Attractions and Places To See around Auldgirth And District - Top 20

The Robert Burns House is a simple sandstone building where the famous Scottish poet Robert "Rabbie" Burns spent the final years of his life with his family. The house now functions as a museum dedicated to his life and work in Dumfries. 

Excellent walk. I would recommend walking boots. It's an interesting walk that has its challenges but is very manageable. Fantastic sounds and sights, some of which are dramatic and a little scary. About a third of the way in near the waterfall make sure you dip between the rocks and take a good look at the waterfall, it's just of the path. We managed 95% of the walk before it became too difficult. When you getvthe stream 30% of the way through, keep going, cross the stream and climb, the path does come back. Also after the stream go up the path ro the right for another great view. Walking only, you will need to go over and under some fallen trees. Fantastic 2 hours. There is a little car park near by for about 6 cars.

It was in this simple sandstone house in a quiet Dumfries street that Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, spent the last years of his life. He died here in 1796 at the age of just thirty seven. The house shows us how the poet and his family lived in the late eighteenth century, and is now a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world. The sales area has books, gifts and keepsakes, all with a Burns connection. Robert Burns' Mausoleum is only a short distance from Burns House in St Michael's Kirkyard. From Monday 25th March through to Monday 30th September 2024, the mausoleum will be opened for visits on Mondays to Saturdays at 11.15am and 2.15pm. No need to book, just turn up and a member of our team will show you in and share some of the history. https://www.dgculture.co.uk/venue/robert-burns-house/

Built in 1881 the church is one of the few remaining examples of ‘tin’ churches that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The owner of the Dalswinton Estate at the time, Mrs McAlpine-Leny, was unhappy with the larger Kirkton Parish Kirk and so bought her own for Dalswinton. At the first service, 300 people attended! These churches were made in kit form in Edinburgh and Glasgow and exported overseas as well as being used frequently in Scotland. Corrugated iron buildings were frequently used at this time in new and remote communities especially, due to the material’s quick and inexpensive qualities. The six-bay church has Gothic windows and a bellcote with a steep spire at the east gable. There is a small porch at the north-east corner. The interior of the church is timber-lined, and features original pitch-pine pews, pulpit and panelling, and has an open roof. A chancel was formed between a vestry and laird’s pew at the west end. Stained glass windows were added in 1950 and 1975. The earlier window is a one-light window of David, while the 1970s one is a semi-abstract window, with scenes of King David.

The A 711 and A710 may not be very busy but, as often in rural districts, the locals do tend to drive fast. A711 in particular can be a bit of a race track - but good village shop/cafes in Auchencairn and Palnackie (Check hours on Facebok).

Crichope Linn is a fantastic gorge and waterfall located near Thornhill. There is an undulating trail that follows the gorge and you are free to explore as far as it takes you. This is a real hidden gem that's lightly travelled. Don't forget to pack a decent pair of shoes for the scrambling.

A short walk or ride from the car park is a bridge over the river Ae. A popular place to stop and take photos. Wooden carved bench close to bridge. Easy access to this point and well worth a look

Makes a really good round trip going back to Dumfries on the coast roads, A711 to Dalbeattie and A710 to Dumfries (they may be A roads, but not very busy). Probably better done the other way round as the coast route is longer so better done before a cafe stop in Kirkcudbright.