Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway is one of the most underrated parts of Scotland for van travel. It sits immediately north of the English border and is often bypassed by travellers heading for the Highlands, but the area has a quiet confidence and an extraordinary landscape that rewards taking the time to explore properly.

The Galloway Forest Park holds one of the darkest sky designations in Europe – the Galloway Dark Sky Park covers a vast area of forest and moorland where light pollution is minimal. On a clear night the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye in a way that is simply not possible from most of the UK. The forest roads are quiet and well-surfaced, and several car parks within the park are used for stargazing overnight stays.

The Solway coast to the south has an understated beauty that is easy to miss at speed – wide tidal flats, salt marsh, small harbours and views across to the Lake District fells on the English side of the firth. The coast road between Dumfries and Stranraer passes through some excellent scenery and has laybys that are usable for an overnight stop.

The artist’s town of Kirkcudbright on the south coast has a distinctive character, with colourful painted houses and a long history as an artists’ colony. Overnight options throughout the area are good and largely free of the booking pressure that affects more popular Scottish destinations.