I have a great fondness for this ram statue! Often when driving to or from Scotland we stop in…read moreMoffat for a meal and usually park near to this wonderful ram (it is surrounded by parking spaces in the middle of the main street). This statue was sculpted by William Brodie (1815-1881) and presented to the town by the local businessman William Colvin in 1875 to commemorate the town's thriving wool trade. Other notable works by Brodie which can still be seen today include his marvellous 'Hercules', a bronze statue in Portmeirion, North Wales. The Moffat Ram sits on top of the Colvin Fountain whose water was used by men and animals for drinking. There were once iron cups for men to fill from the water spouts whilst the animals drank from the filled bases the lower ones for dogs and the higher ones for horses! The ram was constructed without ears and a myth (apparently without any foundation) circulated for long afterwards that Brodie committed suicide when he realised his mistake!

300 feet up on a winding road, the view is incredible. When the fog rolls in (or are those low…read morelying clouds?) it can steal the view but make it no less beautiful. Apparently recently someone drove a van off this cliff and down to the bottom.. And survived. The van is still at the bottom. *Shakes head* When I got a chance to view this, The area was blanketed in a thick wall of fog. We walked out to the markers, we peered down over the lip of the cliff and no, we could not see the van, but we know it's down there. Bring a camera, don't look too far down..

Wow this is such a beautiful area surrounded by hills and sheep and goats roaming around freely…read more The Grey Mare's Tale can be seen from the bottom along a path by the car park or if you fancy a hike and are relatively fit you can view it from the top and get really close and from there you will see more waterfalls and streams that seem to go on and on. It's absolutely stunning and so worth a visit.

Scotland is a land of beautiful of harsh countryside. Especially if you visit when the temps are…read more1*C. When you're taken on a hike, its even better! This trail isn't for the weak. Even the lower falls trail takes a bit of skill as its steep and slippery with no safe rail, but no amount of precautions can give you that sense of accomplishment when you see the falls pounding down ahead of you. It is so awe inspiring and breathtaking. Mind your step on the way up and back as the sheep were there first and their presents litter the walk way...

This would once have been a beautiful building. Unfortunately, after Henry VIII disbanded monastic…read morecommunities in England, Wales and Scotland in the 1500s, all that remains is the gatehouse. This functioned as a vicarage to the local church and is now in the care of English Heritage and probably dates back to the 1100s. Definetly worth the walk, or the drive.

A beautiful old country house with historic charm. This gigantic mansion is home to one of the…read moreworlds finest art collections. The whole place can be rented for events and is truly worth it. Think Wayne Manor just for your group. We had a bbq reception there and it was just breathtaking to stand on the terrace and watch the sunset, and then going inside to listen to the jazz band playing their tunes.

Absolutely spectacular! Over 700 years old, by far the oldest building I've ever personally had the…read morepleasure to touch, or photograph, Sweetheart Abby speaks to the history lover in all of us. The drive to the Abby is picturesque, along the rolling hills and tucked away in a quaint village - the roads not changed much since the village was founded, narrow and harrowing if there's any traffic. The walls of the former monastery rise up from the verdant hills towards the sky, ruins now, but once, they would have been grand. For 4.50 you get to spend as much time as you like, roaming through the well preserved old gal, there are signs that tell you about her bones, and her history. Listen to the pigeons who roost in her eves and flutter back and forth. Occasionally some sound like Monks speaking their prayers - or perhaps that is just an echo from the past coming back to your ears. Either way, The Sweetheart Abby tells the tale of a woman, lost, who had her husband's heart embalmbed, so that when SHE died, she could be buried holding onto it. Love is eternal they say. Behind the old Church is a vast and dated graveyard. Pay attention walking amidst the stones. The ground is moist and the soil can be loose. It is said that the stones may falter. Tread lightly lest you be the next resident among the stones.

These ruins are on the way from Manchester to Scotland - not too far out of your way. They were…read morethe cover photo for my Fodors Scotland book. That was, of course, and eye-grabbing photo. You will be able to get a great set of photos too - even if you are not a pro photographer and if it's raining, as it was for us. Worth the stop.

Built in 1833 to replace the previous structure in which Sir William Wallace is said to have been…read moreimprisoned for setting fire to a barn with 500 English soldiers inside. This is a Neo-Gothic clock tower, 113 ft high, with a statue of William Wallace carved in the facade. Interesting to visit and in the High Street so easily accessible.

Rainbow Bridge is an integral feature of the Art Park. Located within the grounds of House For An…read moreArt Lover, the park was completed in 2008. I dig bridges, and few more so than this one. I've spent many an hour playing on it with my nieces and nephew - the kids love the perspex, multicoloured panels - they rotate and provide a great opportunity to play hide and seek. I'd highly recommend a visit - especially to burn off some of the kids energy!

This is very interesting to visit - I came upon it by accident when walking around the harbour…read morearea. This ruin is part of the citadel built in the 17th century on the orders of Oliver Cromwell. The round turret overlooking the street and harbour was constructed in the 19th century by John Miller and is known as Miller's Folly. When Miller returned from India he acquired the Citadel and actually lived inside. It's less than a mile from the town and worth seeing if you're interested in history.