Nithsdale and Drumlanrig Castle

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.