ROUTE CARD 1

The Galloway Forest & Lochs

Around 70–75 miles | Half/Full Day | Scenery • Wildlife • Walking

THE ROUTE
Kirkcudbright → Laurieston → Mossdale → Raiders’ Road → Clatteringshaws → New Galloway → Loch Ken → Castle Douglas → Kirkcudbright

9.30am — Leave The Selkirk Arms

Head north through some wonderfully quiet Galloway countryside towards Laurieston and Mossdale.

STOP 1 — Raiders’ Road Forest Drive
Turn onto this wonderful forest road following the Black Water of Dee. There are picnic spots, woodland walks and places to simply pull over and enjoy the surroundings.

STOP 2 — Clatteringshaws Loch
One of the great views of Galloway. Park up and enjoy the panorama across the loch towards the hills.

STOP 3 — Wild Goat Park & Red Deer Range
Continue along the Queen's Way and look out for two of Galloway Forest Park's best-known wildlife stops.

STOP 4 — New Galloway
Take a wander around this tiny Royal Burgh before continuing south.

STOP 5 — Loch Ken
Follow the eastern side of the loch, with opportunities for photographs and short walks.

STOP 6 — Castle Douglas
Finish with coffee, shopping or a wander around Scotland's Food Town before returning to Kirkcudbright.

DON'T MISS: The view over Clatteringshaws.

IDEAL FOR: Nature lovers, photographers, walkers and anyone wanting to discover Galloway's wild side.

HOTEL TIP: Take a jacket and sensible shoes – Galloway can provide four seasons in one afternoon!

ROUTE CARD 2

Abbeys & The Solway Coast

Around 70–75 miles | Full Day | Coast • History • Villages • Food

THE ROUTE
Kirkcudbright → Dundrennan → Auchencairn → Sandyhills → Rockcliffe → Kippford → Dalbeattie → New Abbey → Castle Douglas → Kirkcudbright

STOP 1 — Dundrennan Abbey

Only a short drive from Kirkcudbright, this atmospheric 12th-century Cistercian abbey has a remarkable connection with Mary Queen of Scots, who spent her final hours in Scotland here in May 1568. Historic Environment Scotland

STOP 2 — Auchencairn

A pretty coastal village overlooking Auchencairn Bay.

STOP 3 — Sandyhills & Rockcliffe

Take your time along the Solway Coast. Stop at Sandyhills for the beach before continuing to lovely little Rockcliffe.

You can park up in Rockcliffe and take a 1.5 mile walk along the coastal path that leads from Rockcliffe to Kippford and the wander back in your own time.

STOP 4 — Kippford

One of our favourite villages on this drive. Park and wander along the waterfront overlooking the Urr estuary and its sailing boats.

A perfect place for a coffee or lunch. If it's nice you can sit out and enjoy lunch at The Anchor Hotel.

STOP 5 — New Abbey

Dominated by magnificent Sweetheart Abbey, founded in 1273 by Lady Dervorguilla in memory of her husband John Balliol. Historic Environment Scotland

The recently restored New Abbey Corn Mill is also well worth seeing; following conservation work, the historic mill was returned to operation in September 2026. Historic Environment Scotland

STOP 6 — Castle Douglas

Finish the circuit with a wander around the independent shops and food businesses before heading back to Kirkcudbright.

DON'T MISS: Walking along the waterfront at Kippford.

IDEAL FOR: History, coastal scenery, pretty villages and leisurely exploring.

SEASONAL NOTE: Dundrennan and Sweetheart Abbey have seasonal opening arrangements, so check before setting off. Historic Environment Scotland

ROUTE CARD 3

Ancient Galloway & The Artists' Country

Around 70–80 miles | Full Day | History • Art • Forest • Scenery

THE ROUTE
Kirkcudbright → Gatehouse of Fleet → Cairn Holy → Carsluith → Creetown → Newton Stewart → Kirroughtree → Gatehouse → Kirkcudbright

STOP 1 — Gatehouse of Fleet

Start with a wander around one of Galloway's loveliest small towns.

