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'.

Arrival day - pick up from Lockerbie
Our tour begins in the historic town of Dumfries or we can pick you up from Lockerbie. It only takes one hour by train from either Edinburgh or Glasgow. Highlights include:
• The site of the monastery where Bruce murdered his rival to the Scottish crown.
• Hangman’s Hill, where Bruce's brother-in-law was executed.
• Devorgilla Bridge on the River Nith.
• Castledykes where Bruce first proclaimed himself King of Scotland.
• The Sunken Garden - where a local artist has created a number of large murals which bring Bruce's part in Scotland’s history to life.
• Dumfries museum and Camera Obscura - one of only two in the whole country.

Day 1 - Tour Highlights
Abbeys, Castles, John Paul Jones, and The Artists' Towns
• Sweetheart Abbey.
• Buittle Castle.
• Threave Castle - where we ring the bell for the custodian to take us on a short boat trip across the River Dee to this island fortress.
• John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum.
• The Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright.
The coastal village of Carsethorn - a former port where Scots left to seek a new life in America and Canada.

Day 2 - Tour Highlights
Coast, Castles, Villages, Distillery, and Southern Upland Scenery
• Caerlaverock - the only triangular castle in the whole of Britain.
• Annandale Distillery and Cafe.
• The former spa town of Moffat.
• Devil’s Beeftub - a dramatic natural amphitheatre in the Moffat Hills.
• Wanlockhead - Scotland's highest village in Scotland.
• Mennock Pass - stunning scenery.
• Drumlanrig Castle - featured in the second series of Outlander.
• The Planned Village of Thornhill.

Extending your stay
Scotland's National Book Town
Want to extend your stay or start your trip further west? - 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 Dumfries or Lockerbie train station to continue your onward journey. We hope you come back to see us again. Haste ye back.

Day 3 - Tour Highlights
Bruce's Stone, Mary Queen of Scots, The Wicker Man, Scotland's Book Town
• Scotland's National Book Town of Wigtown.
• Gatehouse of Fleet and Cardoness Castle built by the McCulloch family in 1400.
• Anwoth Church ruins - as featured in The Wicker Man movie.
• Dundrennan Abbey - where Mary Queen of Scots spent her final night in Scotland.
• Cairn Holy - neolithic burial chambers giving fine views over Wigtown bay.
• Glentrool - the site of Bruce’s first significant victory over English troops. Take your time to explore the grandeur of this remote glen.

Day 4 - Tour Highlights
Christian origins, Bruce's Pilgrimage, Mulberry Harbour
• The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse - the most southerly tip of Scotland.
• The beautiful costal village of Portpatrick.
• Whithorn Priory - a site of Christian Pilgrimage.
• Isle of Whithorn.
Garlieston - this charming coastal village with a unique history. It became an important part of the top secret World Wr II D-Day Mulberry Harbour Project.

Tour itinerary - Day 5
Heading home
We take you, and your memories, back to the train station to continue your journey. Haste ye back.

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 several years ago to reconnect more fully with nature, history, and the varied landscape of Dumfries and Galloway. We hope to share our passion for this region with you on one of our 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.
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 7732224011.
How long have you been operating the business? - We started our business in 2022; successfully running tours that year, 2023 and 2024. The business has flourished and become more successful each year. We are looking forward to bookings for 2025.
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 Dumfries by train from Glasgow or Edinburgh. We can pick you up from Lockerbie or Dumfries to begin your tour. We can also arrange pick up from Glasgow or Edinburgh (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. You decide.
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 - 6pm 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 or two day tours.
What’s included? – Pickup from and return to Lockerbie or Dumfries railway stations. If you need picked up from Edinburgh or Glasgow 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.
What's not included? – Does not include accommodation, meals or entry to visitor sights and attractions.
How many people are on your tours? - We can accommodate up to four people from the same booking party.
What about bigger groups in the same booking, can you accommodate all of us on your tours? - Yes. We work with a very reputable local coach company who provide us with a coach and driver. Mark will draw up the itinerary and be your guide on the day/s. Contact us for a quote.
What about accommodation? – We can recommend the best, well located, family run guesthouses and hotels in the region. 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.