Miles

96

Kms

155

Days

3

Europe’s first Dark Sky Town of Moffat is the perfect base for those looking to see the South of Scotland’s spectacular dark skies and some of our most popular heritage sites.

From the amazing land art installation, Crawick Multiverse which was designed by Charles Jencks, to the historic and beautiful Drumlanrig Castle, to the homes and life stories of another star, Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, there is so much for you to see and discover.

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

Day 1

Moffat Hills and Dark Skies

Whether you like to go for a hike or just enjoy the beauty of the hills, the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, near Moffat, is a great first stop on your visit to the South of Scotland. Enjoy the beautiful view from the base of the falls, or climb up to even more beautiful views of Loch Skeen at the top!

Next stop, is Crawick Multiverse in Sanquhar. This land art installation designed by Charles Jencks was inspired by the cosmos, here you can walk through comet explosions and the Milky Way spirals!

Round off Day One in Moffat, Europe’s first Dark Sky Town and the perfect place to stargaze.

Miles

73

Kms

117

Stops

3

Travel Time

1h 30min

Moffat Dark Sky Town

Stop 1 - Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall and Loch Skeen

The National Trust for Scotland’s Grey Mare’s Tail Reserve is most famous for its impressive waterfall that gives the reserve its name, however, the remote and wild mountainous landscape above the waterfall, coupled with its outstanding botanical richness, make the reserve one of Scotland’s Upland jewels.

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Stop 2 - Crawick Multiverse

Crawick Multiverse is an amazing land art installation to explore and enjoy cosmology, science and art or just to walk your dog in the beautiful landscape.

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Stop 3 - Moffat

Nestled in the Moffat hills, Moffat town is picturesque and bustling town on the River Annan. Moffat was Europe’s first Dark Sky Town and on a clear night the skies here are simply spectacular. The town has put in special street lighting to reduce light pollution and preserve the clarity of night sky.

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Hopetoun Arms
location_on Leadhills

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

A traditional and stylish country hotel in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, open to non residents.

Day 2

Walk in the footsteps of Robert Burns

Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Poet and the South of Scotland was his home. No visit to the region would be complete without getting to know more about the man, his life and his talent.

First stop on your Burns day is Ellisland Museum and Farm, built by Burns in 1778 for his bride Jean Armour. This picturesque farm is set on the banks of the River Nith and the idyllic setting was inspiration for many of his greatest works.

Next stop is Dumfries, where you’ll find the Robert Burns House, where he spent his final years and the Robert Burns Centre which is home to a museum about the poet’s life.

Finally, round off your day with a treat at The Globe Inn which was often frequented by Burns. Book a Burns Tour to see where the poet stayed, or book a meal so you can dine where the famous poet once did!

Miles

9

Kms

14

Stops

4

Travel Time

28min

Stop 1 - Robert Burns' Ellisland Museum and Farm

Ellisland Farm was the rural home of National Bard Robert Burns from 1788-1791. He built the house for his family and wrote some of his most famous work here including Auld Lang Syne.

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Stop 2 - Robert Burns House

Visit the house where Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, spent the last years of his life and discover how his family lived in the late eighteenth century.

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Stop 3 - Robert Burns Centre

The Robert Burns Centre tells the story of Robert Burns’ last years spent in the bustling streets and lively atmosphere of Dumfries.

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Stop 4 - The Globe Inn

Nestling along a cobbled flagstone close, just off Dumfries’ High Street, The Globe Inn, first established in 1610 and Robert Burns’ favourite Howff, combines rich and passionate history with a stunning and sympathetically refurbished restaurant, bar, private dining room and museum.

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Kilnford Farm Shop
location_on Dumfries

Farm shop, butchery, bothy and farmhouse kitchen cafe showcasing our own home reared meats with only the best customer service.

Easterbrook Bistro, Bar and Spa is located within the 85 acre parkland estate at The Crichton in Dumfries.

Day 3

Step back in time in the South of Scotland

Kick off your day with a visit to Scotland’s highest village, Wanlockhead, just half an hour from Moffat in the Lowther Hills. While you are there make a visit to the 18th century lead mine at Wanlockhead Lead Mining Museum to get a glimpse into the lives of the miners and their families.

No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Drumlanrig Castle. Both the castle and gardens are breathtaking. If you’d like to visit the castle, make sure to check opening times and when necessary book in advance.

Miles

14

Kms

23

Stops

3

Travel Time

23min

Stop 1 - Wanlockhead

Wanlockhead is a former lead mining village nestled in the Lowther Hills, close to the head of the Mennock Pass. It is Scotland’s highest village.

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Stop 2 - Museum of Lead Mining

Learn about the social and industrial history of the lead mining industry. You can tour the cottages, Miners’ Library and Lochnell Mine and afterwards relax at in the Tearoom and visit the shop.

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Stop 3 - Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

If you like delving deep into history, soaking up culture, exploring beautiful countryside – or even mountain biking – you’ll love a day at Drumlanrig Castle.

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Hopetoun Arms
location_on Leadhills

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

Community Hub and Cafe

Where to Stay

Blackaddie House Hotel
location_on Sanquhar

Blackaddie House Hotel is a luxury 4 Star Hotel and Gourmet Restaurant set on the banks of the river Nith in the idyllic countryside of Dumfries and Galloway .

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.

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.

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