Dumfries, Moffat & Thornhill

The old County Town of Dumfries, packed with fine red sandstone buildings, was once the home of Robert Burns, and is attractively set on the River Nith. The coastal plain stretches from here to Annan and the border with England, with Caerlaverock being an icon amongst Scottish castles.

To the north, Nithsdale leads up to Thornhill and the southern approaches of the rolling Lowther Hills. Further east is Annandale and above there the hills become increasingly dramatic, with the spectacular Grey Mare's Tail waterfall thundering down from the highest summits in the area. The old wool town of Moffat is the centre here.