Robert the Bruce Themed Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland's iconic King, Robert the Bruce, Lord of Annandale. While doing so, you will explore the amazing history and landscapes that shaped this diverse region.
The tour also takes in the home of an American hero, John Paul Jones, 'Father of the American Navy'.
In addition, you get to visit the Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright. On route, we will also stop off at the best local, cafes, inns and restaurants. Visiting the most southerly whisky and gin distilleries in Scotland are a must. Stopping at small independent micro breweries and tap bars are also an option.
On an extended trip further into the west of our region, we stay in Scotland's National Book Town of Wigton, discover the origins of Christianity in Scotland, before visting the most southerly tip of the country.
Tour itinerary - arrival day
Arrival day
If required, we pick you up from the train station, bus station, or airport and bring you to your accommodation. After you have settled in, we take you on a tour of the Royal Burgh town of Dumfries. If you are able bodied then this tour of the town can primarily be done on foot as most points of interest are relatively close to each other. However, you have the option of using our vehicle if required.
Highlights include a visit to the site of the monastery where Bruce murdered his closest rival to the Scottish crown. It’s then on to Hangman’s Hill, where Bruce's brother-in-law was executed, before crossing the beautiful river Nith that runs through the town.
We visit the site of Dumfries Castle where Bruce routed the English garrison before raising his royal standard and proclaiming himself King of Scotland. A wonderful local artist has created a number of large murals in a nearby sunken garden which help bring this important part of Scotland’s history to life.
After this initial part of the tour, you can relax in one of the many cafes or hostelries in town. Alternatively, we can explore the town further if you wish. You may want to visit the town’s museum and the camera obscura, one of only two in the whole country. The only other camera obscura in Scotland is on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Dumfries was also the home of the author J.M. Barrie, world famous for his classic adventure novel; Peter Pan. You can visit the house and garden where J.M. Barrie played as a child. This place became his inspiration for the story of Neverland and the boy who never grew up. The house was saved from demolition at the 11th hour and has been lovingly restored. It is now Scotland's National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling. A wonderful asset for the town and well worth visit for the cafe and gardens alone.
In the evening, you can enjoy fine dining in one of the local restaurants. We are happy to make recommendations based on personal experience.
Driving distance from Lockerbie to Dumfries - 14 miles. Walking distance 3 miles but can be extended or shortened.
Tour itinerary - Day 1
Sweetheart Abbey, Threave Castle, John Paul Jones, and The Artists' Town
We head round the coast and tell you the story of the beautiful Sweetheart Abbey. It's then on to a stunning and fully intact bailey castle. The bailey is next to the site of a now ruined fortification which was home to one of the most powerful families in Galloway who were rivals to Bruce's claim on the Scottish Crown.
From here, we travel to the town of Castle Douglas, home of Sir James Douglas, a loyal knight of Robert the Bruce. We ring the bell for the custodian to take us on a short boat trip across the River Dee to the island fortress. A real highlight of the trip.
As part of this tour, we can also visit the home of John Paul Jones, the Founder of the American Navy; a mercenary pirate to the British but a hero to the Americans. His home is now a fully restored museum and contains some very interesting artifacts of his time. He certainly lived a life of adventure.
We then visit the Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright on the Solway Coast. John Paul Jones was actually locked up the tollbooth for a time for his involvment in a man's death. We give you time to relax and wander round some some of the many studios and cafes. The town also has its very own gin distillery.
On the way home, there is fantastically situated coastal inn. It's tucked away in a lovely little village. It's well worth a stop for a wee drink. However, you may find it difficult to drag yourself away from shoreline if the weather is fine.
The coastal scenery on this route is absolutely stunning. Come and see for yourself.
Total driving distance 115 miles.
Tour itinerary - Day 2
Caerlaverock Castle, whisky or gin distilleries, a spa town, and the highest village in Scotland
We head out from Dumfries to visit the only triangular castle in the whole of Britain. From here we strike east for the town of Annan which has strong links to the Bruce family. He was Lord of Annandale after all.
