Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland conjures images of a land of myth and kilt-clad ancestors—of fine malt whisky, iconic wildlife, and historic castles. South West Scotland is no exception, plus being so easily accessible from the rest of the UK and abroad, makes it the perfect coastal sanctuary or hideaway location.

Often described as “Scotland in Miniature,” South West Scotland’s Dumfries & Galloway region is characterized by its rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, sweeping seascapes, towering cliffs, rolling agricultural land, and its wide, wild places. Dumfries & Galloway—as the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, Galloway and Dumfrieshire are now collectively known—is the gateway to three countries and is a rural, mountainous region with 320 kilometers of scenic coastline. Part of Dumfries & Galloway has been designated by UNESCO as a "biosphere reserve" and due to the lack of light pollution, is home to the only Dark Skies Park in the UK.

Rich in history and culture, Dumfries & Galloway offers easily accessible world-class outdoor activities and is a mecca for those seeking peace and tranquillity. The area is located a comfortable 1.5 and 2.75 hour drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Manchester (and their international airports) via the M74, M6, and A75 highways. There is also an airport within a 50-minute drive for light aircraft.

With its low population density (24 people per kilometer compared to England’s 395 people per kilometer) and light traffic, Dumfries & Galloway makes for a great escape from city life and is an ideal retirement destination or area to bring up a family. When asked which is her favorite place in the British Isles, actress and broadcaster Joanna Lumley replied: “Dumfriesshire in Scotland. We have a cottage there, high up on a hill. You can see nothing except larks and buzzards, sheep and grazing cattle. There are gorgeous walks and wild winds, snow in the winter, hot sun in the summer. It's empty and so very beautiful.”

The jewel in Dumfries & Galloway’s crown is the Colvend Coast lying along the northern shore of the Solway Firth. Known as the Scottish Riviera for its mild, Gulf Stream influenced microclimate, luxury estates, and first-rate watersports facilities, this region is the ideal base for a weekend retreat, a second home, or a private hideaway.

The Scottish Riviera (or Colvend Coast) has long enjoyed popularity as a holiday spot and weekend retreat amongst those in the know from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and the North of England. The region stretches from the picturesque sailing village of Kippford in the West to Caulkerbush in the East with its quaint cottages and RSPB Reserve (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).

Set in lands of breathtaking scenery and outstanding natural beauty, the Scottish Rivera includes a designated National Scenic Area along the Solway Coast Heritage Trail and the Galloway Tourist Route. These scenic trails showcase the landscape that inspired Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, who lived in the area more than 200 years ago, and has since served as an inspiration for photographers, painters, and artists alike.

Within close proximity to the Scottish Riviera residents and guests can enjoy:
Sailing and watersports
Visitors to southern Scotland are never far from water. From the Galloway Hills with many hidden lochs, burns, and waterfalls to the Irish Sea, which separates Scotland from the Emerald Isle and the Isle of Man, to the beautiful Solway coastline, making it especially attractive to fishermen, sailors, and watersports enthusiasts of all ages. Sailing can be enjoyed at Kippford, Kirkcudbright, and the inland loch, Loch Ken, whilst Loch Ken also caters for canoeing, waterskiing, windsurfing, and dingy sailing.

Fishing
The River Nith is regarded as one Scotland's most productive rivers, both for salmon and sea trout. Whilst famous for its large 'greyback' salmon, several thousand salmon of all sizes are captured in the river every year, along with similar numbers of sea trout. Dumfries & Galloway is also one of the top coarse fishing destinations in Europe. Loch Ken is known to have some of the hardest fighting pike in the world. The area also boasts the greatest variety of coarse fish species in Scotland and holds three Scottish records for the largest chub, bream, and tench ever recorded.

The Artists’ Town
Close to the Colvend coast is the charming town of Kirkcudbright, also known as the Artists’ Town due to its long-standing artists connections. It boasts an attractive town centre with medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings, along with a fine harbor overlooked by the 16th century MacLellan’s Castle. The town was previously home to an artists’ colony that included landscape painter Edward Hornel, distinguished illustrator Jessie M King, and painter Charles Oppenheimer. Today it boasts a thriving artistic community with numerous galleries, workshops, studios and special events including the regional Spring Fling, held in May.

National Book Town
Delve deep into the bookshops of Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town and celebrate the beauty of the written word. Take a wander around the new and second-hand bookshops of this delightful town and you’re sure to find something to suit your literary tastes. Every month in Wigtown is full of literary surprises, but none more so than in autumn, when the Wigtown Book Festival takes place from September to October.

Gourmet “foodie” culture
Dumfries & Galloway is bursting with the very best in Scottish food and drink. Chefs of the region have an abundance of raw and award-winning ingredients at their finger tips including fresh salmon, organic farmhouse cheese, delicious local game and much more. Scotland’s only dedicated Food Town, Castle Douglas, is home to more than 50 independently owned and locally-sourced food retailers and boasts strong market and farming traditions. Visitors to the region can also discover the secrets of what makes the perfect pint or dram with a behind the scenes tour of Sulwarth Brewery at Castle Douglas and Bladnoch Distillery, Scotland's most southerly whisky distillery.

Golf
Southerness Championship Links course is nine minutes drive and Turnburry just 1.5 hours drive. There are also two nine-hole courses nearby plus five 18-hole courses and a Golf Driving Range within a 30-minute drive.

Nature and wildlife
The Galloway Kite Trail offers an exciting opportunity to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery and is a great attraction for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. Situated around beautiful Loch Ken, the trail promotes the population of kites, recently re-established in Kirkcudbrightshire since 2001.

Gardens
Sitting on the south west side of Scotland, the gardens of Dumfries & Galloway are blessed with a rich climate, which ensures they are amongst the most inspiring, unusual and colorful spaces in the country. Plants from the southern hemisphere thrive at Logan Botanic Garden in Port Logan. Keep your eyes peeled for Himalayan poppies, New Zealand forget-me-nots, and African daisies as the weather becomes warmer. Other gardens include: Threave Estate, Elizabeth MacGregors Nursery, Broughton House, Newtonairds, Drumlanrig Castle, and Cally Palace.

Climbing and Walking Trails
As well as the Coastal Paths, beach strolls, town trails, forest tracks and hill hikes along the Colvend Coast there is good access to the Southern Upland Way and six hills designated as Corbetts including Moffat’s Hart Fell (808 meters) and White Coomb (821 meters).

How Many People Live in Dumfries And Galloway?

Population: Dumfries & Galloway

What Languages Are Spoken in Dumfries And Galloway?

Language: English (Gaelic, once the main language across Scotland, is now only spoken by around one percent of the population)

What is the Currency in Dumfries And Galloway?

Currency: GBP (Pound sterling).

Explore our luxury properties for sale in Dumfries And Galloway, Scotland