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Daily Record
17 hours ago
- Daily Record
Picturesque Scottish town is perfect for stargazing and exploring stunning nature trails
Just over an hour from Glasgow, Moffat is near one of the UK's highest and most stunning waterfalls With summer fast approaching, it's the perfect excuse to get out and explore the wild beauty right on Scotland's doorstep, and you don't have to trek to the Highlands or hop on a ferry to find it. Located just over an hour from Glasgow, the picturesque town of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway is quietly stealing the spotlight as a must-visit destination for lovers of nature, history, and a bit of stargazing, Glasgow Live reports. Scotland's first official 'Walkers are Welcome' town, Moffat is more than just a pretty stopover. It offers the perfect base to experience Grey Mare's Tail, a breathtaking natural landmark that was recently celebrated by BBC Countryfile as one of the top walking routes in the UK. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve lies at the edge of the Southern Uplands and delivers everything from dramatic landscapes and plunging waterfalls to remote lochs and roaming wildlife. The waterfall itself is a showstopper, tumbling over 200 feet from Loch Skeen into the Moffat Water Valley, it ranks among the tallest and most dramatic in the UK. According to BBC Countryfile, the walking path is 'easy to follow from the car park 200m up the side of the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall to Loch Skeen at 500m,' and is an ideal route for those hoping to enjoy the scenery in peace. As they put it, 'you might have it all to yourself' during the colder months. But walkers are urged to tread with care. The magazine adds: 'Check the forecast before setting out and take care on the path,' highlighting the narrow sections with 'precipitous drops.' Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, as the hillsides are grazed by sheep and feral goats. After a day spent soaking up the views, Moffat itself has plenty to offer. The town is known for its own famous sweet treat — the legendary Moffat Toffee, which you can still pick up at the much-loved Moffat Toffee Shop. Brimming with independent shops and cafes, Moffat also has plenty to keep families entertained, including Station Park, which boasts a boating pond and children's playground. Another highlight is the Moffat Distillery, where visitors can relax in the on-site cafe and bar, sample their unique wood-fired spirits, or browse the shop for a bottle to take home. If you're keen to explore Moffat's rich past, the newly refurbished museum is a hidden gem, offering a fascinating look at the area's history. As for places to stay, Moffat does not disappoint. The Penthouse at St Mary's Church is one of Sykes Cottages' most sought-after properties and it's easy to see why, with its stunning views and character-filled interiors. 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. Those after something a bit more rustic can book a stay at Strathannan, a charming country cottage just outside the town, or opt for something truly luxurious like a spacious mansion house with elegant period features, available through Holiday Cottages. And for something entirely different, there's a handcrafted double shepherd's hut complete with its very own hot tub, perfect for a cosy romantic retreat under the stars. Moffat is also Europe's first Dark Sky Town, making it one of the best spots in the country for stargazing when skies are clear. Whether you're after a scenic ramble, a peaceful night under the stars or a taste of local flavour, this charming Borders town has all the makings of a perfect summer getaway.
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- Science
- Western Telegraph
Spiny Dogfish: 75-year-old shark living in shallow UK waters
You may think that stumbling across a shark when taking a trip to the beach is rare with most species spending their time further out to sea. However, there are some sharks that can be found in shallow waters near the UK shoreline, like the Small Spotted Catshark and Spiny Dogfish. Native wild animals in the UK One of the longest-living sharks lurking in shallow waters in the UK Spiny Dogfish, also known as Spurdog Sharks, are one of the most common sharks in the UK, according to BBC Countryfile. This is despite a decline in population over recent years, caused by overfishing. They are also one of the longest-living shark species, with a lifespan of up to 75 years, Wildlife Trusts adds. Spiny Dogfish can live for up to 75 years. (Image: Getty Images) How to spot a Spiny Dogfish Spiny Dogfish can grow up to 1.6 metres in length and weigh 9.1kg. The shark can be distinguished by its pointed snout, large eyes, and spines in front of its dorsal fins, Wildlife Trusts said. The wildlife experts added: "Its streamlined body is a grey/brown colour on top with a lighter belly and rows of white spots down its sides." Are Spiny Dogfish dangerous? Spiny Dogfish, aka Spurdog Sharks, live off a diet of fish, squid, jellyfish and crustations, according to BBC Countryfile. They are also known to sometimes feed on smaller sharks. But Spiny Dogfish are considered "harmless" to humans, Oceana added. RECOMMENDED READING: Where you'll find Spiny Dogfish in the UK Spiny Dogfish are a migratory species that spend the winter months in deep waters, before making their way to shallow coastal waters in the summer. They are most commonly found, according to Wildlife Trusts, in: The Irish Sea Northeast Atlantic You will also find Spurdog Sharks in "temperate waters" around the world.
