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If you are looking for a trip that will help you escape back to nature, then the South West Coastal 300 is the one for you. Home to the UNESCO Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere, the area has been internationally recognised as a world class environment for people and culture.
Engage with wildlife, enjoy our hills, forests and beaches, take in spectacular vistas from our coastline and our hillsides. See the night sky as you’ve never seen it before in the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest. And if you enjoy visiting botanical gardens, you are in for a treat with a wide variety to choose from!
The Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall near Moffat is the perfect way to kick off your trip, immediately immersing yourself in the beauty of South West Scotland. Follow the drama of the hills, with the grandeur of Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate. This magnificent castle, with its formal gardens, parkland trails and adventure playground offers something for everyone.
From Drumlanrig, it’s short drive north to Sanquhar, where you will find Crawick Multiverse. This amazing land art installation, where art meets nature, was created by Charles Jencks. Finally, cross your fingers for a clear night and a visit to the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory to see the night sky as you’ve never seen it before!
Begin day two at Culzean Castle Estate, with its spectacular clifftop castle, its gardens, beaches, woods, trails and playgrounds, it is an absolute must see! Then travel down the Ayrshire coast to the breathtaking Castle Kennedy Gardens, one of Scotland’s most important historical landscaped gardens with its collection of Rhododendrons, Championship Trees and rare species.
Continue southwards to Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway. On a clear day you can see Galloway in Scotland, Cumbria in England, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man! Finish your day at the beautiful Logan Botanic Gardens, this garden may surprise you with its collection of exotic plants that you may not expect to see in Scotland!
Day three kicks off with a visit to Britain’s largest Local Nature Reserve at Wigtown Bay. From coastline to forest, head to the Galloway Forest Park, the largest forest park and the first designated Dark Sky Park in the UK. There are lots of wonderful trails to choose from for walkers and for bikers of all levels!
For fans of gardening, Threave Estate, home to the School of Heritage Gardening is a must-see. It offers landscaped beauty at its finest and a feast of ideas for any keen gardener. Then why not round off your day with a stroll along the beautiful Rockcliffe coastline, part of a National Trust Scenic Area?
Start your day with a relaxing walk at Southerness, one of our lovely beaches. If you are a birdwatcher, then you’ll enjoy a visit to Mersehead, one of our RSPB Wildlife Reserves and an absolute haven for a wide variety of birds.
For lovers of woodland, head to Mabie Forest outside of Dumfries, whether you prefer to do the trails on foot or by bike, you’ll be rewarded with some gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. To round off your trip, why not enjoy a wildlife tour from Wild Eskdale in the breathtaking southern uplands? If you’re very lucky you might even see the iconic golden eagle!
