Explore the beautiful scenery of Scotland and marvel at the unparalleled views from the train as you journey from Gretna Green to Stranraer via Kilmarnock and Ayr.

Keep your camera ready throughout this scenic rail journey as you travel through the lush Scottish countryside.

Further along the route, towards Ayr the railway like takes you south along the west coast, with views over the sea to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.

Along the route you’ll see the landscape that inspired Robert Burns. Want to find out more about Scotland’s famous poet? Stop off in Dumfries to visit Robert Burns House and mausoleum or leave the train at Ayr and visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Find out more about the Ayr to Stranraer section of the scenic route via ScotRail’s website here…

Highlights

The rail journey!

Golf fans will love a round of golf at Royal Troon, a regular host course for the Open Championship

Find out more

Local line website

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Parking is available at many stations. Look up station facilities here: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Gretna Green, at the start of the South West Scotland line, can be easily accessed (within a 20 minute train journey) from Carlisle Railway Station. Carlisle is a hub station for trains from the north, south and east.

A number of bus routes serve the railway stations along the line. Get local bus times by planning your journey on the Traveline website.

Route

Gretna Green - Dumfries - Kilmarnock - Ayr - Stranraer

Cost

£49.40 Off-Peak Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

4hrs 58

Distance

155 miles | 250 km

Time from London

3:50 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Highlights along the line

Gretna Green
The Gateway to Scotland hosts over 5000 weddings a year; but you don’t have to get hitched to enjoy all that this diverse region has to offer! Plenty of hotel and guest house accommodation makes it an ideal base to explore Dumfries & Galloway for walking, cycling, fishing, wildfowling, golf, gardens, and naturally beautiful countryside. Find out more at GretnaGreen.com

Dumfries
At the heart of Dumfries is the River Nith, where you will often see fishermen its waters. Dumfries has Scotland’s largest independent store in Barbours, a great shopping experience. This can be accompanied by a visit to CAMRA’s Stewartry pub of the year at the Cavens Arms, next door, which is famed for both food and drink.

Ayr
Visit Ayr, the largest town in South West Scotland, located on the delightful Clyde Coast. This area is well-known for being the birthplace of Robert Burns. Discover more about the popular 18th century poet and his inspiration at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Stranraer
Stranraer is the largest coastal town in Scotland to the south of Ayr located on the shores of Loch Ryan. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful town centre that is dominated by the Castle of St John. Stop off for a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and take time to sit and watch the world go by. Find out more at VisitStranraer.scot