This route from Dumfries will take you on a relaxing route through the idyllic countryside of central Scotland. With gently rolling hills, surrounded by rich, green farmland, you will pass through several charming towns on your way to the bright lights and buzz of Scotland's Capital City, Edinburgh.
Dumfries, often known as the Queen of the South, is the largest town in the South West of Scotland. Originally a market town, there is plenty to see and do here from shopping and relaxing to delving into the town's long and interesting history. Dumfries did not actually become a permanent part of Scotland until 1234 under the reign of Alexander II. Before this the land belonged to England and thus many problems for Dumfries came from England between the 1300's and 1600's. Outside forces were not the only troubles Dumfries encountered, in 1659, 9 women were burned alive for witchcraft and in 1868, Scotland's last public hanging took place here.
On the less gruesome side of things, Dumfries was home to Robert Burns in the final years of his life before he finally died here in 1796. You can visit his home here and even his favourite drinking spot, Globe Inn. The Robert Burns Centre also makes for a fascinating visit. Dumfries was home to another literary master, J.M. Barrie, the author of the classic Peter Pan, who moved here in his early years, gaining most of his secondary education at Dumfries Academy.
Today's Dumfries is a busy town which still plays host to a vibrant art scene. The Dumfries and Galloway annual Arts festival takes place in spring while to the Storm of Arts and Entertainment of Gaelforce festival, which takes place in late summer.
Heading on the A701 north to Moffat, take a slight detour to discover Lochmaben Castle. Lying to the north east of Dumfries, this castle was first built by the Bruce Family around 1160. This castle originally had a wooden keep although this was later replaced by a stone structure when it was captured by England in 1298. The castle was designed and built in a way that would best serve in the Wars of Independence between Scotland and England and as expected ownership went back and forth between the 2 countries many times. In 1565 Mary Queen of Scots spent a night here on her tour of Scotland however after the Union of the Crowns in 1603 the castle fell into disuse as there was no longer a need for such a defensive structure.
Back on the road again and just a short drive to the quaint town of Moffat. A church was built in this area in 1177 and the settlement had grown enough by the 1600's to be classified as a town. It was in 1633 that the first mineral spring was found nearby leading the town to develop as Scotland's first ever Spa Town. People came from all over wishing to benefit from the sulphurous water and its reputed healthy effects. Another spring was discovered in 1748 adding to the increase of hotels and inns being built in the area. The town hall as we see it today was originally a spa which was built in 1827. The downfall of the town's spa life came in 1921 when the hydropathic hotel, which had opened in 1887, sadly burned down.
The town today, which has won the prestigious 'Scotland in Bloom' prize on several occasions, is small and traditional with an unusually high number of good-quality hotels. The town centre is a must with lots of individual and interesting shops, a great place to find that perfect Scottish souvenir.
Leaving Moffat take time to appreciate the outstanding natural beauty of the area. Take a short trip north, off the route to Selkirk, into the Moffat Hills where you will come across the picturesque 'Devil's Beef Tub'. A 250m deep, steep sided valley, it was here that the infamous Borders Reivers (cattle rustlers) hid their stolen goods, when thieving livestock from others around the times of the wars of Independence.
Back on the A708 to Selkirk, look out for the majestic peak of White Coomb Mountain which stands at 2,690ft. It is just below here, 10 miles north of Moffat that you will find the spectacular Grey mare's Tail. This 200ft waterfall, set dramatically in the moorland beneath the mount is a truly evocative scene. Visit the viewpoint here or if you have more time why not take the time to climb the path at the side of the fall which will carry you upwards and behind to the waterfall's source Loch Skeen. The views are glorious and well worth the extra effort.
Selkirk, the next stop on route, is situated another 25 miles eastward, which is a pleasant drive with beautiful scenery along the A708. The town lies in the valley of the Ettrick Water River and the settlement you see today began life when the local Celtic, Selgovae Tribe built a church here in the 6th Century after converting to Christianity. In 1113 David I, the future King of Scotland, set up a Tironensian Abbey on the site of this church however by 1128 the community had moved to Kelso. Selkirk's growth did continue despite this set back and in 1298 William Wallace was declared Guardian of Scotland here.
By the 16th Century the town had developed into an affluent community with a good reputation for shoe making. Like many other towns in this area, Selkirk lost nearly all of it's men of fighting age in the brutal Battle of Flodden in 1513, yet again the tough little town fought this catastrophe and by the late 1500's was thriving once more.
The industry in the area turned to textiles during the 18th Century with the first woollen mill being built in 1767. From this point onwards 6 more mills were established along the Ettrick Water and Selkirk became heavily involved in the production of fine tweed, which it still is to this day. Glass making is another industry that has prospered in Selkirk and you can visit the Selkirk Glass Visitor Centre to learn more about the fascinating process, and watch the skilled craftsmen at work. A visit to Sir Walter Scott's courtroom is another must see attraction when in town. Once the court where Sir Walter Scott sat as sheriff from 1804 to his death in 1832, this building now offers a fascinating insight into Scott, his time as town Sheriff and his well-loved writings.
