Dumfries and Galloway

A pretty market town, Newton Stewart has a fine bridge over the River Cree and was founded in the 17^th century by William Stewart, third son of the Earl of Galloway. Twelve miles east is ‘Bruce’s Stone’, not to mention some beautiful views beside Loch Trool. It was from Newton Stewart that Robert the Bruce launched his attempt to rid Scotland of English rule, ambushing an English army before fleeing into the hills. Bruce’s Stone was unveiled in 1929 on the 600^th anniversary of his death and today marks the start and finish of many walks in the Galloway Forest Park, among them a rather serious climb to the top of Merrick, the highest summit in Scotland’s south west. Nearby is the Galloway House historic gardens which were created in the 1740s by Lord Garlies, elder son of the 65^th Earl of Galloway.

Loch Trool - Photo: Visit Scotland

View of Merrick - Photo: Allan Devlin

Like many other towns in southwest Scotland, Creetown’s prosperity in the 19^th century came from the exporting of granite. Today it has a museum dedicated to gems and minerals. Close by is Carsluith Castle, the well-preserved ruin of a four-storey tower house, and the 15^th century Cardoness Castle.