This driving tour is approximately 308 miles long and covers the southwest and borders region of Scotland, known as abbey country. Most tourists pass right through this region of Scotland on their way to the "real" Scotland known as the Highlands but to me that is a huge mistake. A driving tour of the borders region of Scotland with their gently rolling hills and peaceful villages, touring the many abbeys and castles, adds to the diverse history of Scotland. It's hard to believe that so much violence once took place on this soil. For centuries the borders served as a battleground between England and Scotland.
From Glasgow as our starting point we take the A77 just outside of town heading south toward Stranraer. Just before Stranraer, at Innermessan take the A751, which ten connects to the A75. We are now heading east towards Newton Stewart. About 11 miles east of Stranraer is the village of Glenluce where we found the Glenluce Abbey. Although the abbey lies in ruins, its peaceful setting and nearly intact chapter house make it worth a visit. Rejoin the A75 moving east past Newton Stewart and then south through Creetown keeping our eyes open for Carsluith Castle on our right. Then on to Cairnholy I and II which are located just 6.5 miles southeast of Creetown. Watch carefully for the small sign at the bend in the A75. The one lane road leads north. At a fork take the left track up along a farm road. Shortly we arrived at the top of a hill where a small car park has been created. After visiting we head back to the A75 again moving east where our next stop was Cardoness Castle. Continue following the A75 driving towards Dumfries. Just south of Dumfires is the Sweetheart Abbey which is famous for its red sandstone and its association with love between Lady Devorgilla and John Balliol. Caerlaverock Castle also lies just 7 miles south of Dumfries and is like no other castle I've ever seen. Caerlaverock is more than 400 years old and is the only triangular castle in Britain. We then took the A701 north of Dumfries to Moffat where we then connect to the A708 to see Grey Mare's Tail waterfall, which is just 10 miles north east of Moffat. We continued along the A708 where at Mountbenger we turned north on B709 to visit Traquair House. After our visit we returned to the B709 to connect to A72 heading east to Melrose on the A6091. We visited the Melrose Abbey here which is just 2 miles east of Melrose. The A6091 connects to the A68 towards Dryburgh Abbey which is just off the B6404. We took the A68 just a short way south to Jedburgh where we visited the Jedburgh Abbey. We then followed the A68 back north again but turned east at A698 which took us to Kelso where we visited Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle. Next we took the A699 heading west and connected again with the A68 heading north to Edinburgh.
For all of our tours we use a Michelin Map of Scotland and Mapquest.com prior to leaving the U.S.. Mapquest directions are perfect for point A to point B giving you mileage information and roundabout information. Which is indispensable if you've never experienced one before. We map out our driving tour prior to arriving in Scotland but leave ourselves open to making any changes or additions once we've arrived. You'll sometimes find after speaking with your Bed and Breakfast host/hostess that there is so much more to see that isn't already on your list. We found that these resources helped us tremendously save time and arguments about getting lost so that we could enjoy the scenery and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. We always pack a picnic lunch for our excursions so that there is no rush. You can find everything you need in any village along the way. The atmosphere of eating a bite on the grounds of an abbey ruin or castle is beyond words. Remember you're there to enjoy yourselves and take time out of your hectic lives, not feel like you have to rush around to get to the next destination. So, enjoy, relax and reconnect with yourself and those you've chosen to take this journey with. Below is a list of places to see in this region. The ruins of Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Kelso and Melrose Abbey lie within 12 miles of each other in green, pastoral countryside, close to the River Tweed. All were founded in the 12th century with three built by King David I.
1. Melrose Abbey
2. Dryburgh Abbey
3. Jedburgh Abbey
4. Kelso Abbey
5. Hawick Motte - pronounced "Hoyk"- is in the town of Hawick on the A7 and is specifically located in Motte Park on a street called Loan to the southeast of Drumlanrig Square. Hawick Motte stands about 24 feet high with a set of stairs leading to the top.
6. Trimontium - In addition to serving as a major command center for the Roman army in Scotland, Trimontium also may have provided rest and relaxation for Roman troops posted in the north. Trimontium proves that the Roman presence in Scotland was far greater than once thought.
7. Smailholm Tower House - pronounced "Smailem" - Smailholm, a tall square stone building not unlike a castle keep, can be seen from quite a distance. A one-lane farm road leads to it. Four story Smailholm soars 57 feet high on an outcrop of rock. It remains in great shape considering how many times it was attacked. Smailholm is located close to Dryburgh on a one-lane road just off the B6404.
8. Greenknowe Tower House - Greenknowe resembles a home with ore windows and bigger windows than does Smailholm Tower House, which appeared harsh looking. Greenknowe was clearly built with security in mind. Greenknowe is not far from Smailholm, about six miles north/northeast. It is located on the A6105, close to junction with the A6089.
9. Traquair - Romantic Traquair has the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. Parts of the house have witnessed action for more than 1,000 years. Traquair is located between Peebles and Galashiels just off the A72 near Innerleithen.
10. Edin's Hall Broch - A visit to Edin's Hall Broch requires extensive and serious hill walking. It is one of the few brochs found in southern Scotland. Directions to Edin's Hall Broch are well signposted from the A6112.
11. Hermitage Castle - Hermitage Castle rises stark and forbidding out of the surrounding pastoral countryside and clearly represents a war machine. The castle is located on a secondary road that heads west from the B6399.
12. Caerlaverock Castle - The only triangular castle in Britain lies seven miles south of Dumfries.
13. Dundrennan Abbey - Dundrennan Abbey, famous for its association with Mary Queen of Scots, is situated in a quiet wooded spot with few tourists. These ruins lie just 3.5 miles southeast from the pleasant artists town of Kirkcudbright (kirk coo'bree) on a minor road off the A711.
14. Cairnholy Chambered Cairns - These are magnificent 5,000 year old burial cairns. Cairnholy I and II are located 6.5 miles southeast of Creetown.
15. Sweetheart Abbey - Sweetheart Abbey is famous for its red sandstone and, as its name suggests, its association with love.
16. Glenluce Abbey
17. Ruthwell Cross - This elaborately carved cross soars more than 15 feet high and may well be one of the most important surviving crosses in Scotland. Drive to the village of Ruthwell off the B724. Just off the B road to the north, a sign points toward the cross's location.
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