Dumfries & Galloway

<p>Hi folks,</p>

<p>Continuing my plan to explore every corner of Scotland, I'm thinking of spending a week or so this September down in Dumfries & Galloway. It's an area I know very little about though. My research has started but I'd really appreciate it if anyone can offer any guidance on places to visit, what to see, where's a good central place to stay, and b&b recommendations, etc? I'm predominantly a landscape/seascape photographer but I'm also interested in castles/ruins, abandoned buildings, abbeys and areas of rugged coastline.</p>

<p>Any help and guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>

<p>Dave</p>

<p>Nothing much specific I'm afraid just impressions from the past, mostly travelling from England to Scotland. So you will probably already have got beyond this stage. But for what it is worth :<br>

to the east of the region : the Southern Uplands, a wild and impressive hill country crossed by the A74M and the west coast mainline. Wanlockhead and Leadhills come to mind as centres but in my experience most impressive in winter with snow cover.<br>

to the south the Solway Firth with opportunities perhaps for atmospheric sea / sky shots morning and evening when the light is right.<br>

to the west the Rhins and Machairs of Galloway. This is probably where I would base myself as it has a variety of interesting coastline and coastal villages which would retain interest whatever the weather.<br>

This being border country there are loads of castles such as Caerlaverock. Have a good trip!<br>

</p>

<p>Plenty to look at if you explore in and around the coast down there. Starting maybe with Caerlaverock Castle which has a nice triangular shape with a moat, then you've got Threave Castle x 2, the original old ruined castle with river running past it and the NTS one with nice gardens and red squirrels. Sweetheart Abbey is worth a look at too as is of course Glen & Loch Trool. Just a few starter suggestions but the coastline is like a softer more lush version of parts of the North West Highlands, interestingly different, an area that most people tend to overlook unfortunately.</p>