With so much to explore in this under-discovered and unspoilt landscape – history and heritage, shopping, food and drink, sensational gardens, quirky spots, fascinating stories – a long weekend isn’t nearly enough time to see everything in Southwest Scotland. You need a 7 day itinerary.
So where do you even start?
The answer is right here!
We have put together a whole week’s worth of activities so you can get the most out of your trip without spending all your time driving.
Unpack once at Queensberry House.
And let your adventure begin…
Day 1: a car-free day exploring Moffat
MORNING
If you’re a guest at Queensberry House, you’ll start the day with a delicious home-cooked Scottish breakfast.
Next, stretch your legs with a walk around town and familiarise yourself with Moffat’s fascinating sites:
Scotland’s narrowest street, a full-size model spitfire in a regular garden, plus the former home of Catherine the Great’s personal doctor and, later, John Loudon McAdam of Tarmac fame.
Explore more here.
Or just wander about gazing in wonder at the town’s architectural heritage (the oldest house dates back to 1723) and its independent shops.
Take a short walk to the Moffat Distillery set on 17 acres with a pond and interesting wildlife – it has its very own otter. Inside the beautifully designed building you can take a tour and learn about the brewing process – and, naturally, taste its unique drams.
Or just enjoy your elevenses in the cafe and library, looking out at the amazing scenery around.
LUNCH
Head to the friendly Café Ariete for hearty plates and enticing cakes, including the famous Ecclefechan tart.
The coffee is top-notch – it’s clear Russell and his team love it and have honed their technique to perfection.
AFTERNOON
Did you know Merlin, the real-life druid behind the Arthurian legend, lived here in Southern Scotland?
Pop into the Moffat Museum to learn about the Merlin Trail – before tackling the hike maybe?
We can show you exactly where to find his cave on the route.
Ask us about other walks in this location and we’ll get you started.
Another favourite spot of ours is Gallow Hill (Moffat Community Woodland), where you’ll see incredible panoramic views over the town.
This is a key birdwatching spot, where you might, depending on the time of year, see buzzards, kestrels, red kites, sparrow hawks and goshawks and, if you’re lucky, golden eagles.
Other wildlife include red squirrels and alpacas.
For a gentler pace, take it nice and easy on the riverside walk – part of the Annandale Way.
Or for a mighty hike, take on the Devil’s Beef Tub, one of Moffat’s famous landmarks with a rich story to tell.
You’re likely to have it all to yourself.
EVENING
Book dinner at Claudios, one of the top Italian restaurants in Scotland. It was once the town’s police station and has been a family-run restaurant since 1996.
There’s a happy hour of two courses for a special rate.
Days 2-7: to read the full week’s itinerary, download our free guide here.
Image: St Mary’s Loch
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