While in Annan, we can visit the local whisky distillery. The staff here are so friendly and hospitable. Take the tour and enjoy the inclusive samples, including the Man o' Sword whisky that was named in honour of Robert the Bruce. If not drinking on the day, the staff will give you a sample to take away to drink at your leisure or pass on as a gift. The distillery has a lovely coffee house and is a highly recommended stop. There is also a gin distillery in the town. The vanilla flavoured Cortes gin is our personal favourite.
Moving north now, we pause at in the bustling Spa Town of Moffat. A new whisky distillery opens for tours in 2022. You can be one of the first people to visit. Their 'Doonhamer' blended whisky is made in honour of the good folks of Dumfries who are colloquially known as Doonhamers ('Down Homers'; in reference to their southerly location and their desire to get back home when working North of the town).
Moffat is a bustling town which boasts plenty of independent shops, cafes, bakeries and coffee houses. Plenty of lunch options.
Continuing northwards, we take in the foreboding Devil’s Beeftub, before calling into the highest village in Scotland. This is where gold was mined to be used for the Scottish Crown. You can try your hand at gold panning yourself.
After you have been up, the only was is down. The scenery of Mennock Pass is stunning but tends to very quiet. There a plenty of places to pull over to take the air and take photos.
Continuing south, we stop of at the wide avenued town of Thornhill. We then visit a nearby stunning castle. Set in magnificent grounds and gardens, this unique pink castle features in the second series of Outlander.
Total driving distance 120 miles.
Extending your stay, want to start further west, or heading home?
Scotland's National Book Town
Want to extend your stay or start your trip further west? - We cram a lot into a short trip. If you can stay another couple of nights, we will take you further west into the heart of Galloway. To do so, we advise to book into more westerly accommodation, providing you with a twin centre break. The Scotland's National Book Town of Wigtown is a very good option. As part of this trip, we take you to the most southerly point of Scotland.
Are heading home or moving on? -We take you, and your memories, to the airport, train station, or bus station to continue your onward journey. If you are heading back to Lockerbie train station, we can make time to visit the Seat of the Bruce Family at the town of Lochmaben on route. We hope you come back to see us again. If so, we can start your next tour from Wigtown. Haste ye back.
Tour itinerary - Day 3
The Vikings, The Wickerman, Mary Queen of Scots, Bruce's Stone, Wigtown
We head west on a coastal adventure towards your new accommodation in Scotland's National Book Town of Wigtown. As well as visiting other sites associated with Bruce, we also turn our attention to even older visitors to our shores – The Vikings. A recent excavation has revealed numerous centuries old relics that pre-date the birth of Christ. Those relics are now referred to as the Galloway Hoard.
On route, we stop at a number of castles. One was built by the McCulloch family in 1400. The castle declared their high status but did nothing for their reputation which included accusations of violence and murder.
We can also stop off at a remote discussed church which featured in The Wickerman (the original film is celebrating the 50th anniversary of it's release in 2022), before visiting the abbey where Mary Queen of Scots spent her final night in Scotland in 1586 before fleeing to England.
It's then on to see two remarkably intact Neolithic burial chambers on a hill giving fine views over the bay. From here, we travel to the site of Bruce’s first significant victory over English troops. Take your time to explore the grandeur of this remote glen.
We then head to your accommodation in Wigtown giving you time in the late afternoon to browse round the various bookstores in town. We can recommend the best places in Wigtown to stay and dine out.
Total driving distance - 100 miles.
Tour itinerary - Day 4
Christian origins, Bruce's Pilgrimage, Mulberry Harbour
From your accommodation in Wigtown, we make for the most southerly tip of Scotland. Visit the magnificent lighthouse and take in the stunning views over the Irish Sea.