Visit Mill on the Fleet, browse the shops and perhaps stop for morning coffee.

STOP 2 — Cairn Holy

Take the short detour to these extraordinary prehistoric chambered cairns.

You're suddenly stepping back thousands of years into Galloway's past – and the elevated position also gives you wonderful views towards the coast.

STOP 3 — Carsluith

Stop to see Carsluith Castle and enjoy the views across Wigtown Bay.

STOP 4 — Creetown

Explore this attractive former granite-quarrying village.

STOP 5 — Newton Stewart

The Gateway to the Galloway Hills and a good place for lunch or a little shopping.

STOP 6 — Kirroughtree

Head into Galloway Forest Park for woodland walks, wildlife and spectacular countryside.

You don't need to be an experienced walker – simply choose one of the shorter trails and enjoy being surrounded by the forest.

There's a lovely cafe here and bike rental if you fancy taking on some of the mountain bike trails.

Then take the leisurely drive back through Gatehouse of Fleet to Kirkcudbright.

DON'T MISS: Cairn Holy – one of those places many visitors drive straight past.

IDEAL FOR: Archaeology, artists, photographers, walkers and anyone interested in the history of Galloway.

ROUTE CARD 4 — THE GRAND TOUR

Wigtown, The Machars & Mull of Galloway

A longer full-day adventure | Allow 8–10 hours | Coast • Books • History • Lighthouse

THE ROUTE

Kirkcudbright → Gatehouse of Fleet → Creetown → Wigtown → Whithorn → Isle of Whithorn → Port William → Portpatrick → Mull of Galloway → Kirkcudbright

This is deliberately longer than our other three drives. Start early, don't rush it and make a proper day of it.

STOP 1 — Wigtown

Welcome to Scotland's National Book Town.

Have a coffee and spend an hour exploring some of Wigtown's famous bookshops. Book lovers could easily lose half a day here, so keep an eye on the clock!

STOP 2 — Whithorn

Continue into the Machars to one of Scotland's most important early Christian sites.

Whithorn's story is closely associated with St Ninian, traditionally regarded as one of Scotland's earliest Christian missionaries.

Explore the town and its historic sites before continuing south.

STOP 3 — Isle of Whithorn

Despite the name, it isn't an island!

This lovely little harbour village feels wonderfully remote. Park near the harbour, stretch your legs and enjoy the views across the water.

It's home to our friends at Five Kingdom Brewery and The Steam Packet Inn - lovely to sit outside and enjoy some lunch and a pint of real ale

STOP 4 — Port William

Follow the coast around the Machars and make a short stop in this small seaside village overlooking Luce Bay.

STOP 5 — Mull of Galloway

Now for the star of the trip.

Travel south to the Mull of Galloway – Scotland's most southerly point.

Walk towards the lighthouse and stand on the dramatic cliffs with sea seemingly everywhere around you.

On a clear day you can see Ireland, the Isle of Man, Cumbria and the Galloway coastline. The RSPB reserve is particularly good for seabirds, wildflowers and coastal wildlife. RSPB

There is a short circular nature trail of around half a mile, viewpoints, parking and visitor facilities; some facilities operate seasonally. RSPB

STOP 6 — Portpatrick

If time allows, make your final major stop in colourful Portpatrick.

Take a stroll around the harbour and perhaps enjoy an early evening coffee, ice cream or something stronger before beginning the journey back to Kirkcudbright.

THEN HOME TO THE SELKIRK ARMS

After a big day exploring Galloway, return to Kirkcudbright for dinner, a pint of local ale or perhaps a dram in the Wee Bar.

DON'T MISS: Standing at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse looking across the Irish Sea.

IDEAL FOR: Guests staying two or more nights who want one memorable full-day road trip.

HOTEL TIP: Leave Kirkcudbright by about 8.30–9am. This is a considerably longer drive than Routes 1–3, and you'll enjoy it much more if you're not watching the clock.

You can download the route cards on a pdf below