Places to stay (16)
Ayr - Seafront Esplanade
At the time of writing, the council were trialling seafront parking bays for motorhomes (in order to control random parking). It is a good scheme with easy payment (you pay to stay overnight but not during the day) but it is marred by the boy racers who also like to frequent this part of the town. tel: 01563 503 160 email: ara.motorhomes@ayrshireroadsalliance.org
Ballantrae - The Vennel Car Park
There are five motorhome spots here overlooking the sea. Nice spot in the centre of the village. tel: 01563 503 160 email: ara.motorhomes@ayrshireroadsalliance.org
Port Logan - New England Bay Campsite
A site thatâs absolutely brimming with biodiversity, right on the seashore, with its own beach, in a quiet position on the A716. Always a warm welcome, too. Handy for Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Drummore and Maryport. tel: 01776 860 275 email: newenglandbay@camc.com
Whithorn - Steam Packet Inn
There is a field behind the Steam Packet Inn where it is possible to stay. Use with respect and use the pub by way of thanks. There is a toilet nearby. No other services. tel: 01988 500 334 email: thesteampacketinn@outlook.com
Kirkcudbright - Solway View Holidays
A fantastic campsite with a big eco heart that enjoys great views of the Solway Firth. The owner is in the process of rewilding so itâs a lovely, nature-filled work in progress. Highly recommended. tel: 01557 870 206 email: thesteampacketinn@outlook.com
Kirroughtree - Forestry Scotland Car Park
It is possible to overnight (at the time of writing) at Forestry Scotlandâs Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie sites, as well as at lots of other locations around Scotland. The Kirroughtree site has a cafe, bike hire and showers and is part of the 7Stanes cycle network, as is Dalbeattie. The bike trails are excellent. For more info on places to stay the night in Forestry Scotland locations, visit the website. tel: location dependent email: staythenight@forestryandland.gov.scot
Dalbeattie - Forestry Scotland Car Park
It is possible to overnight (at the time of writing) at Forestry Scotlandâs Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie sites, as well as at lots of other locations around Scotland. The Kirroughtree site has a cafe, bike hire and showers and is part of the 7Stanes cycle network, as is Dalbeattie. The bike trails are excellent. For more info on places to stay the night in Forestry Scotland locations, visit the website. tel: location dependent email: staythenight@forestryandland.gov.scot
Garlieston - Garlieston Club Campsite
One of the best located Club sites in this part of the world, with pitches right on the water. The nearby Rigg Beach is wonderful for swimming and a good walk or cycle from the site. The Harbour Inn is welcoming and does good food. Book early. tel: 01988 600 636 email: garlieston@camc.com
Ayr - Seafront Esplanade
At the time of writing, the council were trialling seafront parking bays for motorhomes (in order to control random parking). It is a good scheme with easy payment (you pay to stay overnight but not during the day) but it is marred by the boy racers who also like to frequent this part of the town. tel: 01563 503 160 email: ara.motorhomes@ayrshireroadsalliance.org
Ballantrae - The Vennel Car Park
There are five motorhome spots here overlooking the sea. Nice spot in the centre of the village. tel: 01563 503 160 email: ara.motorhomes@ayrshireroadsalliance.org
Port Logan - New England Bay Campsite
A site thatâs absolutely brimming with biodiversity, right on the seashore, with its own beach, in a quiet position on the A716. Always a warm welcome, too. Handy for Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Drummore and Maryport. tel: 01776 860 275 email: newenglandbay@camc.com
Whithorn - Steam Packet Inn
There is a field behind the Steam Packet Inn where it is possible to stay. Use with respect and use the pub by way of thanks. There is a toilet nearby. No other services. tel: 01988 500 334 email: thesteampacketinn@outlook.com
Kirkcudbright - Solway View Holidays
A fantastic campsite with a big eco heart that enjoys great views of the Solway Firth. The owner is in the process of rewilding so itâs a lovely, nature-filled work in progress. Highly recommended. tel: 01557 870 206
Kirroughtree - Forestry Scotland Car Park
It is possible to overnight (at the time of writing) at Forestry Scotlandâs Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie sites, as well as at lots of other locations around Scotland. The Kirroughtree site has a cafe, bike hire and showers and is part of the 7Stanes cycle network, as is Dalbeattie. The bike trails are excellent. For more info on places to stay the night in Forestry Scotland locations, visit the website. tel: location dependent email: staythenight@forestryandland.gov.scot
Dalbeattie - Forestry Scotland Car Park
It is possible to overnight (at the time of writing) at Forestry Scotlandâs Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie sites, as well as at lots of other locations around Scotland. The Kirroughtree site has a cafe, bike hire and showers and is part of the 7Stanes cycle network, as is Dalbeattie. The bike trails are excellent. For more info on places to stay the night in Forestry Scotland locations, visit the website. tel: location dependent email: staythenight@forestryandland.gov.scot
Garlieston - Garlieston Club Campsite
One of the best located Club sites in this part of the world, with pitches right on the water. The nearby Rigg Beach is wonderful for swimming and a good walk or cycle from the site. The Harbour Inn is welcoming and does good food. Book early. tel: 01988 600 636 email: garlieston@camc.com
Attractions (11)
Leadhills and Wanlockhead
The two highest villages in Scotland and home to the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, the highest narrow-gauge railway in Scotland. Itâs not open too often (Sundays only) as itâs still in its infancy, but itâs a beautiful area.
Leadhills and Wanlockhead - Railway
The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, the highest narrow-gauge railway in Scotland. Itâs not open too often (Sundays only) as itâs still in its infancy, but itâs a beautiful area.
Crawick Multiverse
A former open-cast coalmine that has been transformed into a huge, very impressive land art installation.
The Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Pool
A jolly, colourful, heated outdoor pool that was refurbished in 2017 by The Dumfries House Trust. Itâs well used and loved by the community and has lovely staff and a really nice atmosphere. Summer only. âSwim under the starsâ sessions are very popular.
Ayr - Burns Cottage
The museum cafe is the only place to eat haggis, neeps and tatties! Humble food befitting of a humble beginning for Scotlandâs greatest son.
Ayr - The Electric Brae
A stretch of road on the A719 south of Ayr. Itâs an optical illusion whereby the road appears to be running uphill but is actually running downhill. Stop, release the handbrake and marvel as your van appears to roll uphill!!!
Port Logan - Logan Botanic Garden
One of the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh satellite gardens. Influenced by the Gulf Stream, it contains all kinds of exotics including palm trees and tree ferns.
Port Logan - Fishpond
One of those oddities that seem like they might be a waste of time but actually are quite interesting. The bloke who runs it is a diamond. Great location at the opposite end of the beach to the pretty village of Logan.
Whithorn - Whithorn Priory and Museum
Situated in the centre of the beautiful village of Whithorn, a pretty place with a single, wide main street. As an early seat of Christianity in Scotland, it is relevant in many ways. The museum is fascinating, the roundhouse reconstruction is excellent. Guided tours are essential. Find St Ninianâs Cave and Chapel nearby.
Whithorn - Iron Age Roundhouse
The roundhouse reconstruction is excellent.
Wigtown
Scotlandâs book capital, with a whole bunch of bookshops and book-related businesses.