Heading up the coast, we visit the beautiful costal village of Portpatrick. Take some time to relax here and maybe have lunch at one of the seaside restaurants.
After lunch, we then stop at the abbey were Bruce rested as he made his final journey in this region. As Bruce did, you will travel from the abbey to the priory where Christianity first flourished on mainland Scotland and where Bruce made his last pilgrimage before he died in 1328.
There is a lovely pub on the inlet nearby which has it's own micro brewery; a recommended lunch stop.
On the way back to Wigtown, we stop of a charming coastal village with a unique history. The profile of the beach and seabed are similiar to Normandy in France. As a result, this small village in a remote area of South West Scotland became an important part of the top secret Mulberry Harbour Project, used to practice the D-Day Landings of World War II.
Total driving distance 120 miles.
Tour itinerary - Day 5
Heading home
We take you, and your memories, back to the airport, train station or bus station to continue your journey back home. If heading to Lockerbie train station, we can visit the Seat of the Bruce Family at the town of Lochmaben on route. Haste ye back.
Total driving distance 75 miles.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Who are you? - Your tour guides are Mark and Joyce. Dumfries born and bred. Mark did work away from home in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester for a number of years. He often brought friends to the region and showed them round. They were amazed by the stunning scenery and the rich history of the area. Mark moved back to Dumfries a couple of years ago to reconnect more fully with nature, history, and the varied landscape of Dumfries and Galloway. I guess the pandemic made a few us re-evaluate what was important to us. We hope to share our passion for this region with you on one of our tours.
Should we contact you pre-arrival to discuss our options? – Absolutely. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your interests, requirements, and expectations. We can adapt your tour as required. Contact can be made by emailing Mark@dumfriestours.co.uk or by calling or messaging +44 (0)7732224011.
How long have you been operating the business? - We took over the business in 2022 from our friend Robin who ran it successfully as Galloway Holidays for over 12 years. We have re-branded the business and given each of the tours a specific theme. However, Robin still acts as a consultant to ensure we provide a premium service.
Where are you based and how do we get there? - We are based in Dumfries which is about 14 miles west of Lockerbie. It's only an hour to Lockerbie by train from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, two hours from Manchester, and just over four hours from London. You can also travel direct to Dumfries by train from Glasgow or from Carlisle. Dumfries also has frequent bus services from major cities. We can pick you up from Lockerbie or Dumfries and transfer you to your first night's accommodation. We can also arrange pick up from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Ayrshire (including airports) if required.
On what day do the tours start? - Depending on our availability, your tour can start and end on any day of the week.
How long do the tours last? - They are full days. We usually start at 9am and aim to get you back to your accommodation by 5.30pm each day. We recommend three day tours (or more) so you can fully immerse yourself in the history, culture, and scenery of the region. However, if available, can also offer one day tours.
How much does the tour cost? - We offer 1 day to 7 day tours. Each tour is tailor-made to match your interests and requirements. After you make contact, we will draw up an itinerary and quote you a price.
What’s included? – Pickup from and return to Lockerbie or Dumfries railway or bus stations. If you need picked up from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Ayrshire, we will incorporate this in our price quote. You will have the exclusive services of your very own an expert local tour guide and driver throughout your stay, with transport between all locations. These are exclusive tours; no sharing with any other parties. Ideal for couples and/or friends. We can accommodate up to 4 people from the same booking party.
What's not included? – Does not include accommodation, meals or entry to visitor sights and attractions.
What about accommodation? – We can recommend the best, well located, family run guesthouses, hotels, self-catering lodges, and country houses in the region. We can even recommend rooms in a local castle. If you have already arranged your own place to stay, we can pick you up from your lodgings and begin, and end, your tour from there.
What about food and drink? – We know the best tea rooms, coffee shops, farmhouse cafes, restaurants and bars in the area. With this local knowledge, we make appropriate stops on route to ensure you are suitably refreshed throughout the day while enjoying fine home-made, and locally sourced, produce.