Everyone’s heard of the North Coast 500, often known as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, but what if we told you there’s a quieter, wilder, and just-as-stunning route that’s still flying under the radar? Welcome to the South West Coastal 300, a scenic loop through the charming, castle-dotted, beach-blessed region of Dumfries and Galloway.
Less traffic, more seals. Fewer tour buses, more hidden pubs. Dive into our South West Coastal 300 route for 7 days of Scotland road tripping. Don’t waste another moment; it’s time to discover the Scotland that most people miss.
This is a circular road trip itinerary, starting and ending in Dumfries, so feel free to flip it or adapt as needed. Embrace the freedom of motorhome travel and take charge of your own adventure!
Day 1 - Dumfries to Kirkcudbright
Driving distance: 25 miles
Without further ado, the first day of our SW300 route. Wave goodbye to Dumfries and cruise south toward the sea. Today is all about easing into the rhythm of the road, which is why we’re limiting the driving time. You’ll hug country lanes, cross wide estuaries and pass through postcard villages en route to the arty harbour town of Kirkcudbright. There’s no need to rush; it’s a short drive, so take advantage of scenic lay-bys and spontaneous picnic stops. Keep your eyes peeled for red kites soaring overhead, as they’re often spotted gliding through this corner of Scotland.
Things to do:
- Explore Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura. Step inside a quirky, old windmill packed with fossils, tools, and Victorian oddities, then head to the top for a 360° town view through the vintage camera obscura.
- Visit the majestic Caerlaverock Castle. This moated, triangular fortress appears to have fallen straight out of a fantasy film.
- Lose a few hours in the Devil’s Porridge Museum. Don’t be fooled by the name—this place is packed with surprisingly gripping stories from WWI’s largest munitions factory. It’s hands-on, immersive, and more fun than history lessons were back at school.
- Stroll the River Nith riverside. Breathe in the calm as you wander alongside swans, sculptures and sleepy waterside paths.
- Worked up an appetite? Treat yourself to local bake‑shop goodies. Sink into the cosy charm of a proper Scottish bakery, and pick up a warm pie, flaky treat or a sweet bite that’s guaranteed to cheer up even the rainiest day.
Staying at: Criffel View Caravan Site
A charming 5‑pitch farm site with big views over Criffel Mountain, you’ll find peaceful country perfection at Criffel View Caravan Site. Clean toilets, accessible showers, and just a short walk to New Abbey’s pub and tearoom. Wake up to misty hills and local sheep bleats; it’s impossible to feel anything but relaxed here.
Farm, New Abbey, Landis DG2 8HH
54.983599, -3.609077
Day 2 - Kirkcudbright to Galloway Forest Park
Driving distance: 30 miles
Fill your flask and your playlist; it’s time to swap seaside charm for forest magic. This leg of our South West Coastal 300 route takes you north into the heart of Galloway Forest Park, one of the UK’s designated Dark Sky Parks and a paradise for walkers, stargazers and wildlife lovers. The roads become windier here, with a few tight corners, but they’re wonderfully quiet and blissfully scenic. Watch out for deer on the roadside (and sheep with zero road manners).
Things to do:
- Wander Broughton House & Gardens, where you can expect wildflowers, quirky sculptures and peaceful vibes galore. You can easily lose yourself for a few hours in this dreamy artist’s hideaway tucked deep in the woods
- Ride the Kirroughtree 7 Stanes trail. Get your adrenaline fix on one of Scotland’s top mountain bike trails, weaving through towering pines and epic panoramic views.
- Spend an afternoon at Clatteringshaws Loch. With mirror-like waters and peaceful jetty walks, this is the perfect spot for a picnic or just some serious chill time.
- Red squirrels are basically Scottish royalty at this point, and it’s so rare to catch sight of them. Head to the RSPB Wood of Cree to try your luck at spotting one of these fast and adorable creatures.
- There’s no doubt that Galloway Forest Park is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. Wrap up warm, grab a flask and prepare for some starry-eyed moments.
Staying at: Galloway Forest Holiday Park
Deep in the forest with motorhome hookups, showers, and a motorhome service point—ideal for resting after trails. At Galloway Forest Holiday Park, you can expect woodland peace, morning dewdrops, and owl-calls at night. The perfect spot for that star-gazing we mentioned!
