Now that you have gotten to Southern Scotland and its capital, Dumfries & Galloway, how do you manage to see and do everything this rich area has to offer? Luckily, getting around Dumfries & Galloway is simple. Whether you want to stay in the city or explore its exciting neighbors The Borders, Ayrshire, and the Isle of Arran, there are several great travel options. Take leisurely strolls, follow scenic routes by car, take public transport or journey on horseback or bike.

On Foot

Dumfries & Galloway features an amazing range of landscapes, from the rugged coast to its rolling hills, perfect for leisurely walks or rigorous hiking. If you are up to the challenge the Southern Upland Way, beginning in Dumfries & Galloway and stretching from coast to coast, is a tour-de-force for serious walkers/hikers. Alternately, the enthralling Crawick Multiverse has both gentle and challenging walks. The grand views and sense of achievement of discovering the splendid beauty of the region is more than enough reward!

If sticking close to town is more your taste, walking the city center or smaller towns surrounding Dumfries & Galloway offers a chance to see how locals live, discover small shops, arts and crafts, cafes, and restaurants. Wigtown and Castle Douglas are local and visitor favorites!

By Car

Exploring Dumfries & Galloway with a rental car maximizes your experience. It allows you to visit outside the city easily, and see and learn more about the region while appreciating the beautiful scenery. Most roads in the area are well maintained and connect to major thoroughfares. Remember that in Scotland, steering wheels are on the right side of the vehicle and drivers use the left lane. It seems like a small change to most American drivers, but it takes some getting used to.

Bonus! Try one of these visitor favorite routes, which are well known and signposted.
The Galloway Tourist Route follows the scenic Solway Coast and runs alongside the Galloway Forest Park, and passes through historic towns and villages where you can stop to grab an authentic meal or explore small shops.
The Burns Heritage Trail travels across the landscapes which inspired Robert Burns, and encompasses museums and visitor centers.
The popular Solway Coast Heritage Trail is a great way to discover the stunning coastline of Dumfries & Galloway. The local road network makes driving between different areas easy and convenient.

By Bus or Train

ScotRail operates lines to Dumfries & Galloway and much of its surrounding area, either directly or by changing to local trains at Carlisle, which is served by the main west coast line.

The main towns of Dumfries & Galloway and many of the villages are connected by local bus services, which is handy for visiting attractions, restaurants and shops. Dumfries & Galloway Council provides online timetable information. For a great value check out the Day Discovery Ticket, which allows a day`s worth of unlimited travel on most of the local buses.

By Bike

Dumfries & Galloway is an ideal destination for cycling. There are literally hundreds of miles of routes in the area, including accessible off-road forest trails, long distance routes on quiet roads and mountain biking adventures. Discover stunning landscapes, green hills, mountains, sandy coastlines, and thick forests on two wheels.

On Horseback

Breathe in the unspoilt landscape of Dumfries & Galloway and its surrounding areas galloping over deserted beaches, open moors, and through dramatic forests. Riding routes abound in the Galloway Forest Park or head to the Solway Coast for sea views. Riding schools and trekking centers are found throughout the area, geared to both novices and experienced riders.