Powys County Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Powys County Times
Spiny Dogfish: 75-year-old shark living in shallow UK waters
There are more than 40 species of sharks found in British waters, including the likes of the Greenland, Basking and Blue Sharks. You may think that stumbling across a shark when taking a trip to the beach is rare with most species spending their time further out to sea. However, there are some sharks that can be found in shallow waters near the UK shoreline, like the Small Spotted Catshark and Spiny Dogfish. Native wild animals in the UK One of the longest-living sharks lurking in shallow waters in the UK Spiny Dogfish, also known as Spurdog Sharks, are one of the most common sharks in the UK, according to BBC Countryfile. This is despite a decline in population over recent years, caused by overfishing. They are also one of the longest-living shark species, with a lifespan of up to 75 years, Wildlife Trusts adds. How to spot a Spiny Dogfish Spiny Dogfish can grow up to 1.6 metres in length and weigh 9.1kg. The shark can be distinguished by its pointed snout, large eyes, and spines in front of its dorsal fins, Wildlife Trusts said. The wildlife experts added: "Its streamlined body is a grey/brown colour on top with a lighter belly and rows of white spots down its sides." @uktoday_ Are there dangerous sharks in the UK? #uknews #sharks #sharksoftiktok #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound - UKToday 🇬🇧 Newsquest Are Spiny Dogfish dangerous? Spiny Dogfish, aka Spurdog Sharks, live off a diet of fish, squid, jellyfish and crustations, according to BBC Countryfile. They are also known to sometimes feed on smaller sharks. But Spiny Dogfish are considered "harmless" to humans, Oceana added. Where you'll find Spiny Dogfish in the UK Spiny Dogfish are a migratory species that spend the winter months in deep waters, before making their way to shallow coastal waters in the summer. They are most commonly found, according to Wildlife Trusts, in:
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Spiny Dogfish: 75-year-old shark living in shallow UK waters
You may think that stumbling across a shark when taking a trip to the beach is rare with most species spending their time further out to sea. However, there are some sharks that can be found in shallow waters near the UK shoreline, like the Small Spotted Catshark and Spiny Dogfish. Spiny Dogfish, also known as Spurdog Sharks, are one of the most common sharks in the UK, according to BBC Countryfile. This is despite a decline in population over recent years, caused by overfishing. They are also one of the longest-living shark species, with a lifespan of up to 75 years, Wildlife Trusts adds. Spiny Dogfish can live for up to 75 years. (Image: Getty Images) Spiny Dogfish can grow up to 1.6 metres in length and weigh 9.1kg. The shark can be distinguished by its pointed snout, large eyes, and spines in front of its dorsal fins, Wildlife Trusts said. The wildlife experts added: "Its streamlined body is a grey/brown colour on top with a lighter belly and rows of white spots down its sides." Spiny Dogfish, aka Spurdog Sharks, live off a diet of fish, squid, jellyfish and crustations, according to BBC Countryfile. They are also known to sometimes feed on smaller sharks. But Spiny Dogfish are considered "harmless" to humans, Oceana added. RECOMMENDED READING: 'Mysterious' 400-year-old sharks found lurking in the depths of British waters Where can you find great white sharks - are there any in the UK? 5 sharks for Brits to be aware of this season - From giants to those that attack Spiny Dogfish are a migratory species that spend the winter months in deep waters, before making their way to shallow coastal waters in the summer. They are most commonly found, according to Wildlife Trusts, in: You will also find Spurdog Sharks in "temperate waters" around the world.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Spiny Dogfish: 75-year-old shark living in shallow UK waters
You may think that stumbling across a shark when taking a trip to the beach is rare with most species spending their time further out to sea. However, there are some sharks that can be found in shallow waters near the UK shoreline, like the Small Spotted Catshark and Spiny Dogfish. Native wild animals in the UK One of the longest-living sharks lurking in shallow waters in the UK Spiny Dogfish, also known as Spurdog Sharks, are one of the most common sharks in the UK, according to BBC Countryfile. This is despite a decline in population over recent years, caused by overfishing. They are also one of the longest-living shark species, with a lifespan of up to 75 years, Wildlife Trusts adds. Spiny Dogfish can live for up to 75 years. (Image: Getty Images) How to spot a Spiny Dogfish Spiny Dogfish can grow up to 1.6 metres in length and weigh 9.1kg. The shark can be distinguished by its pointed snout, large eyes, and spines in front of its dorsal fins, Wildlife Trusts said. The wildlife experts added: "Its streamlined body is a grey/brown colour on top with a lighter belly and rows of white spots down its sides." Are Spiny Dogfish dangerous? Spiny Dogfish, aka Spurdog Sharks, live off a diet of fish, squid, jellyfish and crustations, according to BBC Countryfile. They are also known to sometimes feed on smaller sharks. But Spiny Dogfish are considered "harmless" to humans, Oceana added. RECOMMENDED READING: Where you'll find Spiny Dogfish in the UK Spiny Dogfish are a migratory species that spend the winter months in deep waters, before making their way to shallow coastal waters in the summer. They are most commonly found, according to Wildlife Trusts, in: The Irish Sea Northeast Atlantic You will also find Spurdog Sharks in "temperate waters" around the world.
