New guide highlights delights of south west Scotland to electric car drivers
The South West Coastal 300 reveals everything from untamed coastlines and timeless forests to storybook castles and quaint small towns.
A new guide aims to highlight the delights of south west Scotland to electric car drivers.
The South West Coastal 300 loops through Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire, showing off the area's natural beauty and heritage from untamed coastlines and timeless forests to storybook castles and quaint small towns
And VisitScotland has now created a new guide to the scenic drive with electric vehicle drivers in mind, covering everything from accessible charging points, eco-friendly stays and relaxed daily drivers.
The guide, which can be found here, offers the perfect way to enjoy the popular SWC300 route with a low-emission road trip covering three days.
Day one will take drivers from Dumfries to the Galloway Forest. Stopping off points include Caerlaverock Castle, Castle Douglas – including a trip to Threave Gardens and Kirroughtree in the Galloway Forest before stopping for the night in Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town.
Day two journeys from the Machars to the Ayrshire coast. First up is a drive to the Mull of Galloway - the southernmost tip of Scotland which features a lighthouse and a nature reserve. The picturesque seaside village of Portpatrick is next, offering the perfect place to enjoy some stunning views.
Following that, drivers head north through Girvan – enjoying views of the Ailsa Craig – to Culzean Castle and Country Park, finishing for the night at Crosshill.
The final day sees a return to Dumfries via a trip to Scotland's highest village at Wanlockhead. Heading through the Ayrshire hills and skirting the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, drivers will arrive at Wanlockhead where they can enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lead Mining.
Next on the itinerary is a trip through the Mennock Pass to Drumlanrig Castle and then on to nearby Thornhill.
The final leg heads down the A76 to Ellisland Farm – former home of Robert Burns – before the return to Dumfries.
Anyone following the route is advised to book accomodation and activities in advance, especially during peak travel sessions, and check EV charger locations before travelling.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The unusual new holiday trend sweeping Scotland – and foodies will love it
TOURISTS heading for Scotland have a growing appetite for luxury dining, according to new data. VisitScotland has revealed that online searches for 'Michelin star Scotland' have rocketed 58 per cent in the last three years. 2 Tourists are heading for upmarket eateries, like the Glenturret
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
'Scotland's Hawaii' gets more sunlight than London with crystal-clear turquoise beaches
Tiny but stunning, the island offers endless sea-to-sky views, with just waves and birdsong breaking the silence When travel magazines show off vivid turquoise waters lapping against sugar-white sands, it's natural to think of the Caribbean. But tucked away in Scotland's Inner Hebrides lies a remote island where the light dazzles, the beaches stretch for miles, and the skies are as big as the ocean itself. The Isle of Tiree, often dubbed 'Scotland's Hawaii of the north', might be only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in sheer natural splendour. With no forests and just three modest hills interrupting the flat landscape, views sweep uninterrupted from sea to sky. All around, the only sounds are the crash of Atlantic waves and the calls of birds wheeling overhead. The island owes much of its unique character to the Gulf Stream, which carries warm currents from the Caribbean across the Atlantic and washes them along Scotland's west coast. Thanks to this oceanic gift, Tiree enjoys some of the mildest weather in the country, and an annual sunshine tally of around 1,500 hours, more than London. In fact, long before modern tourism, one visitor had already spotted its potential. Writing in 1883, George, the eighth Duke of Argyll, praised the island's exceptional climate: "Far better than that of the mainland. There is much less rain, the rainfall scarcely exceeding the average of from 35 to 40 inches. I fully expect that far on in summers I shall not see, the island of Tiree will be a great resort of health." He was equally struck by its natural offerings: "Its strong yet soft sea-air, its comparative dryness, its fragrant turf full of wild thyme and clover, its miles of pure white sandy bays equally pleasant for riding, driving, or walking, or for sea-bathing, and last not least, its unrivalled expanses for the game of golf." More than a century on, the island continues to offer the same unspoilt charm. It is a haven for walkers, birdwatchers, windsurfers and anyone looking to slow down and breathe. With wide beaches perfect for paddling, sandcastle-building or simply sitting still, Tiree is as peaceful as it is photogenic. According to VisitScotland: "Tiree is also known as a windy place, with the strongest winter gales normally occurring in December and January. The advantage, however, is that midges are almost non-existent in summer." That breeze helps power the island's most famous sporting event, the Tiree Wave Classic. Held each October, it's the longest running windsurfing competition in the UK and draws adrenaline seekers from around the world. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But adventure is only one side of the story. Tiree's past is quietly preserved in a scattering of ancient ruins and two dedicated heritage centres. Crannogs, brochs and relics from past generations hint at island life through the ages, while Scarinish and Hynish offer tales, poems, maps and stories from local history. Getting there is part of the experience. Caledonian MacBrayne runs regular ferries from Oban, with vehicle places in high demand during the summer months. Loganair offers daily flights from Glasgow, taking just 45 minutes and offering sweeping views over Scotland's western isles. Hebridean Air Services also runs flights from Oban on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
