Drumlanrig Castle resides in the wider Queensberry Estate, boasting hundreds of acres of land that features many way-marked trails amidst the Dumfries and Galloway countryside. Parking up beside the Castle, a plethora of trails can be accessed, leading past unique landscape features and spectacular view points of Drumlanrig and it’s surrounding scenery.

Short walks such as The Enchanted Forest provides an enjoyable introduction to the mixed woodlands of Drumlanrig, passing lochs and landscapes. Longer hikes such as Arwen’s Trail consist of more challenging uphill climbs but reward you with incredible viewpoints of the Estate.

In what is named the highest village in Scotland at 467m above sea level, the old lead-mining village of Wanlockhead provides a haven of hill top walking. Don’t just sit around on Boxing Day, immerse yourself in the rolling summits of the Lowther Hills. Surrounded by stunning views of the Dumfries and Galloway countryside, see if you can spot Drumlanrig Castle perched in the distance.

As far as Boxing Day walks go, a sprinkle of snow may add a magical touch to the setting but be cautious, as walking in this area in heavy snow may require essential winter hiking skills and techniques.

If you’re really looking to blow away the cobwebs this Boxing Day, take on a 6 mile, uphill walk with an intriguing structure at the summit. The Striding Arches by Andy Goldsworthy are a series of grand, sandstone arches built on the hilltops around Cairnhead and are signposted  from the centre of nearby village, Moniaive.

Visitors to Drumlanrig Castle may have come across the ‘Leaping Arch’ situated on the Blue Route Walk. This is a great alternative Boxing Day walk for those looking for a short and easier route, but still features the incredible work of Goldsworthy.