Delightful Dumfries deserves admiration

“Unsung hero”, “Underrated”, “Hidden gem”, were terms used to instantly describe Dumfries when the Great Scenic Journeys mystery shoppers paid it a visit late last year. Whilst the big cities, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen get the headlines and the Highlands receives eulogising (and deserved) plaudits for their jaw-dropping scenery, the charm and beauty that is Dumfries can tend to get overlooked, particularly for those folk visiting from England or further beyond, with eyes fixed resolutely on gazing straight north for their scenic and cultural fix.

A jewel surrounded by scintillating scenery on Stagecoach

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque region of Dumfries and Galloway in southwest Scotland, Dumfries is a town steeped in history, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and adorned with an array of attractions. From its rich heritage to its natural beauty, Dumfries offers visitors an unforgettable experience. So too are the bus journeys provided by customer-centric operator, Stagecoach West Scotland that are the gateway to this fab place – our particular favourites are the X74 which is a fast, convenient and eye-catchingly pretty link from Glasgow and also the 246 from Cumnock to Dumfries through the beautiful Sanquhar.

Dumfries delights unobscured 

One of the town’s most renowned landmarks is the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura. Housed in a historic windmill overlooking the River Nith, the museum showcases the area’s fascinating history, from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and the life and work of famous poet Robert Burns, who spent the last years of his life in Dumfries. The Camera Obscura, located within the museum, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on the town and its surroundings.

Dumfries is also home to a number of paradisical parks and gardens. The Dock Park, situated along the banks of the River Nith, offers scenic sojourns, a Peter Pan themed play area for children, mini golf, zip wire and trampilines. Nearby, the Devorgilla Bridge provides stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. The bridge is named after Lady Devogilla who ordered the structure to be built in 1270 – various re-builds of the bridge have been made since the orginal wooden structure, with the ‘latest’ version in 1794.

Forest, fighting and festivals

For those seeking sumptuous outdoor adventure, the nearby Galloway Forest Park offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. With miles of trails winding through ancient woodlands, tranquil lochs, and rugged hills, the park is a haven for fans of the outdoors of all ages.

In addition to its natural beauty and historic sites, Dumfries boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with regular events and festivals throughout the year. From music and arts festivals to agricultural shows and Highland games, there’s always something happening in Dumfries – indeed it is now regarded as the undisputed home of summer music festivals, including, for 2024, Eden, Electric Fields and World Ceilidh.

Despite its relatively small size, Dumfries has played a significant and somewhat rumbustious role in Scottish history. The town’s strategic location on the border between Scotland and England made it a key battleground during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and its streets are resplendent with historic buildings and landmarks that tell the story of its past.

Doyen of “Dad’s Army” in Dumfries 

In terms of quirky facts, Dumfries is home to the world’s oldest working post office, established in 1712. It also has the distinction of being the birthplace of both Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie and Hollywood actor Craig Ferguson. As previously mentioned, Robert Burns, who is widely regarded as Scotland’s national bard, is perhaps the most famous resident of Dumfries. Although born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Burns spent the last years of his life in Dumfries, where he worked as an excise officer. During his time in the town, Burns continued to write prolifically, producing some of his most famous works, including “Ae Fond Kiss” and “Tam o’ Shanter.” Dumfries is home to the Robert Burns House, a museum dedicated to the poet’s life and work.

Born in Dumfries in 1897, John Laurie was a prolific actor best known for his role as Private James Frazer in the classic British sitcom “Dad’s Army.” Laurie appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, often portraying gruff but lovable characters. In addition to his acting work, Laurie was also an accomplished painter and sculptor, with several of his artworks displayed in galleries across Scotland.

Nith’s never-ending charm

As for the scenery, Dumfries is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil waterways, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The River Nith winds its way through the town, flanked by picturesque bridges and tree-lined banks. To the west, the Galloway Hills rise majestically on the horizon, while to the east, the Solway Firth stretches out towards the English border. Whether exploring the town’s historic streets or venturing out into the surrounding countryside, visitors to Dumfries are sure to be captivated by its natural beauty and rich heritage.

Anyway, that’s just a birds-eye, whistlestop tour of Dumfries – we hope we’ve illustrated that there’s so much about this fantastic location, that it deserves eternal recognition and kudos. It’s dumbfounding how Dumfries could ever not hit the headlines and be a ‘must visit’ for any scenic thrill seeker! To check out the two scenic routes within our collection, where the journey is very much part of the attraction, click onto….

X74 Dumfries-Glasgow – Great Scenic Journeys

246, Cumnock-Sanquhar-Dumfries – Great Scenic Journeys