First look inside new hotel restaurant at Scots beauty spot after major £2.5million revamp
FINE DINING First look inside new hotel restaurant at Scots beauty spot after major £2.5million revamp Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTTISH hotel has unveiled its brand new restaurant following a major 2.5million revamp. Brig o'Doon, which sits on the banks of the River Doon in Alloway, South Ayrshire, has finally opened the stunning venue. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Brig o'Doon hotel sits on the banks of the River Doon in South Ayrshire Credit: Andi Watson Photography 10 The new restaurant has an outdoor and heated terrace for diners Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 The venue has sweeping views of the iconic River Doon and gardens below Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 The lounge bar has an a cocktail list and extensive wine and whisky menus Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel The opening of the Tales restaurant marks the completion of the final phase of refurbishments. We told in January how the hotel shut its doors for a "complete makeover". The popular wedding venue is famed for its links to Robert Burns - featuring in one of his most celebrated poems, Tam O'Shanter. Dating back to Medieval times, the hotel is situated by the banks of the River Doon and falls within the Burns Monument Conservation Area. It was built in 1829 as a Traveller's Inn, and has seen various owners over the years. In 2022, it was bought over by the Cumnock-based RAD Hotel Group. The family-owned property has undergone extensive renovations, including this final phase that includes a newly built wraparound extension. The new extension houses Tales, a lounge bar and private dining room, and elevated public spaces - inspired by Scottish folklore. The final revamp phase completes earlier refurbishments to the hotel's grand ballroom, luxurious bedrooms and new stunning suites. Tales will be open seven days a week from noon until 10pm offering seasonal Scottish cuisine, and sweeping views of the iconic River Doon and gardens below. Inside Fraser Suites Edinburgh The name and concept are rooted in the poetic legacy of Robert Burns, who famously penned many of his greatest works just steps from the hotel on the iconic Brig o' Doon bridge. As guests enter the hotel, they will be greeted into a new lounge, complete with a bespoke marble bar and cosy lounge seating. There is an intimate private dining room for up to 24 guests, ideal for quiet celebrations or pre-dinner gatherings or semi private spaces with picturesque views seating up to 16. Beyond the lounge, there is a 80-cover romantic dining space. Storytelling is featured throughout with local art adorning the walls, and a hand-painted Tam O' Shanter mural by artist Roderick McKenzie. A year-round outdoor terrace completes the scene, offering the perfect spot for summer drinks or alfresco dining. 10 There is an intimate private dining room for up to 24 guests Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 The Tam O'Shanter mural on the wall of the restaurant Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 Bao buns, crab tacos and corn fritters are on the menu Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel Co-owner of RAD Hotel Group, Vivien Kyle said: "I wanted Tales to feel like stepping into a storybook. "Something rooted in heritage but filled with imagination." "Each space feels like its own chapter, from the cosy booths to the visual anchor of the riverside views. "The palette, textures, and layout are all about creating little moments of magic." On the menu, Tales offers up locally-sourced seasonal Scottish flavours and comfort-led classic dishes. Diners can expect standout mains like individual Scotch Beef Wellingtons served with maple-glazed carrots and fondant potatoes, Seared Monkfish and King Prawn Curry with mango madras and coriander rice, or the Highlander Fries loaded with haggis and peppercorn sauce. Starters include a signature Scotch Egg wrapped in haggis and sausage, fresh mussels of the day, or modern Crab Tacos with lime mayo. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy showstoppers like Limoncello Crème Brûlée and the dreamy Triple Chocolate Pavlova. An imaginative cocktail list and extensive wine and whisky menus complement the story-driven experience. Following its final transformation, the hotel now offers 14 beautifully appointed bedrooms, including eight new River Suites with private balconies overlooking the river and landscaped gardens. The refurbishment also includes an enhanced function suite and a newly created wraparound outdoor terrace. 10 The semi private spaces with picturesque views seating up to 16 Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel 10 Diners can expect standout mains like individual Scotch beef wellingtons Credit: Brig O'Doon Hotel
