OUR TRIP ITINERARY
*This is the planned itinerary, but it may be subject to change due to weather, emergencies, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Here’s an idea of what you can expect to see and do day-to-day.
southern scotland
southern scotland - September 2026
Join me on an unforgettable 7-day journey through my home area of southern Scotland, a quietly beautiful and often overlooked part of the country.
This corner of Scotland is rich in history, creativity, and landscape – from rugged coastlines and rolling farmland to forest parks, small towns, and places that feel wonderfully untouched by mass tourism.
I’ve put together an itinerary that captures the very best of the region, showcasing all the highlights you’d want to experience on your first visit, including a few special encounters you won’t find in a guidebook. From standing stones and historic villages to food producers, artists, and storytellers, every detail has been hand-chosen by me.
My group trips are designed to feel like a journey with friends, with plenty of opportunities for shared experiences, as well as free time to explore at your own pace.
Please note, this trip is for ages 18+.
Travel Style:
Comfort
From:
£2995 (PP / Sharing)
Group Size:
12-16 People
Fitness Level:
Easy
Start & Finish:
Glasgow
Duration:
7 Days / 6 Nights
Dates:
16th September - 22nd September 2026
Bookings will open:
THURSDAY 29TH JANUARY AT 6PM GMT
01
Day
scotland's highest village
We’ll depart Glasgow around 9am, heading south into the hills towards Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village at 467 metres above sea level.
Set among wide open hills and big skies, Wanlockhead is a former mining village. We’ll spend time exploring the village, heading underground for a tour of the lead mines and visiting one of Europe’s oldest subscription libraries.
We’ll enjoy lunch (included) before having a go at gold panning in one of the best places in Scotland for it.
The day continues with a drive through the Mennock Pass, which winds through some of the most beautiful Southern Uplands scenery, before stopping at mainland Scotland’s widest stone circle.
We’ll then check into our cosy hotel and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner (included).
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner
02
Day
ROBERT BURNS’ DUMFRIES
We’ll begin the day with a visit to Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland’s only triangular castle and one of the most striking medieval sites in the country, before enjoying lunch (included).
In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided walking tour of Dumfries, exploring its close connection to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. The walk includes visits to Burns’ former home and his final resting place, bringing his life and work into context.
After the tour, there will be some free time to explore Dumfries at your own pace.
In the evening, we’ll come together for dinner at The Globe Inn, one of Burns’ old haunts and now one of the region’s finest dining spots.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
03
Day
CREATIVE GALLOWAY
We’ll start the day with a foraging session led by a local expert, spending the morning learning more about the landscape here and the plants that grow within it.
Next, we’ll head to Kirkcudbright, often known as Scotland’s Artists’ Town. You’ll have some free time to wander around the colourful streets, explore the independent shops and galleries, and have the opportunity to buy your own lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll have an art lesson inspired by the town’s long creative history.
Later, we’ll check into our hotel, which has a connection to Robert Burns, and we’ll experience a traditional Burns Supper, an atmospheric evening that feels like stepping back into the world Robert Burns would have known.
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
04
Day
SCOTLAND’S FORGOTTEN PENINSULA
Today, we’ll head west into The Machars, a fascinating part of Scotland that was once hugely important, but is now often overlooked.
Our first stop is Whithorn, home to Scotland’s first recorded Christian church, established in the late 4th century.
From here, we’ll continue to the small fishing village of Garlieston, where Mulberry Harbours were tested during the Second World War ahead of the D-Day landings.
Next, we’ll spend time in Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, which is home to seventeen bookshops and book-related businesses. You’ll have free time to browse at your own pace and enjoy lunch in one of the local cafés.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit Bladnoch Distillery, Scotland’s southernmost distillery, for a tour and tasting at this 200-year-old whisky producer.
We’ll then come together in the evening for dinner (included).
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
05
Day
GALLOWAY FOREST & DARK SKIES
Today, we’ll head deep into the Galloway Forest Park, the largest forest park in Britain and one of the wildest-feeling places in southern Scotland.
We’ll explore the forest and visit Loch Trool, one of my favourite lochs in Scotland. As well as being incredibly beautiful, it’s also an important historical site, where a key Scottish victory took place during the Wars of Independence.
We’ll enjoy lunch (included), before continuing through the forest, taking in the scale of the landscape and keeping an eye out for red deer, which are often spotted here.
Back at the hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner together (included).
Once it gets dark, there’ll be the option to head out stargazing with a local expert. This area is a designated dark sky park and on a clear night, it’s one of the best places in Europe to watch the sky come alive.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
06
Day
SCOTLAND’S SOUTHERNMOST POINT
We’ll begin the day with a visit to a local, award-winning smokehouse, where we’ll learn how traditional Scottish smoked salmon is made.
From here, we’ll continue south to the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s southernmost point. It’s a dramatic and windswept place, marked by a striking Stevenson lighthouse and surrounded by sea on three sides.
We’ll enjoy lunch (included) before heading to Dunskey Castle, a magnificent clifftop ruin perched above the sea. It’s one of my favourite castles in Scotland with incredible coastal views.
We’ll then make our way into Portpatrick, a charming seaside village right on the coast. You’ll have some free time to wander around, explore the harbour, and take in the views across the water towards Northern Ireland.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a lovely dinner (included).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
07
Day
A TASTE OF COASTAL SCOTLAND
After checking out of our hotel, we’ll make our way to Loch Ryan, home to Scotland’s oldest native oyster beds, with records dating back to 1701. We’ll learn about the oysters here and what makes Loch Ryan such an important place for them.
