The problem when planning a scenic drive in Dumfries and Galloway is not so much where to go but deciding which bits to leave out. The region boasts scenic hillside passes, coastal roads and forest trails. It also has innumerable routes over soft, rolling scenery and any number of historical and natural attractions en route. So, rest assured that whatever path you choose, it will be a drive with both character and charm.

1 The Raiders Road
This ten-mile forest drive winds along the banks of the Black Water of Dee as it follows an old drove road from Clatteringshaws to Bennan. This route was popularised by SR Crockett’s book about cattle rustling and thievery, The Raiders. The road is a hilly single lane with passing places, but is uneven for a large part of the way. It is well worth the dust and stones. The Otter Pool, located near Clatteringshaws Loch, is usually full of paddling children rather than shy furry mammals, as the river is broken into small and shallow pools. Benches are provided so you can sit and watch yours play. The road is open seasonally and there is a charge of £2.

2 The Queen's Way
The 17-mile road links New Galloway and Newton Stewart, and is home to a variety of historical sites, unusual animals and bushy fauna. It was named in the jubilee year of 1977 by Princess Anne.
Its other royal connection is Bruce’s Stone, which marks where King Robert The Bruce supposedly rested after defeating the English at this spot in 1307. Further along the route, Murray’s Monument rolls into view. This obelisk commemorates the area’s famous academic, Alexander Murray, who started his career as a shepherd but went on to be a professor of Oriental languages at Edinburgh languages. Another monument of note is the reconstruction of a first-century roundhouse.

3 Glen Trool Forest Drive
A right turn off the A714 at Bargrennan takes you into the heart of The Galloway Forest Park – real Braveheart country. The road is extremely windy and comes to a dead end after five miles.
This route is home to a second Bruce stone. It commemorates Robert The Bruce’s first victory of the English in the Wars of Independence, and overlooks the beautiful Loch Trool. If you wish to walk, there are blue, yellow, green and red trails to choose from. If you’re feeling very brave try walking to the top of Merrick, Southern Scotland’s highest peak.

4 The Solway Coast Road
If you seek to fill your lungs with tangy sea air, follow the winding A710 from Dalbeattie. Taking a diversion to Rockliffe is a fine idea: the village is pretty and has a good beach. Further along is New Abbey, the home of Sweetheart Abbey, one of the most beautiful monastic ruins in Scotland. Dumfries marks the the end of the road and has a variety of urban attractions for the countryside-saturated visitor.

5 The Dalveen Pass
This is a circular route that explores some of the region’s most impressive scenery. The Pass is a stretch of the A702 that offers breathtaking views and leads to Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village.
To drive this route take the A76 heading north from Dumfries, then turn right onto the A702, signposted to Edinburgh. After about 16 miles take a left turn onto the B7040, then another left at Leadhills onto the B797 signposted Wanlockhead. Follow this road until it reaches the A76 and take a left to head back to where you started.

6 Moniaive to St John's Town of Dalry
This route dips and dives into the forest and then climbs up onto Moorland. It is a perfect choice if you want to get away from it all, with only the cows and sheep for company. From Moniaive take the B729, then take a left at the crossroads and follow the B7000 until you reach Dalry. The route is about 16 miles. Before starting the trip take a stroll round the historical village of Moniaive. Its name, translated from the Gaelic, means ‘hill of streams’.
A word of warning about the B roads, here: the Highland Cows always have the right of way.

7 The Big One
This circular route starts from Newton Stewart and follows the coast around the Whithorn peninsula for approximately 90 miles. Take the A714 from Newton Stewart to Wigtown. You may want to pause here to browse the town’s many bookshops. Continuing, follow signs for Garlieston and then to the Isle of Whithorn. Here, you can follow the path to St Ninian’s Cave. Head north along the A747, which goes through Port William, a settlement that used to be notorious for smugglers. When you reach Glen Luce you can either extend the trip further west and head to the beautiful Mull of Galloway, or head back east along the A75.