The Scotlanders #LoveDandG
Highlights from a weekend in Dumfries and Galloway!
In June we had a fantastic weekend with four of the Scotlanders who joined us for a weekend of exploring across Dumfries and Galloway. Over two days they visited some of the best attractions, historic sites, scenic spots and sampled some the great food and drink that this Region has to offer. At Solway Tours we are very passionate about promoting Dumfries and Galloway and all that the Region has to offer so we were delighted when this influential, dynamic and supportive group accepted our invitation to help us promote D&G. Each of the Scotlanders enjoyed their time here in the Region and could see why we want to promote D&G as a high quality tourist destination! #LoveDandG
Read on to find out what the highlights from their visit in D and G were!
Dougie’s highlight
Link: http://greattravelimages.com
HAINING FAMILY GRAVE
I spent Saturday 25th of June in Dumfries and Galloway. With castles, abbeys and even the seaside thrown in, there were many highlights. The region’s history goes back to the days before Robert the Bruce. However, my choice is a bit closer to home.
That Saturday, we visited the Haining family grave. Jane Haining was born in Dunscone, near Dumfries. She travelled to Hungary many times to support less fortunate children. When World War II broke out, she was warned not to return to Budapest. She didn’t listen. Sent to death camp Auschwitz, Jane was gassed on 16 August 1944 at the age of 47. She is thought to be the only Scot to die in Nazi death camps, and is remembered in the stained glass windows of Queen’s Park Church in Glasgow and at the church in Dunscore.
Jane was a true hero who died with her kids. Thank you, Solway Tours, for the visit.
Laura’s highlight
Link: http://laretour.com
CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE
At the end of June, Solway Tours invited us Scotlanders bloggers south to explore one of the more overlooked regions of this beautiful country: Dumfries and Galloway! With Mark and Lesley as my guides, we were on the hunt for historical gems and pretty places… And they weren’t hard to find! The first place we paused — which immediately hit me with its magic — was Caerlaverock Castle.
If someone had asked me to draw a fairytale castle when I was a child, this would be it. With its red sandstone walls rising timelessly from the moat (yes, a moat!) it’s easy to imagine how this medieval fortress would have stood its ground attack after attack (and indeed, it managed to survive a sustained 13-week assault in 1640). But walk across the bridge and inside its unique triangular walls, and Caerlaverock is even more magical.
Within the war-bruised red sandstone lies the 17th century Nithsdale Lodging, the domestic antidote to Caerlaverock’s defensive outer shell. Carved with intricate Renaissance designs, its stonework gives another small insight into the family life of Caerlaverock’s inhabitants and how they were influenced by continental art.
The castle is maintained by Historic Scotland and entry is £5.50 (adult) or £3.30 (child).
Neil’s highlight
Link: https://www.travelswithakilt.com/
DUNSKEY CASTLE
Early morning walks don’t come much better than a wander from Portpatrick along the rugged west coastline to the dramatic ruins of Dunskey Castle. With Dumfries and Galloway home to some of the most atmospheric and significant castle remains in Britain, there is something eerily dreadworthy about this crumbling and precarious collection of rocks. Although inaccessible – there is not much to access anyway – Dunskey is one of the most chilling and captivating examples of its type I’ve encountered. Perched looking out menacingly over the Irish Sea, it’s the kind that would have made many an invader think twice. Given its possible origins go back to the 13th Century, how anything at all remains is a wonderful mystery.
What the castle lacks for in historical significance it compensates for in visual awe. I spend almost an hour stalking the ruins, seeking out the best shots. A lasting memory from a wonderful little corner of our country.
Nicola’s highlight
Link: https://www.facebook.com/FunkyEllasTravel/
PORTPATRICK
I loved Portpatrick. When I drove in and took the high road up to the hotel it wasn’t what I was expecting because I couldn’t see the sea! I’ve learnt though that in order to get the best view the higher the better, so I carried on past the hotel to the golf course. The view opened up before me and took my breath away. The sparkling Irish Sea, the cliffs with the waves crashing around their bases, the pastel coloured houses, restaurants and shops that hug the picturesque harbour. I swiftly turned the car around and found the road which takes you down to the village and soon I was parked up beside the pretty lighthouse and gazing at the turquoise water. Our room at the hotel, the Fernhill Hotel, had huge windows overlooking the harbour so I slept that night with the curtains and windows open so ensured I caught sight of the view at sunset and sunrise. Beautiful. I could even smell the sea air.
We are delighted the Scotlanders enjoyed their time in Dumfries and Galloway and that they have helped us to promote how much there is to see and do in the Region! We look forward to working with them again in the future!
Would you like to visit some of these fantastic sites? Click here to find out how Solway Tours can guide you around the many fantastic sites in Dumfries and Galloway!