Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Morton Castle

© Dumfries Tours

Morton Castle, Nithsdale, Dumfriesshire

Dumfries Tours - Nithsdale and Drumlanrig Castle

A beautiful day tour from Dumfries following the River Nith upstream to Sanquhar where you can send a letter or postcard from the World's oldest Post Office. After Sanquhar its a stunning driver up Mennock Pass to Scotland's Highest Village.

Pick up from your accommodation in Dumfries or Lockerbie Station (its only one hour from Glasgow or Edinburgh). We pass through Kirton village to explore Dalswinton Estate. Dalswinton was the home to John Comyn who challenged Robert the Bruce for the Kingdom of Scotland. More recently, the estate was owned by Robert Burns' landlord. While in the estate, we will see the loch where the first steam powered boat was successfully trialled in 1778.

Just along the road from the Dalswinton Estate is the distintive red 'tin tabernacle' that is Dalswinton Church which was erected in 1888. A short walk gives commanding views of the River Nith Valley towards Portrack and Criffel. It is then onto to planned village of Dalswinton itself which now has a lovely coffee shop.

After passing through Auldgirth, our next stop is Closeburn Church which is ancient Kirkpatrick burial site. See the Kirkpatrick family crest. If you have a Kirkpatrick connection, we can arrange a private tour of nearby Closeburn Castle which is now back under Kirkpatrick ownership. 

After pausing in the planned village of Thornhill, a must see is the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle. Home to the Dukes and Duchess of Buccleugh and Queensberry of the Clan Douglas, the castle featured in Season 2 of Outlander. The locals referred to this place as 'the pink palace' when it was built in 1686. Take your time to browse the workshops of The Kitchen Witch and Wagtails Wood Carvers in the castle courtyard.

Now its on to Durisdeer Church to see the Italian marble clad crypt which is the burial site of the Dukes and Duchess of Drumlanrig of the Douglas family. The family also have the title Earls of Queensberry. The 2nd Earl of Queensberry, James Douglas, is known as the Union Duke as he was heavily involved in drawing up the act of Parliament that was to be the 1707 Act of Union which combined Scotland and England into the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Morton Castle and Morton Loch - Located by an artificial loch in the hills above Nithsdale, Morton Castle once formed part of a chain of castles along the strategically important Nith Valley.

In the mid 15th century the lands were given by James II to James Douglas of Dalkeith. The fourth earl of Morton was executed in 1580 for his alleged part in the murder of Lord Darnley and Morton Castle, together with the earldom, briefly passed to John Maxwell, 8th Lord Maxwell.

However, in 1588, James VI led an expedition against the Catholic Maxwells. As a result, Morton Castle was taken and burned, and returned to the Earls of Morton.

The historic town of Sanquhar is home to the world’s oldest working post office. At the atmospheric ruin of Sanquhar Castle we learn about Mary Queen of Scots stay here. The Old Tollbooth is now a museum. We can have lunch here at A' The Airts Community Cafe. The highly original Sanquhar Pattern Knitwear makes for a wonderful unique gift.

There is an option to explore The Crawick Multiverse - a former open cast mine, transformed into a unique environment by renowned landscape architect Charles Jenks.

Wanlockhead - Scotland’s Highest Village, a former lead, silver, and gold mining area. The gold from this area was used to make the Scottish Crown Jewels. You can walk round remnants of this remote area’s industrial past. Visit the museum and/or venture into one of the old mines with a guide. 

Continuing north to Leadhills, we return to Dumfries via Dalveen Pass – a magnificent glen with loads of photo opportunities. A grand day out.

Prezzo su richiesta


Giorni di partenza

  • Lunedì
  • Martedì
  • Mercoledì
  • Giovedì
  • Venerdì
  • Sabato
  • Domenica

Gennaio — Dicembre

Contatti

Dumfries Tours

4 Bennan Court
Dumfries
Dumfries and Galloway
United Kingdom
DG2 9QL

Tour information

Partenza

  • Dumfries
  • Dumfries and Surrounding Area
  • East Dumfries and Galloway
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Lockerbie
  • West Dumfries and Galloway

Durata

Bespoke

Transporto

  • Driver guide

Tipo

  • Bespoke
  • Private

Lingue

  • English

Temi

  • Architecture
  • Castles
  • History
  • Landscapes

Tappe del tour

Dumfries Tours

Informazioni sulla compagnia

Dumfries Tours

We provide bespoke, friendly, and exclusive guided driving tours of SW Scotland. Based in Dumfries, we follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns, Robert the Bruce and John Paul Jones. If you want to explore your Scottish Ancestry, we can help with your research and plan your trip. We explore iconic castles, abbeys and locations associated with Maxwells, Johnstones, Jardines, Douglas and Armstrongs. We visit some of Scotland's most southerly gin and whisky distilleries as well as the best places for locally sourced food and refreshments. Pick ups from Dumfries, Lockerbie, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Orari di apertura

Contact us anytime to plan your tour and discuss your preferred options.

Altri tour da questa compagnia

Visita:Dumfries Tours - Family Heritage Tours
Dumfries Tours - Family Heritage Tours

Dumfries Tours - Family Heritage Tours

Partenza: Dumfries, Lockerbie, Dumfries and Surrounding Area, East Dumfries and Galloway, West Dumfr...

Use our local knowledge and local resouces to design a tailor-made family histor...

Il contenuto di questa inserzione è fornito dal relativo operatore terzo e non da VisitScotland. VisitScotland non si assume alcuna responsabilità per (1) eventuali errori o dichiarazioni errate contenute in questa inserzione e (2) per il contenuto di qualsiasi link esterno all'interno dell'inserzione ((1) e (2) insieme di seguito denominati 'Contenuto'). VisitScotland esclude ogni responsabilità per perdite o danni causati da qualsiasi affidamento fatto sul Contenuto. Il Contenuto è fornito solo a titolo informativo e non è approvato da VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.