We’ll then follow the coast north, stopping for lunch (included).
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a working curling stone factory, a place that’s not usually open to the public, to see how Scotland’s iconic curling stones are made. They’re carved from a rare local granite and are the only stones permitted for use in the Winter Olympic Games.
Afterwards, we’ll head back to Glasgow, where we’ll conclude our trip and say our goodbyes.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
What’s included:
6 nights accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels
All transportation for the trip, starting and finishing in Glasgow
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
A private minibus with an experienced driver & guide
Activities as stated in the itinerary
Your friendly Scottish host Ruth
What’s not included:
Flights / Transport to Scotland
Airport Transfers
Visas & Travel Insurance
Drinks & Alcohol which are not outlined in the itinerary
Meals which are not outlined in the itinerary
Additional snacks or activities
Souvenirs
Southern scotland: 16th - 22nd september 2026
Bookings will open:
THURSDAY 29TH JANUARY AT 6PM GMT
Details
Accommodation
FAQ
How do I book?
Press the book now button, fill in your details and pay the full amount or the deposit.
How does the payment plan work?
Pricing is £2,995 per person based on two people sharing a room, or £3,495 for solo travellers in a private room.
How does the payment plan work?
You can choose to pay the full amount or opt for the payment plan. With the payment plan, the remaining balances are due on 1st March 2026 and 1st April 2026.
After I book, what happens next?
After you’ve booked, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail. Around a week before the trip, I’ll create a private WhatsApp group where all participants can chat about packing, flight routes and more.
Do I need travel insurance?
All participants on the group trip are required to have their own travel insurance policy.
Group Numbers
This trip requires a minimum of 12 participants to proceed. Please wait for confirmation from Ruth that the group has reached 12 participants before booking any travel or flights. If the trip doesn't go ahead due to insufficient bookings, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Payments made are non-refundable. Once you book a spot, I am required to pay upfront costs to confirm the trip. I understand that unexpected changes can happen, which is why all travellers should have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent participation.
Financial Insolvency Protection
I provide full financial protection for my package holidays, by way of a financial failure insurance policy.
Southern Scotland is a large and varied region, so to make the most of it we’ll be staying in three different locations throughout the trip.
We’ll start in Dumfries, staying at the Cairndale Hotel, a 3-star, family-run hotel in the centre of town. It’s one of the best-known hotels in the area and was named Scotland’s Best Independent Hotel 2025.
We’ll then head west to Gatehouse of Fleet, one of the most picturesque villages in Dumfries and Galloway, where we’ll stay at The Murray Arms Hotel, a 4-star historic inn. The hotel is associated with Robert Burns and is said to be where he wrote Scots Wha Hae!
Our final night will be spent in Portpatrick, staying at the Fernhill Hotel, a 3-star hotel which sits on the hillside with sweeping views over the village and out to sea.
How physically demanding is the trip?
This trip is rated as 'easy', but it will still involve around 5,000 to 10,000 steps per day, as well as standing for periods of time. As is often the case in Scotland, paths to historic sites can be uneven or unpaved.
There are no hikes, but the itinerary includes:
1 to 2 hour guided walking tour of Dumfries
1 to 2 hour coastal walk for foraging
1 to 2 hour guided walk of underground lead mines & the nearby area
A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is needed to fully enjoy the experience.
If you have any mobility concerns or use a walking aid, please get in touch with me before booking and I’ll be happy to advise whether this trip is suitable for you.
How much luggage can I bring?
The bus has space for each traveller to bring one medium-sized suitcase up to 20 kg (44lb) and one small carry-on bag for personal items (such as a handbag). If you need to bring additional luggage, please let me know in advance.
Can I bring my dog?
Although it would be lovely to welcome dogs, this trip is unfortunately unsuitable for four-legged friends.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please share your dietary requirements in the booking form.
How much do I need for non-included meals and alcohol?
For non-included meals, expect to pay in the range of £20 - £30. Alcoholic drinks typically cost around £5 - £10.
What is the weather like in September?
Southern Scotland’s weather in September is generally mild but, as always in Scotland, a little unpredictable.
Daytime temperatures usually sit around 10 to 16°C (50 to 61°F), with cooler mornings and evenings. You can expect a mix of sunshine, cloud and the occasional rain, so layers and a waterproof jacket are essential.
It can be breezy at times, particularly along the coast, but there are often calm, pleasant days too. September is a really lovely time to visit, with softer late-summer light, changing colours in the landscape and the chance of clear skies for some beautiful views.
What clothes and footwear do I need?
For a trip to Southern Scotland in September, I recommend packing layers to stay comfortable in Scotland’s changeable weather. We may have some mild, sunny days, but it can also feel cool, windy or damp at times.
Essentials include t-shirts or shirts, comfortable trousers, warm jumpers or fleeces, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy, comfortable shoes for outdoor walks and site visits. A hat, gloves and scarf are also worth bringing for cooler mornings, evenings or breezy days, especially near the coast.
I will send out a suggested packing list prior to the trip.
Are any activities weather dependent?
We should be able to do all activities as planned. However, if there is bad weather or we face cancellations, alternative activities will be arranged.