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The historic county of Wigtownshire spreads across two peninsulas – the hammer-shaped Rhins of Galloway in the west, and the triangle-shaped Machars peninsula in the east. We spent two days exploring these two areas, which gives you an idea for how much there is to see here! Stop 1: Wigtown AD: Magnus Maximus, commander of the Roman Army in Britannia campaigns against the Picts and Scots, probably driving them (or their aristocracy) out of modern southern Scotland where they may have gained dominance. Maximus is popularly recorded as the forefather of federated “states” in southern Scotland with Galloway’s first ruler Antonius claiming dynastic descent from Maximus himself. AD: Severus dies early in the year (February). The main legionary forces are still south in winter quarters outwith the main area of operations. Caracalla abandons campaigning apparently coming to an agreement with and no doubt favourable to the northern tribes. Caracalla hurriedly withdraws to Rome to secure an uncontested succession which he further consolidates by murdering his brother Geta in 212. The Severan bases at Carpow, Cramond and Carriden may have soldiered on into the 220s but are eventually abandoned, imperial interest having drifted elsewhere.

Visit this restored Georgian house and garden and discover how it inspired one of the most treasured children’s stories.

A timeline of events in the history of Roman Scotland

From the bird colonies and nature reserves on the east coast to the coastal walks and lighthouses of the west, the remote hills and mountains of the Southern Uplands to the lush banks of the River Tweed. The landscapes in the south of Scotland are incredibly diverse and so are the activities you can do there. Which brings me to… 3. The South has Something for Everyone We chose to stay in two central locationsnear Melrose and Newton Stewart and did day trips from there. It is also possible to travel around the south road trip-style, i.e. changing accommodation every night or two. Distances are so feasible though, that this is not necessary if you prefer a more relaxed travel style. If you have a few more hours and prefer to hike instead of more cultural/history stops (see below), you can also follow the steep but rewarding trail up to Loch Skeen. It leads through the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve, brings you even closer to the waterfall and into the wilderness of this remote hill range.

AD: Maximus, with the frontier secured by buffer kingdoms, withdraws much of the garrison of Britannia to pursue his claim as Augustus on the continent, something he manages for a while with some success slaying Gratian but eventually going down in defeat in Italy in 388 to Theodosius. The circular route follows roads along the coast of Dumfries & Galloway and into southern Ayrshire, an area which takes in part of a UNESCO Biosphere - Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere - and one of Scotland’s forest parks – the Galloway Forest Park. It’s the perfect way to discover the unique character of the south west of Scotland, with many places to stop and uncover fascinating heritage, stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. AD: Agricola consolidates his hold on the eastern lowlands of Scotland, limiting expansion to efforts to penetrate and control Selgovae territory in the central lowlands. In anticipation of recall, or by having met the extent of expansion required by his Imperial instructions Agricola sets up a series of posts across the Forth- Clyde isthmus, (Scotland’s first Roman frontier) and initiates the building of the Roman road network.

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I myself prefer the use of paper roadmaps when I’m on the road in Scotland as they have the best detailed information and they also work without a smartphone, or a phone with a dead battery, or when there is no internet connection. There are a few good quality paper roadmaps available, I recommend using the Philip’s Navigator Scotland: (A4 Spiral binding) or the Visit Scotland Touring Map. If you go for the highest detail in localised maps there is nothing better than the Ordnance Survey Landranger Maps. These maps are super detailed, are great for exploring areas and are perfect for when you’re walking too. Those who are brave enough to throw their dreams of the Scottish Highlands overboard and follow my advice will be rewarded with all the benefits of off-beat travel: more affordable accommodation that can be booked more last-minute, more space at car parks and attractions, and less busy roads and traffic. AD: Warfare in Scotland prosecuted for the Romans by the martinet General Ulpius Marcellus. Hostilities are not concluded till 184 when Commodus is acclaimed Imperator and takes the title “Britannicus”. An altar records a legionary vexillation based at Castlecary at this time while Mumrills may have been rebuilt. It is also possible Cramond and perhaps Carriden remained in continuous occupation through to early next century however by the mid 180s it would appear that all other Roman posts in Scotland without recourse to easy re-supply from the sea are given up as untenable. There are not many large roads going from east to west in the south of Scotland. We followed the winding A708 from Selkirk to Moffat. This road runs right through the Moffat Hills, a range within the Southern Uplands, and is a scenic experience that rivals that of a Highlands road trip. Stop 1: Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve