the most northerly UK population of natterjack toads. Additionally, the Atlantic saltmarsh at WWT Caerlaverock is among the most important saltmarsh systems in Britain.

Mabie Forest Park is a beautiful forest park just to the south of Dumfries offering spectacular views across the Dumfries and Galloway countryside and over to the Solway Firth. It is home to one of the 7Stanes Biking centres and offers walking and biking trails for all abilities.

Criffel may be less than 2000 feet high, but as this is the highest hill for some distance it is prominent in views of the Solway Coast, from the Lake District. Due to its relatively low height, most people used to hill walking would be able to get to the summit and back within about 3 hours so that it makes Criffel an ideal half day walk. On a clear day, there are great views from the summit of the Solway Coast and the Lake District fells beyond including Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Southerness beach is a vast expanse of sand and rocks offering breathtaking views across the Solway Firth towards the Lake District. At low tide mud flats and rock pools are revealed and at the western end of the beach stands Southerness lighthouse which was built in 1749. Unusually it is square in shape.

Situated on the scenic north shore of the Solway coast, Mersehead is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area, a haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching. Enjoy the birdsong of lapwings and skylarks in spring. See the young birds emerge in summer. Welcome the arrival of the Svalbard barnacle geese and pintails in autumn. And in winter, if you’re lucky, witness the unforgettable display of the starling murmurations.

A coast walk over cliffs and hill fort (Castlehill) to the next village of Sandyhills. Part of a National Scenic Area, the National Trust for Scotland nature reserve at Rockcliffe is fringed with wildflowers and dotted with sailing villages. Further inland the shells and shingle give way to patches of ancient broadleaved woodland and meadows, rich with flowers, butterflies and birds. Sandyhills is a large sandy beach and at low tide has a vast expanse of sand, backed by gentle sand dunes.

Threave Estate is a garden for all seasons and a haven for wildlife, with an osprey platform and bat reserve. It has been home to the School of Heritage Gardening since 1960 and its beautiful ‘garden rooms’ offer inspiration to any keen gardeners.

Glenquicken Troutmasters Fishery, a 4.5 acre fly fishing lochan situated amongst magnificent scenery in the shadow of Cairnsmore of Fleet, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway.

The Galloway Forest Park has everything you need for a great day out, whatever the time of year. Meet red deer and wild goats, choose from two scenic Forest Drives, follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce or picnic beside a peaceful loch. This is also Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park – one of the best places to stargaze in Europe!

Elmlea is a small, family run nursery located in Old Minnigaff, specialising in herbaceous perennials and grasses.

Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest LNR in Britain. The estuary, with large areas of salt marsh and mudflats is vitally important for many of the species that live there, especially for salt tolerant plants and wintering wildfowl. The reserve is a popular venue for a range of recreational activities including angling and bird watching.

This beautiful sandy beach in Sandhead village near Stranraer stretches for more than a mile and boasts unlimited sand when the tide is out. Luce bay is designated a Special Area for Conservation for its dune, seashore and seabed habitats and the fantastic marine wildlife it supports. With ample car parking and picnic tables by the beach, the area is a great place for a picnic before walking on the beach.

The Gardens are a labour of love, hewn from rough moorland 40 years ago. With the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, Glenwhan grows many tender plants from around the Southern Hemisphere, together with large collections of rare trees and shrubs.

The Garden’s avenues and borders feature a spectacular and colourful array of half-hardy perennials. Logan Botanic Garden is warmed by the Gulf Stream which enables plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa to thrive.

This is probably the most scenic trail in South West Scotland. After the initial section from Stranraer to Luce Bay,the trail follows the coastline of the Southern Rhins of Galloway to end at the Mull of Galloway where there is a visitor centre with an excellent cafe with stunning views.

A circular walk from the scenic village of Portpatrick to Killantringan Lighthouse. The coastal scenery on the first part of this walk is breathtaking, with towering cliffs and secluded, sandy bays. Soon, you cross open moorland and Killantringan Lighthouse lies up ahead. Continue on past the lighthouse, enjoying views of hills, forests and woodland as you make your way back to Portpatrick.

Glenwhan Gardens are a true labour of love, hewn from rough moorland 40 years ago. With the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, Glenwhan grows many tender plants from around the Southern Hemisphere, together with large collections of rare trees and shrubs.

Learn about the interesting variety of different breeds that were carefully selected to utilise the different habitats on the farm before enjoying a traditional farmhouse spread of food and drink. Grab your camera or your sketchbook and charcoals, because there are so many highlights on one of these tours, you’ll want to capture them all.

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.

Experience the magic of Clydesdale Horses at Blackstone Farm. While on your visit at Blackstone Farm use your time to groom, muck out, tack up, feed, ride or drive our Clydesdale Horses. Interact with our Clydesdales and meet all the farm animals, giving you an insight into their daily routine and lives.

Crawick Multiverse, a spectacular Artland. Transformed by globally-renowned landscape artist Charles Jencks. The site which opened in summer 2015 links the themes of space, astronomy and cosmology, creating a truly inspiring landmark that will appeal to everyone from art enthusiasts and scientists to walkers and the wider community.

If you like delving deep into history, soaking up the finest culture, exploring beautiful countryside – or adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking – you’ll love a day at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate. From activities for kids to salmon fishing, you’ll find a raft of activity awaiting you. The Castle has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers and from your very first glance you’ll know you’re entering a special place. Special enough, in fact, that the producers of Outlander recently used the Castle for filming their second series! Please check opening times ahead of your visit, for much of the year, castle visits must be booked in advance.

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.