Sanquhar

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Not only was Sanquhar one of the first Royal Burghs in Scotland, the town also has the world’s oldest Post Office, opened in 1712 and still operational.

Sanquhar is on the River Nith – one of Scotland’s top salmon rivers and makes a great base for exploring Upper Nithsdale and beyond. When you think about Scotland’s highest places, most wouldn’t consider the south of Scotland but Sanquhar is less than 10 miles away from the two highest villages in Scotland – Wanlockhead and Leadhills. Here you can immerse yourself in the rich mining history of gold and lead and visit the Lead Mining Museum.

As you will see from the photograph, the countryside, particularly to the east of Sanquhar is spectacular with three beautiful passes, Crawick, Mennock and Dalveen just waiting to be explored.

Drumlanrig Castle a 17th Century castle built of red sandstone is also only 10 miles away from Sanquhar. There you can marvel at the interior of the castle (seasonal) and walk in the extensive grounds.

Slightly further away, but less than an hour’s drive, are New Lanark with its rich heritage of cotton mills and Ayr where you can visit various Robert Burn’s attractions or Culzean Castle.

Sanquhar Knitting – Gloves

Sanquhar is famed for its distinctive knitting patterns, chiefly gloves in black and white. The Tolbooth Museum in Sanquhar has exhibits of the design and you can even learn how to knit the Sanquhar patterns at workshops held by A’ the Airts.

Sanquhar also has a 9 hole golf course, is on The South West Coastal 300 Touring Route and is also on the Southern Upland Way.

Also nearby are Crawick Multiverse – a landscape art project designed by Charles Jencks and Dumfries House with its unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture.