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Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway is a beautiful part of Scotland, with an undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, and acres of forest and green spaces inland.
Your break here can include outdoor activities, history and cultural attractions, delicious food and much more.
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Travel to and around Dumfries & Galloway
Getting to Dumfries & Galloway
Train
Trains run regularly from Glasgow to Ayr, and some trains continue along the coast to Girvan and Stranraer.
Trains run in the east of Dumfries & Galloway from Carlisle or Glasgow through Gretna Green, Annan, Dumfries, Sanquhar and Kirkconnell. A direct service to Lockerbie from Glasgow and Edinburgh is also available.
Bus and coach
From Edinburgh
Stagecoach service 101A from Edinburgh Bus Station will take you to Dumfries via Biggar and Moffat.
From Glasgow
Start your journey to Dumfries & Galloway in the South of Scotland by catching Stagecoach service X74 to Dumfries via Moffat from Buchanan Bus Station, then switch to local services.
From Carlisle
Take Borders Buses service number X95 to Edinburgh via Langholm, Galashiels and Stow.
Driving
If you’re travelling from north Scotland, take the M80 towards Glasgow, then onto the M74. Follow the motorway south along the River Clyde, through South Lanarkshire and into Dumfries & Galloway in the South of Scotland as the M74 becomes the A74. To reach Dumfries & Galloway, you can also continue west along the M77, then head south through Ayrshire, travelling along the coast and country roads.
From Carlisle, simply follow along the M6 to reach the border town of Gretna. You can then explore Dumfries & Galloway further, following the A75 or A74.
Ferry
There are two ferry connections between the South of Scotland and Northern Ireland: Stena Line offers regular services between Belfast and Cairnryan in Dumfries & Galloway, while P&O Ferries operates a connection between Larne and Cairnryan. Further ferry connections to destinations across Scotland arrive into Greenock near Glasgow, which is also the main port for cruise ships.
Flying
Fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports from across the UK and Europe, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin and Amsterdam.
Dumfries & Galloway can be easily reached from Glasgow International Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Edinburgh International Airport to the north, and Carlisle Lake District Airport to the south-west. You can connect to local public transport options or hire a car at each of the airports for a smooth onwards journey.
Getting around
Cycling
Follow National Cycle Route 7 from Carlisle along the stunning Galloway coastline. The route passes through picturesque towns, and at Newton Stewart you can either continue to follow Route 7 north, or switch to Route 73 to Stranraer. If you prefer to take the inland route, follow National Cycle Route 74 form Carlisle to Glasgow via Lockerbie and Beattock in the Moffat Hills.
Find out more on National Cycle Routes in the south of Scotland
Bus and coach
Most of the region's villages and towns are accessible by bus, with timetables published online by local council providers.
Walking
The Southern Upland Way is a major long distance routes linking the Dumfries & Galloway coast in the west to the Berwickshire coast in the eastern Scottish Borders.
Driving
There are several main roads running right through Dumfries & Galloway, so it’s easy to get around by car. Additionally, a variety of scenic routes quickly take you off the beaten track right into the heart of this destination.
Vehicle hire
If you are looking to hire a car or campervan during your trip, you will find car hire companies located conveniently close to the major routes into the areas – in and around Glasgow, in Edinburgh and just off the Edinburgh City Bypass, and around the border at Carlisle. You will also find opportunities to hire a car when you’re here: Dumfries has an Enterprise Car Rental, and those looking for something different can even hire a classic car or campervan.
Places to stay
Dumfries & Galloway has a superb range of accommodation options for every budget and preference.

Nithbank Country Estate
© Nithbank Country House in Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway
Accommodation ideas
Cosy cabins, quirky glamping huts, luxurious country house hotels, welcoming B&Bs, modern caravan holiday homes, and even treehouses!
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Help and advice
You can also get advice from our accredited iKnow partners, with excellent local expertise, travel advice and insider tips about must-see attractions and great accommodation in the local area.
Find our iKnow Partners in this areaPlaces to eat in Dumfries & Galloway
Find ideas on where to try Scottish food & drink in Dumfries & Galloway.
Mull of Galloway
© VisitScotland / Cutmedia
Food & Drink ideas
Find out more about the food & drink on offer in the south of Scotland.
Map of Dumfries & Galloway
Explore Dumfries & Galloway
Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at our iCentres.
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Ideas for things to do in Dumfries & Galloway
Enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of outdoor activities, wildlife to spot and family-friendly attractions.

Cycling
There are trails of all kinds in both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway including mountain biking, gravel and road biking.

Wildlife ideas
See these majestic and fierce animals throughout the countryside in the South as they've worked hard to make sure the habitats have been preserved.
Outdoor activities
Just beyond the borders lie ancient woodlands, glittering lochs, roaring rivers, and rising hills, perfect for a whole range of outdoor activities..

Family ideas
Explore spooky castle jails and ancient forests, spend your days by the loch trying new watersports or test your mettle at thrilling adventure parks.
Unique experiences
Explore the UNESCO Biosphere by day, and the Dark Sky Park by night.

Gravel path from Clatteringshaws to GlenTrool, with the Rhinns of Kells
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
Explore the biosphere and discover untouched coastlines and deep woodlands and forests, with a rich diversity of plants and wildlife.
Kirroughtree Forest
Dark Skies
Find out more about the Dark Sky Park in Galloway Forest Park.
Tours, routes & trails
Choose between walking and driving routes, or follow our suggested itineraries around the area.

Southern Upland Way
The Southern Upland Way is a coast to coast route which runs for 212 miles from Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath in the east.
Galloway Tourist Route
Stretching from Gretna to Ayr in south west Scotland, this route weaves through the picturesque landscapes that inspired Robert Burns.

South West Coastal 300 Route
The route runs around one of Scotland's most picturesque coasts. It offers stunning scenery, pristine coastline and plenty of things to see and do.
7 Days
Car
South West Scotland for Families
Find fun family attractions and unforgettable outdoor adventure activities on this 7 day family itinerary in Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire.
7 Days
Car
7 Days in the South of Scotland
Spend 7 days in the south of Scotland and enjoy a relaxing break exploring historic attractions and out amongst the wonderful countryside.

Tours
Find a tour around Dumfries & Galloway.
What's new
Forest of Ae
Spotlight on Mountain Biking
This region is home to most of the 7stanes trail centres so it’s ideal for all mountain biking abilities. Look out for some iconic features in incredible locations.
The UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships will be held in Dumfries & Galloway during August too.
Other things you might like
The Scottish Borders
Ayrshire & Arran
Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley

Glasgow
Argyll & The Isles
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