Drives in South Scotland

Southern Scotland has some fantastic countryside, coastlines and history to explore throughout Ayrshire & Arran, the Kintyre peninsula, Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders. This page outlines some of the main tourist driving routes in these different areas which each have their own flavour.

South Scotland

• South West Coastal 300 - this 300-mile circular route covers the coastline of Dumfries & Galloway and the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Explore quiet countryside roads, botanic gardens, castles and nature reserves.     
  B&Bs nearby include Nithbank Country Estate in Dumfries & Galloway, Southpark House in Dumfries and Ayrs & Graces Bed & Breakfast in Alloway

Mull of Galloway - photo by Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields

• Galloway Tourist Route - from Gretna Green across country to Ayr (92 miles). Highlights include the famous Gretna Green blacksmiths, Threave Castle (only accessible by boat), the Galloway Forest Park and Robert Burns Birthplace as well as the unique Devil's Porridge Museum.     
  B&Bs nearby include Nithbank Country Estate in Dumfries & Galloway, Southpark House in Dumfries and Ayrs & Graces Bed & Breakfast in Alloway

Threave Castle - photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

• Borders Historic Route - stretching from Carlisle to Edinburgh, this is the perfect way to explore the countryside of the Scottish Borders and the rich history of the region (89 miles). Discover unique building such as Rossyln Chapel and Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, as well as unusual museums and craft workshops.

Abbotsford House - photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

• Kintyre66 - explore the famous Mull of Kintyre on this 66-mile circular route around the scenic peninsula with spectacular sea views to the islands. Discover historic caves, whisky distilleries, local seafood and much more.
• The Coig - explore any of these five new routes around Ayrshire and the Clyde islands of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae. 
  B&Bs nearby include Ayrs & Graces Bed & Breakfast in Ayrshire

Horses on Ayr beach (Greenan Castle) - photo by VisitScotland / Damian Shields

Driving Routes in Scotland:     
Routes in Central Scotland - Routes in North Scotland

Photo credit top of page - Mennock Pass photo copyright Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields