Tailor-made, friendly, and exclusive guided touring service in South West Scotland

Dumfries Tours in South West Scotland

+44 7732 224 011

mark@dumfriestours.co.uk

The Maxwell Tour - Day One

Visit a number of sites in the South West of Scotland associated with the powerful and influential Maxwell family. 

A day tour from Dumfries or Lockerbie (it only takes one hour by train to Lockerbie from either Edinburgh or Glasgow). We can provide this tour as part of a multi-day tour package. 

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Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

• Hoddom Castle

• Repentance Tower

• Ruthwell Cross

• Caerlaverock Castle

• Glencaple Coastal Village

• Castledykes

• Royal Burgh of Dumfries 

 

Hoddom Castle

Hoddom Castle

Pick up from Dumfries or Lockerbie Train Station - the direct express train from Glasgow Central Station or Edinburgh Waverley only takes one hour. 

Hoddom Castle – William, 3rd Lord Herries of Terregles died in 1543 leave three daughters. The eldest married Sir John Maxwell who thereby aquired the lands of Hoddom. He subsequently aquired the lands of Trailtrow which became the site of the new Hoddom Castle which was built in 1565. Hoddom was to become one of the largest and strongest towers in the Borders in the 16th Century. 

Although not always not on the right side of the law himself, Lord Maxwell was a statesman and diplomat who was to given the role of Warden of the West Marches. He was a close confidante of Mary Queen of Scots. 

 

Repentance Tower

Repentance Tower

Repentance Tower – Where the chief of the Maxwell’s killed Lord Johnstone to avenge the death of his father at the Battle of Dryfe Sands in 1593. We can see the tower from the roadside but if you are fit enough its short but steep walk up the hill. Worth it for the view over the countryside and the Solway Firth.

After we have visited Repentance, we will call in the former Victorian Spa Village of Powfoot on the Solway Coast.

Ruthwell Cross

Ruthwell Cross

At Ruthwell Church, we will learn about the 8th Century Ruthwell Cross. This cross, the oldest Celtic Cross on the Scottish Mainland, has a number of biblical depictions on the north and south faces. It has runic symbols on the other sides which tell the story of the crucifixion from the perspective of the cross.

While at the church, we learn about the polymath minister of the Parish, Rev. Henry Duncan who restored the cross after it had been broken up following the Protestant Reformation. Henry Duncan also created the World's first savings bank for his poor Parishoners. There is an option to visit the wonderful https://www.henryduncansavingsbanksmuseum.com. 

Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle was stronghold of the Maxwells for centuries. A must visit for anyone with Maxwell connections, this unique triangular castle is so atmospheric and holds a fascinating history - from the Wars of Independence with England through to the Protestant Reformation. We can even visit the site and foundations of the original castle that were constructed in the 1200s. 

We can also visit the nearby Parish Church and Isle Tower which was also built by the Maxwell's of Caerlaverock.

Glencaple Coastal Village

Glencaple Coastal Village

Our next stop is the coastal village of Glencaple. A former port, a number of people left from Glencaple to seek a new life in America and Canada. Take time here to contemplate what it must have been like to leave your Scottish homeland behind forever. We can have lunch at the lovely www.theboathouseglencaple.com cafe and restaurant.

Castledykes

Castledykes

Castledykes is where Robert the Bruce first declared himself King of Scotland on 10th February 1306 after killing John Comyn at the high alter in Dumfries Monastery. Bruce became the Outlaw King at this stage. After Castledykes, we take time to see the beautiful Crichton Estate. 

Dumfries

Dumfries

The ancient town of Dumfries has been a Royal Burgh since being granted that status by William The Lion in 1186. As you can imagine, the town has a plethora of historic sites. It was home to Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns. Robert is buried in St Michael's Churchyard. 

Dr William Maxwell, was Robert Burns' physician and close friend. On the day Robert was buried, his with Jean Armour was giving birth to their son, Maxwell - who she named after her husband's friend.

Maxwelltown is now part of Dumfries but was a separate burgh until 1929. On St Michael's Street Bridge you will see the Maxwell Crest carved into the sandstone. Learn about life in Maxwelltown before it became part of larger burgh of Dumfries. 

We will also visit the site of Maxwell’s Castle which was ransacked by the Scottish Covenantor Army following their attack of Caerlaverock in 1640. Maxwell's Castle housed some Bonnie Prince Charlie's men in the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. The Castle was subsequently demolished to build Greyfriars Church. 

If you want to continue your Maxwell Tour, we will drop you off at your accommodation in town. We can help you arrange your stay. If heading back to Glasgow or Edinburgh, we will take you to Dumfries train station. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.