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If you like the 'Great Outdoors' then you've come to the Natural Place. For starters, we have over 200 miles of coastline, ranging from the shallows on the Solway near Sandyhills to the rugged 300 foot high cliffs of the Mull of Galloway. The region abounds in lochs and rivers, with some spectacular scenery to flow through! View the spectacular waterfall known as the Grey Mare's Tail near Moffat for an idea of what the region has to offer.

If you are a History buff, then the region should provide you with enough history to keep you returning year after year.

Ancient standing stones and circles such as those at Cairnholy (near Carsluith) or at Holyrood (near Dumfries). View the enigmatic Pictish Sculptures at Trusty's Hill (Anwoth) - the only ones in southern Scotland and still a mystery. Perhaps check out the mighty fortress at Caerlaverock, whose origins are lost in time, or the unadorned hill at Carrutherstown, raised by St Kentigern himself! Visit Bruce's Stone at Glen Trool set amidst splendid scenery reminicent of the Highlands.

We have a number of Abbeys too, reflecting our ecclesiastical, and turbulent, past; Dundrennan Abbey (nr Kirkudbright) established by King David I and where Queen Mary spent her last night on Scottish soil. Glenluce Abbey, founded by Roland of Galloway in 1192, visited by Robert the Bruce and even attacked by a rival Bishop.

Add to that Border Reviers, clan warfare, invasions (by Irish, Roman, Scots, English, Northumbrians...to name but a few) more kings and queens than you can shake a stick at, and all connected with some local feature or other, honestly!

Bird watchers are well catered for, as are anglers and cyclists. Loch Ken offers plenty by way of waterborne activities, but the surrounding area is also home to about 90 pairs of Red Kites. Running from Loch ken (Mossdale) to Newton Stewart is the Queen's Way and the Raider's Road, accessable to foot and vehicle, hoof and tyre. Places of interest include Clatteringshaws Loch, Water of Fleet and Cairnsmore of Fleet (2323 feet) which is inside the Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve. (Look for wild goats).

The area has four Oak woods, a remmnant of the ancient Oak woods that once covered much of southern Scotland. Galloway Forest Park is one of Britain's largest forest parks, and covers around 300 square miles! It contains forest drives suitable for walking, cycling and riding horses on. The Forest Park has spectacular views from its higher reaches, and has three visitor centres to help visitors find their way around. Look out for sculptures in the Forest too, alongside the usual wildlife; Deer, Goats and Red Squirrels.

For a long-distance route ideal for walking, check out the Southern Upland Way. This long distance path runs from Portpatrick in the west to Moffat in the east before departing the region. Passing through Glen Trool and alonside the River Cree for a while, this is a great way to discover the undiscovered. Taking in places such as Bogue, Sanqhhar, Wanlockhead, Beattock and Moffat, plus miles of open moorland, it offers an outstanding opportunity to check out the wildlife, relax, get some fresh air and even keep fit! However, parts are difficult and care should be excercised whenever walking on the moors - take a good map, compass, torch, whistle, thermos and food. And as they say locally, "If it's sunshining, take a coat, if it's raining, suit yourself".

Well worth a visit is the stunning Samye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Monastary at Eskdalemuir. Its central chamber contains some outstanding artwork and sculptures beneath an amazing chandelier. Surrounded by dense plantations, this part of the region has a wilder feel to it than the western side. The River Esk, running down to Langholm, has much to offer by way of relaxation and recreation too. The Moffat Hills are alive with Goats, Deer, Eagles, Buzzards, and there are a lot of Ranger led activities in season to join in with.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code: Respect the interests of other people. Respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those living or working in the outdoors, and the needs of other people enjoying the outdoors. Care for the environment. Look after the places you visit and enjoy, and leave the land as you find it. Take responsibility for your own actions. Remember that the outdoors cannot be made risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. (Or to put it a simpler way; Leave nothing but your footprints, take nothing but your photos and memories!)

That's just a mere sample of what's on offer outdoors in Dumfries and Galloway. There's a lot more to discover. See you soon!

Galloway Mountain Rescue Team  Meet the men and women who volunteer to turn out when everyone else is taking shelter. They do a great job. You can help them - and yourself - by not going up the hill wearing thin shorts, flip flops and a tee shirt, relying soley on your mobile phone to save you.
(You might not get a signal, and we think you should get the bill for the helicopter, in that event...)
Be prepared, read their website, check local conditions first, and wear appropriate clothing!

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