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Vacation Time: Southern Scotland

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BY Kayli Liebenberg
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

SOME OF SOUTHERN SCOTLAND’S FINEST attractions lie in the gentle hills and lush valleys of Dumfries and Galloway. Portpatrick fishing village, known for its colourful cottages and picturesque harbour, provides a good entrée to the region. Take a walk along the cliffs or enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants.

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THE SOUTHERN UPLAND WAY is one of Scotland’s great long-distance trails, stretching 344km from the west coast at Portpatrick to Cockburnspath in the east. Tackle the 20km trail from Portpatrick to Castle Kennedy to take in dramatic cliffs, rolling farmland and wild, open moorlands.

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GALLOWAY FOREST PARK, the largest forest in Scotland, became the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2009. It’s perfect for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in Europe. During the day, you can hike, cycle, or simply enjoy the tranquil beauty of the area. The park is home to rare and endangered wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles.

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HISTORIC CASTLES ARE A SPECIALTY of the region, notably 18th-century Culzean Castle, with its striking architecture, opulent interiors and impressive grounds. The dreamlike, moated ruins of 13th century Caerlaverock Castle are another mustsee, as is 14th century Threave Castle, which is perched on an island in the River Dee.

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EXPLORE THE LEGACY of the country’s national poet at Burns House. The legendary Robert spent the last years of his life here, and a number of his possessions are on display, as well as manuscripts and letters. Visit on January 25, Burns Night, and extend your pilgrimage to take in Burns’ mausoleum, which is nestled in the graveyard at nearby St Michael’s Kirk.

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13TH-CENTURY SWEETHEART ABBEY, the last major Cistercian monastery to be built in Scotland, has to be one of the most beautiful, and the redsandstone ruins have a unique love story to tell. The abbey was founded by Devorgilla of Galloway in 1273 in honour of her dead husband John Balliol, and the couple’s hearts are buried together by the alter.

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AT SCOTLAND’S SOUTHERNMOST POINT, the Mull of Galloway, you can take in spectacular views not just of Scotland but of England, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. The lighthouse was built in 1826 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis. Stop by the RSPB nature reserve to spot thousands of seabirds and seemingly acres of wildflowers.

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