Bargrennan, Newton Stewart DG8 6RN
55.064205, -4.580819
Day 3 - Galloway Forest to Mull of Galloway
Driving distance: 40 miles
Today, you’re chasing the edge of the world…or at least the southernmost tip of Scotland. The Mull of Galloway juts out dramatically into the Irish Sea, with steep cliffs and a breezy lighthouse perfect for puffin-spotting. The drive weaves through farmland and open coast, so expect a few single-lane roads with passing places—classic Scottish motorhoming. If the sun’s out, this leg has serious “windows down, tunes up” energy.
Things to do:
- Picnic at Logan Botanic Garden and you’ll genuinely forget that you’re in Scotland. Wander among palm trees and giant ferns in this surprisingly mild microclimate.
- Climb to the top of Mull of Galloway Lighthouse for 360° sea views and that glorious wind-in-your-hair feeling. After, reward yourself with a scone and a brew from the clifftop café.
- These rugged cliffs are a wildlife hotspot, so keep your binoculars and camera ready for a moment’s notice. From swooping gannets to sunbathing seals, there’s always something putting on a show.
- Explore Portpatrick harbour with its pastel cottages, bobbing boats, and proper chippy chips. Take a slow stroll, soak in the sea air, and maybe sneak in a 99 with a Flake.
- Visiting between May and July? Go puffin spotting! Tiny beaks, waddling feet, and serious photobomb potential, puffins are the real stars of this coastline.
Staying at: Southerness Holiday Park
Southerness Holiday Park gets a lot of repeat customers, so make sure to book ahead of your trip to secure your spot at this popular campsite. Camp beside Solway Firth with full facilities, including: pools, bar, entertainment, and motorhome pitches. The pools are well-maintained and feature a great team of attentive lifeguards, so little ones can also enjoy a paddle!
Southerness Holiday Village, Southerness, Dumfries DG2 8AZ
54.875868, -3.600783
Day 4 - Mull to the Isle of Whithorn to Wigtown
Driving distance: 45 miles
Time to swing back inland through sleepy fishing villages and literary legends. Today’s route hugs the coast before looping into Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, with plenty of tucked-away stops along the way. The roads are quiet and well-paved, so you can take your time without needing a sat-nav boot camp. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve entered a Scottish storybook—ruins, lighthouses, and all.
Things to do:
- If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in Auchenmalg Bay. Cold? Absolutely. Worth it? Also yes. Brave the bracing waters like the year-round sea swimmers and feel properly alive afterwards, with bonus points if you don’t shriek.
- Tucked away in a quiet cove, you’ll find St Ninian’s Cave. This cave has been a spiritual hideout for centuries and manages to avoid crowds of tourists despite its beauty.
- Explore the Isle of Whithorn. Wander crumbling priory ruins, spot seals from the shore and enjoy the kind of peaceful beaches that make you want to whisper.
- We feel like it's time for a museum! Discover the Whithorn Priory Museum, a little museum filled with ancient artefacts and tales of Scotland’s early Christianity.
- Wigtown is also known as Scotland’s National Book Town, stacked with charming indie shops, dusty volumes and rare finds. Grab a cuppa, get lost in the stacks, and leave with a tote bag full of treasures.
Staying at: Solway View Camping & Caravan Site
Waterfront pitches with showers, laundry, kid‑friendly vibes and sweeping views—a great night before deeper forest. At Solway View Camping & Caravan Site, you can expect personalised service, including helping you find the best pitch for your needs, welcoming furry friends, and tips for the local area.
Balmangan Farm Ross Bay, Borgue, Kirkcudbright DG6 4TR
54.786803, -4.097903
Day 5 - Wigtown to Newton Stewart
Driving distance: 20 miles
This short drive is perfect for a lazy lie-in and a slow morning brew. You’ll head inland to Newton Stewart, often called the gateway to the Galloway Hills, where forests, rivers, and mountain trails await. It’s a chilled-out day distance-wise, so feel free to squeeze in a cycle ride or craft stop. Keep an eye on the weather, as the mist rolling off the hills makes the forest feel extra mystical.
Things to do:
- We don’t know about you, but we love a flat cycle route. The Cree estuary is everything you’re looking for in a breezy pedal: smooth, scenic and packed with wildlife.
- If you’re visiting in September, head to the Wigtown Book Festival. It’s packed with author talks, poetry nights and secondhand stalls—aka a booklovers' dream!
