A stunning 300 mile road trip around part of the UK's coast is massively underrated, seeing hardly any tourists. The South West Coastal 300 (SWC300) is located in a quiet corner of in the south-west area, heading through Dumfries & Galloway region and Ayrshire.
The loop reaches the most southerly point in Scotland at Mull of Galloway, as well as passing through Wanlockhead, in the Lowther Hills. Relatively unknown compared to the ultra-popular North Coast 500 or the North East 250, the SWC300 drive could be completed in several days. The SWC300 sticks as much as possible to quiet country roads although inevitably there are some shorter stretches that are busier with traffic.
It's possible to start anywhere on the circular route.
The SWC300 features coastlines, including two lowland peninsulas, and several traditional seaside hotspots of Ayrshire. Inland, the route winds through rolling countryside, atmospheric forests and dramatic moorlands.
In Dumfries, sights include the River Nith, Robert Burns' house, and the Dumfries Museum. In Kirkcudbright, there are medieval, Georgian, and Victorian buildings and a working harbour.
Portpatrick has pastel-coloured houses set against a wide bay and low cliffs. From there, the route finds Sanquhar, the town home to the world's oldest post office and famous for the geometric Sanquhar knitting pattern.
The route takes you to Scotland's most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway, and to Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead (no it's not in the Highlands!).
It also takes in the wonderful Galloway Forest Park, with its forest, glens, and hills with incredible wildlife. It is great for walking cycling, mountain biking, and stargazing.
The route takes you to Scotland's most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway, and to Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead (no it's not in the Highlands!).It also takes in the wonderful Galloway Forest Park, with its forest, glens, and hills with incredible wildlife. It is great for walking cycling, mountain biking, and stargazing.
