The Edinburgh Address & Adore ScotlandDiscover the Lowlands: SWC 300 The South West Coast 300 This circular route is just over 300 miles/ 483 km and takes you around some of Scotland's more uncharted routes. If you start your trip in Edinburgh you can drive down past Roslin and visit the chapel which was built in the 15-century, and if you're a Dan Brown fan this is an added bonus for your trip. Coming down from Edinburgh your route will start after you’ve passed Crawford and before you’ve reached Evanfoot. Now go right or left? By turning right you’ll reach Wanlockhead, which is Scotland's highest village. It sits 467 m above sea level and used to be a mining town, their miners library is a fascinating little find! Next stop is Ayrshire, which is home to the Galloway Forest Park a stunning place great for star-gazing, mountain biking and enchanting wildlife! You should definitely stop here. If you are a stargazer this might be one of your favourite spots and definitely worth the slight detour. On moonless nights far away from any major city the Milky Way can be seen stretched across the sky. In Doon Valley you can find the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory as well. Where next? Alloway is the birthplace of Robert Burns the famous Scottish poet. Here you can dive into the poets life's work or simply enjoy the history with a bit of whisky and some haggis. Fancy some really old rich history, visit Whithorn as you head south where you can find out about the Viking settlers, the old saints and pilgrimages. The route leads you to a picturesque port town called Kirkcudbright which is more accurately known as the Artist Town. It’s home to many galleries and artist shops for you to visit. It’s also a very good stop for souvenirs and gifts. And for seaside lovers... The Sandyhills Bay is a great place to stay overnight and take in the stunning views of low tide which might make you think you’ve been transported to the desert… Visit the Southerness Lighthouse while you are down south along the beaches. It’s an amazing sight in the early foggy mornings. You can also stop by the Solway Links Golf Course if you fancy a game. A must visit! Our final destination is for all the lovers and loved ones, the Sweetheart Abbey is an incredible masterpiece. It was founded by Lady Dervorgilla in tribute to her beloved husband John Balliol. Don’t forget to pass through Dumfries on your way north which pretty much wraps up the SWC 300 route. There are many more amazing places to visit along the way, these are just some of our favorite ones. Where to stay in the Lowlands One could argue that Scotland is best seen through a road trip. But if you are the kind of person who likes to have a home base, we have three wonderfully idyllic cottages in Dumfries and Galloway just for you. The Boutique Fleet Cottage Sleeps 4 | 2 Bathrooms Downstairs is a large kitchen, a shower room and a sitting room so comfortable you'll never want to leave. A wood burning stove will keep you toasty, movies, books and games to keep everyone else busy and you can have time to yourself. The Charming Fleet Cottage Sleeps 4 | 2 Bathrooms Living here is like coming home, decorated in soft blues and green, The Charming Fleet Cottage is located nearby the Galloway Forest Park and is dog friendly! There is always something to do here, whatever the weather. The Petite Fleet Cottage Sleeps 2 | 1 Bathroom Cosy up on the sofa with the comfort of a log fire or walk out in to the garden and enjoy the night sky of the Dark Skies Park. Wake up to the birds, roam the woods with the dog, enjoy the sunsets over the bay. ∴
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Discover the Lowlands Scotland

Written by Emelie|

Many a traveller has come to Scotland for the highlands, but why not take the road less travelled?

Galloway Forest Park Stars

This is our guide to the SWC 300, this route will take you along quiet roads through hills, glens, forests, lochs and a beautiful coastline.

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SWC 300 route

Discover the Lowlands: SWC 300

The South West Coast 300

This circular route is just over 300 miles/ 483 km and takes you around some of Scotland's more uncharted routes.

If you start your trip in Edinburgh you can drive down past Roslin and visit the chapel which was built in the 15-century, and if you're a Dan Brown fan this is an added bonus for your trip.

Coming down from Edinburgh your route will start after you’ve passed Crawford and before you’ve reached Evanfoot. 

Now go right or left?

By turning right you’ll reach Wanlockhead, which is Scotland's highest village. It sits 467 m above sea level and used to be a mining town, their miners library is a fascinating little find! 

Next stop is Ayrshire, which is home to the Galloway Forest Park a stunning place great for star-gazing, mountain biking and enchanting wildlife! You should definitely stop here. 

If you are a stargazer this might be one of your favourite spots and definitely worth the slight detour.

On moonless nights far away from any major city the Milky Way can be seen stretched across the sky.

In Doon Valley you can find the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory as well.

Where next?

Alloway is the birthplace of Robert Burns the famous Scottish poet.

Here you can dive into the poets life's work or simply enjoy the history with a bit of whisky and some haggis. 

Fancy some really old rich history, visit Whithorn as you head south where you can find out about the Viking settlers, the old saints and pilgrimages. 

The route leads you to a picturesque port town called Kirkcudbright which is more accurately known as the Artist Town.

It’s home to many galleries and artist shops for you to visit. It’s also a very good stop for souvenirs and gifts.

And for seaside lovers...

The Sandyhills Bay is a great place to stay overnight and take in the stunning views of low tide which might make you think you’ve been transported to the desert… 

Visit the Southerness Lighthouse while you are down south along the beaches.

It’s an amazing sight in the early foggy mornings.

You can also stop by the Solway Links Golf Course if you fancy a game.

A must visit!

Our final destination is for all the lovers and loved ones, the Sweetheart Abbey is an incredible masterpiece.

It was founded by Lady Dervorgilla in tribute to her beloved husband John Balliol.

Don’t forget to pass through Dumfries on your way north which pretty much wraps up the SWC 300 route.

There are many more amazing places to visit along the way, these are just some of our favorite ones.

Where to stay in the Lowlands

One could argue that Scotland is best seen through a road trip.

But if you are the kind of person who likes to have a home base, we have three wonderfully idyllic cottages in Dumfries and Galloway just for you.

The Boutique Fleet Cottage

Sleeps 4 | 2 Bathrooms

Downstairs is a large kitchen, a shower room and a sitting room so comfortable you'll never want to leave.

A wood burning stove will keep you toasty, movies, books and games to keep everyone else busy and you can have time to yourself.

The Charming Fleet Cottage

Sleeps 4 | 2 Bathrooms

Living here is like coming home, decorated in soft blues and green, The Charming Fleet Cottage is located nearby the Galloway Forest Park and is dog friendly!

There is always something to do here, whatever the weather.

The Petite Fleet Cottage

Sleeps 2 | 1 Bathroom

Cosy up on the sofa with the comfort of a log fire or walk out in to the garden and enjoy the night sky of the Dark Skies Park.

Wake up to the birds, roam the woods with the dog, enjoy the sunsets over the bay. ∴

Fleet Cottage

Add the Lowlands to your itinerary on your next visit to Scotland. If you need a hand deciding where to go and the best places to stay in Scotland, get in touch with our team. We're here to help you.

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