Campervan Road Trip Guide to Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway
Read Time: About 11 minutes
Moffat Water valley. John Knight
So you’ve dropped everything, hired a campervan, and you’re currently rumbling through the Scottish Lowland, using this guide to plan your holiday! This is stop 6 on our road trip through the Scottish Lowlands and Today, we uncover the thrills of the mysterious Moffat, a historic spa town in the beautiful Annandale Valley. The last stop was our road trip to Stranraer, which rests approximately two hours from Moffat via the A75. So pack your bags and make your way to merry Moffat, and we’ll show you the best places to explore and camp. Visit the link below to see the full campervan road trip itinerary for the Scottish Lowlands.
Many visitors discover that campsites in Dumfries and Galloway offer the perfect escape from city life, with Moffat serving as an ideal central base. The lively town of Moffat rests in the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway in southern Scotland. You don't need to follow our campervan road trip itinerary to the letter but you can use it to explore one of Scotland's quieter pastoral landscapes. Take a break from the hectic pace of Glasgow and Edinburgh, around an hour's drive from Moffat. Those using campervan hire Edinburgh will find this tranquil region surprisingly accessible, making it an excellent choice for a rejuvenating countryside getaway.
Oakbank Farm Campsite is a family-run space near Closeburn plus Dumfries and Galloway, nestled amid the gently rolling hills of South-West Scotland.
Expect a warm Scottish welcome as you enter this attractive town surrounded by lush valleys and hills, rich heritage and history, and a beautiful community-run nature reserve. After your long drive, why not stretch your legs and explore Moffat town centre? With free parking and plentiful cafes, pubs, and independent shops, many retain their historical character, which adds to the appeal. Check out the Moffat Museum, a quaint building that captures the town's rich history, from its roots as a spa town to its thriving agricultural heritage. Stock up on the famous Moffat Toffee at the Moffat Toffee Shop and pop in at the Star Hotel, famed as the narrowest detached hotel in the world.The hotel dates back to the 1700s and is only 20 feet wide, yet it holds an impressive eight en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar - perfect for our readers who need a refreshing pint after a 2-hour drive.
Follow the Robert Burns Trail, which includes stops at the house where he spent his final years plus his mausoleum in St Michael's Churchyard. Robert Burns spent his latter years living near Dumfries, only 20 miles from Moffat. Have a pint at The Black Bull Inn, which was one of the author's favourite haunts. Visitors can also visit the nearby Ellisland Farm, where he wrote some of his most famous works.
Moffat. Swnic2020
Moffat is the very first Dark Sky Town in Europe, and you're sure to see some of the sparkliest night skies at Moffatt’s campsites. For more shimmering nights, head to Clatteringshaws Loch within Galloway Forest Park, Europe's first designated Dark Sky Park.
There are plenty of attractions to explore, and it is a short 30-minute drive away. Even if you're not a fan of working up a sweat on a walk, the drive from the town to Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall and Nature Reserve is a scenic route that winds through the Highlands, giving a feel of being transported to the north of Scotland. The nature reserve holds one of the highest waterfalls in the UK. It plunges some 660 metres into the valley below, creating a magnificent attraction that can be admired from several vantage points.
There are several walking trails to The Devil's Beeftub, an interesting attraction with shadowy nooks and crannies that were once used to secretly steal cattle and also served as a gathering place for Covenanters during the Killing Times. Walkers can also access the famous, long-distance Southern Upland Way, which cuts through the rolling Scottish countryside.
You can also head to Scotland's highest villages, Wanlockhead and Leadhills. While it might be surprising to see Scotland's first and second-highest villages in the south of Scotland, this corner of the country holds several secrets. It offers a variety of activities, including Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, the oldest subscription library in Britain.
Honey Cottage Caravan Park is a lovely little haven tucked away in the middle of nowhere, with no phone signals or internet coverage. This fantastic site enjoys the scenery and tranquillity of the Border Hills.
A quick 31 - 40-minute drive via the A708 will lead to St. Mary's Loch, the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders. It is a fantastic spot for a peaceful lakeside picnic, gentle strolls, or leisurely walks. While driving around, take your camper for a scenic spin via the Borders Route. Enjoy a relaxing drive or cycle through winding roads that display the beauty of open, lush landscapes, historic villages, and open skies.
With its enticing blend of outdoor activities, unique attractions, and quiet charm, Moffat offers a delightful escape into the heart of southern Scotland. Find your campervan hire and you’re ready to go.
