Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve

Families of adventurers exploring the Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve can reward their hard work with a walk behind the 200ft waterfall that tumbles from Loch Skeen into the Moffat Water Valley!

It's actually the 5th highest in the UK, and nearby (though it doesn't seem so near when one is climbing it, it is pretty steep) is the White Coomb, the highest hill in Dumfriesshire.

A recognised Special Area of Conservation, this is a paradise for hill walkers, botanists and wildlife enthusiasts who come to observe the rich collection of some of southern Scotland's most rare upland plants as well as peregrines, ring ouzels and rather feral wild goats! Best not to approach.

Little historians, too, will be interested to discover evidence of Iron Age settlers and the Covenanters who were here in the 17th century, plus an Iron Age earthwork called The Tail Burn Fort, also known as the Giant's Grave! It should be stressed it's just a name though, there's nothing to do with tombs here.

Plus, there's interpretative media in the visitor centre and a wealth of local information. Great HQ for your day's adventure!