Dumfries and Galloway

To the homeland of King of Scots, Robert Bruce. Here, in Glentrool, in what is now the Galloway Forest Park, Bruce won his first major victory over the English.

We’ll stay in the forest park – Britain’s largest – and wonder at the wildlife and navigate the stars at the Dark Sky Observatory. Follow the nature trails at the Mull of Galloway and the wild Cairnsmore of Fleet reserves. Fight off a siege at Caerlaverock Castle then relax in the bizarre and beautiful Logan Botanic Garden, on Scotland’s southwestern tip.

We mustn’t forget the national bard’s links to the region. The Robert Burns Centre, in Dumfries, bring his work to life. And finally, to the beaches of Brighouse Bay, Auchencairn and Southerness…known locally as the Costa del Solway!