Southern Scotland

Historically, Southern Scotland was a buffer zone between the territory-hungry English and the riotous Scots, and the landscape still bears the scars of these times. The region is generally lowland apart from the gentle hills of the Galloway Forest Park, where the bellow of the red deer echoes through the woodlands. Devoid of the crowds seen in other parts of Scotland, it's an area ideal for cycling and scenic drives. Nowhere is this better encapsulated than the breathtaking Isle of Arran, often referred to as Scotland in miniature, with its craggy peaks in the north and rolling hills in the south. In the popular Scottish Borders region the ...

Historically, Southern Scotland was a buffer zone between the territory-hungry English and the riotous Scots, and the landscape still bears the scars of these times. The region is generally lowland apart from the gentle hills of the Galloway Forest Park, where the bellow of the red deer echoes through the woodlands. Devoid of the crowds seen in other parts of Scotland, it's an area ideal for cycling and scenic drives. Nowhere is this better encapsulated than the breathtaking Isle of Arran, often referred to as Scotland in miniature, with its craggy peaks in the north and rolling hills in the south. In the popular Scottish Borders region the fiery remains of the 12th century great abbeys of Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh are romantic shells that are surprisingly intact. Glasgow, Scotland's largest, friendliest city will keep you buzzing into the wee hours with its style bars, fusion restaurants, traditional pubs, throbbing live music scene and variety of clubs. Its museums and galleries are some of the best in Britain and a boat trip down the River Clyde is a great way to experience the regeneration of this historic city.

About the Expert

Alan Murphy is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Britain, Scotland, India and North India. He has been writing and updating travel guidebooks for the past eight years.