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.

After dashing back to Dumfries from Caerlaverock Castle, I was afraid that I had missed my chance…read moreto see this museum. However, the two ladies tending shop not only let me in less than ten minutes before closing, but they very kindly gave me a parking disc for my car. The house is small, but it's worth seeing just to BE in Burns' house. There are several artifacts, including books owned by Burns, both his and others'. Most interesting to me was his desk and chair, at which he wrote much of his famous work, including "Tam O'Shanter." Just imagine him sitting there. Very cool. Burns lived in this house for the last three years of his life, and died here in 1796. His widow continued to reside here until 1834. His son purchased the home in 1851 and placed it under the care of trustees, to be preserved for perpetuity as a memorial to his father. If you visit the house (actually, whether you do or not), take a stroll up the road to St Michael's Churchyard, where you will find the Burns Mausoleum. You can't miss it, as the white marble structure stands out like a beacon among the shabby brown and rust-colored gravestones all around.

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.

Caerlaverock is unusual both for its triangular design and its pink limestone. Both make it quite…read morea striking sight (see photographs). The castle is technically ruined, but the two front-facing walls and most of the rest of the superstructure remain intact. There is a classic moat surrounding the building, and a narrow wooden bridge gives access to the main gate. Like Dryburgh Abbey, this property is administered by Historic Scotland, so the grounds have been landscaped and the interior courtyard paved and gravelled, with railings added in spots. It's fun to climb around inside the towers and interior buildings, which are labelled to explain their original purpose and use. Like many castles, different portions date from various eras, so the design is a bit of a jumble. The main attraction is a 17th-century residence, with servery, kitchen, and private rooms. On the opposite side is a 15th-century structure which apparently contained a great hall and other residences. The two towers bestride the main gate were used as lord's residences in the 13th and 14th centuries. One interesting bit of history: in 1300, Edward I himself, with a 3000-man army, besieged the castle. The garrison of only sixty men held out for 36 hours. When Edward learned how few his enemy had been, he was so impressed that he allowed the Maxwell family to keep the castle after swearing an oath of loyalty to him. As wonderful as the castle is, the visitor's centre boasts a "museum" which is nothing but a sad joke. Breeze through it, just enough to get the story of the castle, the Maxwells, and the various military actions over the years, and then get right out onto the grounds. There is also a "nature trail" which leads about 200m to the site of the previous castle, used for only a few decades in the mid-13th century and abandoned due to the marshy ground (Caerlaverock is very near the Solway Firth). There are picnic tables, and on a day with good weather, this would be a great site to bring the family for an afternoon.

My all time favorite castle! 'Home Sweet Home' to Clan Maxwell! All kinds of history pours from…read morethis property, we spent hours here at the castle & in the woods. Take your time climbing in the castle, there is a lovely tea room on site to rest. Absolutely precious architecture. A must see for castle hunters. #myfamilytree

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!

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.

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..

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.