Best Moffat Campsites
Moffat Hills. Caroline Legg
For those traveling from Scotland's capital, campsites in Edinburgh provide a convenient starting point before journeying south to this peaceful countryside haven. There’s no better way to get an authentic feel of the great outdoors than by enjoying an overnight stay (or three) at a quiet Moffat campsite in southern Scotland. Combine the comforts of home with the thrills of the great outdoors and wander among the beautiful rolling hills, lush forests, and winding glittering rivers. Camping here puts you in the middle of a lush and tranquil landscape with plenty of walking trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing spots. We recommend checking out campsites in Lockerbie, Locharbriggs, and Annandale. Not only are these settlements all within a 30-minute drive from Moffat, but they are also perfectly positioned to explore the surrounding towns and attractions.
Discover some great campsites on this campervan road trip through the Scottish Lowlands. Lockerbie's quaint and cosy town rests near the English Border in the Dumfries and Galloway region, instantly recognizable with its red sandstone buildings. Find a campsite in Lockerbie and start exploring Lochmaben Castle, which the English occupied in the 1300s but now lies as a crumbled ruin with a few standing walls. It is a great dive into Scottish history and well worth a visit. Families can enjoy an afternoon out at Mossburn Animal Centre, a community farm with the friendliest farmyard animals, including hefty pigs, goats, graceful horses, and sheep who love to have a nose around the visitors. Just a stone's throw away, Eskrigg Reserve is an expansive green area home to many Scottish wildlife. There are fun activities and plenty of sightings of red squirrels, deer, and foxes. Walkers can follow the River Annan, which winds through the town, offers excellent routes, and offers salmon fishing. If you want to explore the surrounding area, take a look at our campsites in Lochmaben, campsites in Annan and campsites in Kirkpatrick Fleming.
The quiet, small village of Locharbriggs is an excellent base for exploring Moffat. When you stay at a campsite in Locharbriggs, you are a short drive away from the historic charm of Dumfries, which has a range of attractions, like the Robert Burns House, Dumfries Museum and Devorgilla Bridge. Visit the stunning Caerlaverock Castle, a gorgeous mediaeval fortress around 20 minutes away and one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions due to its triangular structure and encircling moat. For more green settings, wander the Mabie Forest, and explore viewsome hiking and mountain biking trails suitable for working up a sweat. Families can skip the fast-paced activities for quiet picnics and stroll around the play park.We list 104 campsites within 30 miles of Locharbriggs. You can also peek through nearby campsites in Dumfries, campsites in Auldgirth, campsites in Mouswald, campsites in New Abbey and campsites in Caerlaverock.
Set on the fringes of the peaceful village of Abington, Mount View Caravan Park is a five-minute drive away from M74 and enjoys a central location affording easy access to the buzzing city of Glasgow and the cosmopolitan capital of Edinburgh.
The picturesque region of Annandale brims with rolling landscapes, historic sites, and a peaceful setting perfect for a camping escape. Start your stay by exploring the town of Annan, which offers a blend of local charm and history. Potter is around the historic town centre, and you can pop in at the museum to learn about local heritage. Follow the River Annan for scenic views, and refuel at one of many excellent restaurants, pubs or cafes in town. Annandale campsites are surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of picturesque walks snaking through the landscape, including the long-distance Annandale Way, which spans from Moffat to Annan, cutting through valleys, rivers, and woodlands. We also recommend star gazing at the Galloway Forest Park, a short drive away, for incredible stargazing.Browse our selection of 117 campsites within 30 miles of Annandale. For more options in proximity to Moffat and Annandale, search for campsites in Langholm, campsites in Torthorwald and campsites in Gretna.
Lettershaws Farm is a back to basic s camping site set an ideal two miles from Abington, the highest village in Scotland. This wind-swept desolate location is just the spot for adventurers, who are keen to shake off the stress of everyday life in favour of pristine countryside and uninterrupted views of the scenic surrounds.
Campsites Near in Moffat
We’ve picked three of our top camping locations in Moffat that blend comforts, views, and easy access to local amenities plus attractions. If you’re short on time or completely new to campsite stays in Moffat, take a peek at Kirk Loch Caravan and Camping Site and Hoddom Castle Caravan Park. Read below if you’re wondering what amenities and accommodations are provided at these sites.
Kirk Loch Caravan and Camping Site in Lochmaben
Kirk Loch Caravan and Camping Site, Lochmaben
Set on the banks of the pretty Kirk Loch, Kirk Loch Caravan and Camping Site is a quiet and friendly town in Lochmaben. The campsite has 30 pitches on both grass and hardstanding with electric metres for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans. I look forward to a warm welcome from the site manager, who will show you around the campsite and your pitch. Most plots enjoy fine views over the glittering loch. The village has two public houses, a handy fish and chips spot, and a fab little cafe for a fresh and hearty breakfast. A beautiful golf course wraps around the loch, and campers can enjoy free fishing on Loch Kirk while staying at the campsite.
