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historic spa town in the Annandale Valley

Moffat - Europe's First Dark Sky Town

Moffat is located in the Moffat hills, near the Devil's Beef Tub and the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall. The town has a rich history, once being a major sheep farming area and later becoming a popular Victorian spa. 

Moffat is also known as Europe's first Dark Sky Town, a designation achieved by reducing light pollution with special street lighting and achieving officially recognised dark sky status in 2016. 

The town offers spectacular views of the night sky, visible even to the naked eye, and is home to the Moffat Community Observatory, which hosts free, bookable stargazing sessions and is a Dark Sky Discovery Site. The best time for stargazing is during the October to March winter months, on a clear night

Dumfries & Galloway is one of the most attractive parts of southern Scotland. With a mild climate and unspoilt countryside, a great variety of walks can be enjoyed in the vicinity and riding is particularly popular. Salmon and trout fishing can be arranged locally and there are several golf courses within easy reach. The Solway Firth is less than an hour’s drive away.

Serene lake with rippling water surrounded by rolling hills under a cloudy sky.

moffat and the surrounding area

A winding road near moffat through a lush green valley between rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
A calm river flowing through lush green hills under a cloudy sky.
A scenic lake with sailboats and green hills under a cloudy sky.
A cozy house nestled in lush green fields under a partly cloudy sky and distant hills.
Sunlit green valley surrounded by rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Statue of a ram atop a large stone pedestal under a clear blue sky in moffat dumfries and galloway.
Calm lake surrounded by rolling hills under a dramatic sky.
Close-up of dew-covered grass and pink wildflowers in a field.
A clear day on moffat main street with a clock tower and monument.
A stunning view of the star-filled night sky.

Find out more about Moffat

https://visitmoffat.scot/

Walks & Activities

Explore Moffat

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall & Loch Skeen

Moffat Riverside Trail

Moffat offers various walks, including the low-level Moffat Riverside Trail, which follows the River Annan and forms part of the Annandale Way. For hillwalking, you can explore the Moffat Hills, such as the popular Grey Mare's Tail and Loch Skeen, or tackle peaks like Hart Fell and White Coomb. Shorter, easier options include the Garpol Glen walk, leading past the ruins of Auchen Castle.

Moffat Riverside Trail

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall & Loch Skeen

Moffat Riverside Trail

A mostly flat walk along the River Annan, starting from Station Park and passing the boating lake.


Highlights: Explores the "Dr Wattie's Walk" and includes a section of the Annandale Way, a designated Scotland's Great Trail. 


Difficulty: Easy.

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall & Loch Skeen

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall & Loch Skeen

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall & Loch Skeen

A popular route featuring a dramatic waterfall and a beautiful loch.


Highlights: A beautiful intermediate hike in the Southern Uplands, with options to combine it with White Coomb for a longer loop.


Difficulty: Intermediate.

Hart Fell Walks

Garpol Glen Walk

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall & Loch Skeen

Offers several routes to the summit of Hart Fell, one of the highest peaks in the area. 


Highlights: Popular with hikers and runners, with options for challenging circular walks.


Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult, depending on the route.

Garpol Glen Walk

Garpol Glen Walk

Garpol Glen Walk

A gentler option from the town centre, crossing the Moffat Golf course and the Evan Water.


Highlights: Takes you past the historic ruins of Auchen Castle.


Difficulty: Easy.

Gallow Hill

Garpol Glen Walk

Garpol Glen Walk

 This short walk from the centre of Moffat heads up Gallow Hill above the town on a circular route with good views. 


Highlights:  The hill has recently been purchased by the local community who aim to restore it as broadleaf woodland. 


Difficulty: Intermediate.

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