- From knitted bits to hand-poured candles, the local shops here are bursting with artisan flair. Perfect for finding gifts, or just treating yourself to something gorgeously unnecessary.
- Wander through ancient woodland of Cree where ospreys soar and red deer tiptoe between the trees. Just make sure to head back to your motorhome before dark!
Staying at: Creebridge Caravan Park
Set just outside Newton Stewart, this family-run park offers electric hook-ups, modern heated showers, laundry facilities, and even on-site Calor gas—everything a motorhome needs. It’s a warm, welcoming spot with plenty of parking spaces, making it a hassle-free base for your woodland and coastal adventures. Plus, it’s only a short scoot into town if you fancy a pub tea or quick shop. Creebridge Caravan Park.
Creebridge, Newton Stewart DG8 6AJ
54.960079, -4.475124
Day 6 - Newton Stewart to Loch Ken to Dumfries
Driving distance: 40 miles
The penultimate day of our SW300 route! Time to head north again, with lochs, waterfalls, and winding woodland roads on the horizon. This is one of the most scenic stretches of the SWC300, with stops that feel like hidden gems tucked behind every bend. Be prepared for narrow lanes and the occasional wandering sheep—just part of the charm. Refuel in Castle Douglas if you need supplies, then roll into Dumfries feeling smug and slightly windswept.
Things to do:
- Crawick Multiverse is part sculpture park, part cosmic fever dream. At this land-art wonderland, you can wander among stone circles and grassy mounds that feel straight out of a sci-fi fairytale.
- It’s Scotland, of course, we’re going to recommend another loch! This time we’re turning our attention to Loch Ken, where you can paddle, kayak or simply stroll along the water’s edge.
- To live out your own ‘Bridgerton’ fantasies, head to Threave Garden & Estate. Owned by the National Trust, this incredible castle and lawns look over the River Dee and offer quite a sight at sunset.
- Wander through peaceful pine-scented trails in Dalbeattie Forest, where the air feels fresher and the trees stretch endlessly overhead. Whether you’re hiking, biking or just chasing squirrels (not literally, of course!), it’s a woodland escape worth slowing down for.
- Drive the scenic Ken Bridge loop, which features babbling brooks, hidden waterfalls, and endless photo stops.
Staying at: Hoddom Castle Caravan Park
Situated by the River Annan, Hoddom Castle Caravan Park is beside a category A-listed castle. You can stroll around the grounds with your pub, rest up on your spacious pitch, and wash off the day’s grime in the heated shower block. Between Thursday and Sunday, there’s a pub/restaurant renowned for its delicious wood-fired pizza.
Hoddom, Lockerbie DG11 1AS
55.041425, -3.310794
Day 7 - Back to Dumfries
Driving distance: 15-30 miles
For your final day, we’re keeping things local with a Dumfries-area loop—ideal for one last taste of rural Scotland before heading home. Cruise past hills, heritage sites and riverside paths, soaking up the last of that countryside calm. It’s the perfect chance to stretch your legs and empty your camera roll. Bonus tip: Grab one more coffee and cake at a local café—you’ve earned it.
Things to do:
- Earn your views with a punchy but rewarding hike up Criffel Mountain. On a clear day, you can spot the Lake District across the water.
- You’ve surely worked up an appetite, so follow this with a trip to Dumfries Farmers’ Market, where you can get fresh produce, local cheeses and artisanal bread to enjoy on the drive home.
- Step into the story of Robert the Bruce at Bruce’s Stone & Old Bridge and soak up the sweeping views where battles and legends once played out.
- Take a lazy riverside wander along Dock Park, past flowerbeds, duck ponds, and cheery playgrounds.
- Stroll through the cobbled streets of Dumfries town centre, sip something local in a historic pub, and try the best cakes in Scotland. After all, every epic road trip deserves a laid-back, well-fed finish.
Staying at: Back to Criffel View
Wrap up where you began, with a final countryside sunset and easy access for drop‑off or onward travel. Criffel View campsite is so lovely, why not repeat the experience?
Your 7-day South West Coastal itinerary has come to a close, with plenty of castles, hikes, pub meals and pints. This is an underrated corner of Scotland, full of things to explore and far fewer crowds than the Scottish Route 66. So what are you waiting for?
Hire a motorhome in Scotland, pack your bags and let the adventure begin! Maybe next holiday, you’ll set your sights on the North East 250…