A quick 10 minute drive and you arrive at Galashiels. The town lies in the valley of the Gala Water and its name comes from shiel of shielings which means dwellings, Galashiels therefore means dwellings by the Gala Water. Like Selkirk, this town's prosperity lay in the textile industry. By 1890 there were 21 mills in town the best known being the Waverley Mill which is home to Lochcarron of Scotland. This mill is not only still in operation, but is renowned for having the world's largest range of pure new wool tartans. Visitors have been touring the mill for 100 years. You can discover the traditional methods of weaving, which the mill still uses, from the spun yarn to the many wonderful finished tartans and fabrics.
While in town look out for the Corn mill fountain, an interesting feature which uses an old lade from a demolished cornmill. The fountain also bears the town's amusing coat of arms, which shows a picture of a fox trying to pick some plums from a tree with the moto 'Soor Plums'. The story of this image dates back to the 14th Century when a group of English soldiers, who were resting nearby, after gorging on wild plums, were taken by surprise and defeated by the townsfolk of Galashiels!
Take some time to look around the rest of the town. Whether it be a game of golf at one of the two 18-hole courses or a dip in the towns swimming pool, there is plenty to do. Be sure to visit the many delightful speciality shops which you will find here before heading off on the road again towards the city lights of Edinburgh.
The capital city Edinburgh is a fantastic place to visit in Scotland. It has a remarkable setting built on and around 7 hills, that is unlike any other city in the world. The city centre of Edinburgh manages to blend Old town charms with modern architecture like Edinburgh Castle, which sits alongside the new Scottish parliament and Our Dynamic Earth Exhibition. Arthur’s Seat, a fascinating extinct volcano and one of the 7 peaks, is another stunning feature dominating the city skyline and is the perfect place to go for an afternoon stroll. On a clear day the summit gives spectacular views over The Firth of the Forth and Ochil Hills.
A thrilling city, bursting with a vibrant culture, Edinburgh has many theatres and festivals which people from all over the world, come to enjoy. Visit Princes Street gardens-a public park since 1846 and home to many monuments. Perhaps the most famous monument here is the Scott Monument, built in 1846 as a testimony to Sir Walter Scott’s contribution to Scottish literature.
One of the most popular areas to visit in Edinburgh is The Old Town, or more commonly known as The Royal Mile. Visitors flock here to soak up the atmosphere of ancient buildings, cobbled streets and the murky history of times gone by. The Royal Mile was given its name, as it is the ridge linking Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile is divided into four separate streets - Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Cannongate.
Castlehill is situated at the uppermost stretch of the Royal Mile and is home to Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is situated on top of another extinct volcano and is the best-known and most visited attraction of Historical Buildings in Scotland. It is instantly recognisable and is a powerful national symbol. Edinburgh Castle includes many attractions including St Margaret's Chapel - Edinburgh's oldest building, exhibitions that include the history of the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and The Prisoners of War and the traditional One o'clock Gun. The gun which fires everyday from Monday to Saturday at exactly One o’clock started as a means of giving an accurate time check to the ships in Leith Harbour, situated 2 miles away, and has been continued to this day. As you leave the castle you can visit the former reservoir for the Old Town. It has since been converted into The Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Centre, and visitors can observe the whole process of weaving before selecting their own tartan. A few doors down you will come across the Outlook Tower and it has been a top visitor attraction since 1853. Its viewing balcony is one of Edinburgh's best vantage points, which offers spectacular views right across the city and the Firth of Forth. It is recommended to visit at midday when there are fewer shadows.
The Lawnmarket, which as its name suggests was once a marketplace. With narrow streets winding through a maze of buildings, it is here that you will find Lady Stair's House situated in Lady Stair's Close. This now serves as Edinburgh's literary museum that features a collection of personal mementoes including items that belonged to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Walking further down you will enter into the High Street area - the longest section of the Royal mile. Here you will discover sites such as Parliament Square, where you can admire the monument of King Charles II and you will also have the chance to visit John Knox's House - the gentleman who was responsible for the Scottish Reformation during the 15th Century.
The final section, the Cannongate has been subject to some of the most ambitious restoration programmes in the Old Town. Examples of this include Chessel's court, a mid-eighteenth century development and most recently The Scottish Parliament that opened its doors to the public in November 2004 amid much controversy and well over budget!
At the foot of Cannongate you will find a host of other attractions including Holyrood Palace, Holyrood Abbey and Holyrood Park and not to mention Our Dynamic Earth-a visitor attraction that will take you on an exciting journey back in time to learn about our planet.