Hoddom Castle Caravan Park in Lockerbie
Hoddom Castle Caravan Park, Lockerbie
Hoddom Castle Caravan Park is a spacious, family-friendly campsite just 5 minutes from Lockerbie. Settle in for a royal camping stay on the grounds of a 16th-century castle next to the sparkling River Annan, and look forward to enjoying a comfortable stay complete with salmon fishing mere steps from your base. Explore the Hoddom and Kinmount estates on serene walking paths that cut through 10,000 acres and wind alongside the river. Pitches on grass and hardstanding are available for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans.
Campervan Hire Towns in Moffat
Hire a campervan in Dumfries and Galloway for your campervan road trip through Moffat and you’re on your way to exploring and experiencing the spectacular landscapes and hidden gems of southern Scotland. Moffat is a fantastic base for scenic drives like the Southern Upland Way and the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall. With a campervan you can freely roam Moffat’s surroundings countryside and access a wealth of incredible attractions with ease. Uncover the rest of the Dumfries and Galloway region with ease, rumbling between the Solway Coast, Galloway Forest Park, or the jagged hills of the borders. The town brims with outdoor activities for all ages, and a campervan rental makes it easy to get around on an affordable budget. If you are heading out from Edinburgh or Glasgow on a quick weekend escape, or starting your Scottish Lowlands trip in Moffat, consider looking for campervans around Moffat in Lochmaben, Thornhill or Auldgirth. Take a peek below to see why we recommend rentals in these locations.
Moffat. Caroline Legg
The small town of Lochmaben is a central base for kick-starting a road trip to Moffat and the rest of Dumfries and Galloway. Take your Lochmaben campervan hire for a spin around the town’s three scenic lochs - Castle Loch, Kirk Loch, and Mill Loch - which boast beautiful waterfront vistas and access to an array of water-based activities, like fishing, kayaking and swimming. Potter around the 14th-century Lochmaben Castle and learn of its rich history, including the stronghold of the Bruce family. You can easily visit historic attractions like Caerlaverock Castle and Sweetheart Abbey from Lochmaben. Swap countryside scenery for coastline as you explore the beautiful Solway Coast, with its rugged coastline and stunning beaches. Take a look at 32 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Lochmaben or find more campervans for hire in Lockerbie, campervans for hire in Mouswald, campervans for hire in Dumfries, campervans for hire in Caerlaverock, campervans for hire in Annan and campervans for hire in New Abbey.
When renting a campervan in Thornhill, you're off to a scenic escape with views of the dramatic Southern Uplands. Enjoy effortless access to scenic routes and breathtaking landscapes ranging from quiet country roads to jaw-dropping mountains, and enjoy proximity to a range of natural attractions perfect for mountain biking, hiking and stargazing. The beautiful Galloway Forest Park, one of the best dark-sky parks in the UK, is a short drive away, and plenty of historic sites like Morton Castle and Drumlanrig Castle are scattered across the landscape. The village's central location means you're close to the coastline and the countryside and gorgeous walking routes like the coast-to-coast Southern Upland Way. There are 30 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Thornhill, or find more campervan hires in Sanquhar and campervan hires in Leadhills.
Age: 21-79
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Gorgeous Galli boasts a new layout built for off-road family life. She offers a fixed French-style bed to the rear, plus daytime seating that converts to a further double bed at night, creating a comfortable 3-berth campervan.
The sleepy village of Auldgirth is a fine centre-point for exploring Moffat and some of Scotoand’s prettiest and untamed landscapes. Located near Dumfries, our Auldgirth campervans promise a tranquil and viewsome start to your journey, with beautiful drives through the Lowther Hills, the Solway Coast and plenty of other gorgeous viewpoints. With the coastline under an hour’s drive away, you’re well-placed to enjoy both countryside and coastal capers. Take your time discovering this quiet area brimming with beautiful beaches, wildlife reserves, and quaint seaside villages. Spot birdlife at RSPB Mersehead or twiddle your toes on the sandy expanse of Powfoot Beach. Alternatively, drive past sprawling farmland, glittering rivers and hillscapes that brim with scenic backroads, forest trails and a smattering of sleepy villages with the friendliest locals. With 31 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Auldgirth and more campervans in Moniaive, campervans in Torthorwald and campervans in Kirkgunzeon you’re certain to find the perfect campervan for your road trip.
Goodbye to Moffat
And that concludes our campervan road trip in Moffat. While it can be hard to say goodbye to this special, often overlooked area in the Lowlands, we have more stops to Peebles, Melrose, North Berwick and Dunbar coming up in our Unmissable Road Trip Itinerary Through The Scottish Lowlands. Next, we adventure through pretty Peebles and explore its unforgettable attractions. With campervan rental options, campsite recommendations, and a comprehensive guide, we hope to provide our readers with top notch information about where to find a campsite and hire a campervan.
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