Walking and Hiking Holidays

Walking holidays in Dumfries and Galloway offer you a fantastic chance to explore somewhere new.

The region encapsulates all that is best about walking holidays in Scotland, with all the landscapes you could want resting side by side. Acres of sky, miles of rugged coastline, sandy beaches, mysterious forests, rolling hills, tranquil lochs and room to breathe.

With over 200 miles of coastline you’ll discover stunning cliff top walks or leisurely strolls along sandy beaches. Miles and miles of forest trails under natural canopies, gentle slopes or rugged hikes to the top of hills and mountains reward you with spectacular views. Taking time out to explore the region on foot is guaranteed to get you close to nature, leave you with a sense of achievement and a camera full of beautiful memories of your walking holiday.

Scotland’s longest and most challenging walking route, the Southern Upland Way starts in Dumfries and Galloway. Stretching coast to coast along the south of Scotland from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath.

The Southern Upland Way is a 212 mile marathon which travels through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland.

Craigadam Estate

Our own estate offers a variety of walks, varying from an amble round the gardens to longer circular walks that encompass woodland, lochs, open moorland and quiet byways.

Threave Castle and Gardens Circular Walk

This is a walk created by The National Trust for Scotland between Threave Gardens and Threave Castle. Part of the walk runs along a disused railway line, some of it runs around a new woodland and the section extending to the castle is wheelchair friendly.

Kippford to Rockcliffe and Back

This is a great family favourite, to start at Kippford at about 10am and walk to Rockcliffe Bay using one of the Jubilee Footpaths. There are exceptional views across to Rough Island and the Solway Sands. Enjoy guddling in Rockcliffe Bay and return on a different path to Kippford for about 1 o’clock to lunch at the Anchor Pub.

Striding Arches Walk

Sculpor Andy Goldworthy lives and works in Dumfries and Galloway, and in certain parts of the wilderness you are likely to happen across one of his sculptures, his most famous is Striding Arches. A full walk has been created to make the most of the arches.

Balcary Point and Bay

Dramatic scenery, coastal birds and shore fishing feature on this precipitous walk around Balcary Point (not best done with very young children – I know by experience) There are views across to Cumbria and closer to Hestan Island which was the location of a novel written by local writer S.R.Crocket called The Raiders.

Balcary Point

Newton Stewart Holds a WALK-FEST for keen walkers. This happens in mid May. WalkFest provides our visitors with a much wider variety of routes. now a 3 day festival, so there should be a walk to suit everyone. Make a date in your diary and join our action packed walking weekend in the Galloway Hills and surrounding area. You will soon realise why we call this area Scotland’s best kept secret!.

Criffel

Criffel, the region’s largest hill sits on the coast overlooking Dumfries and offers fantastic views over the Solway estuary. There is also a mountain bike ascent – both make a good walk for those of us that need a bit of a challenge.