Getting here
Wigtown is in the Machars area of Dumfries & Galloway, south-west Scotland.
With central-belt Scotland and Ayrshire to the north, and Cumbria and the Lake District to the south, this patchwork of green fields, rugged coastline, moorland and hills is home to a rich cultural life.
By road
From the South
Follow M6 onto the M74, leave the M74 at Gretna (junction 22) and follow the signs for A75 Stranraer (drive time approx. 1.5 hours). At Newton Stewart roundabout, pick up the signs for Wigtown, 1st exit on the left.
From the North
From Glasgow
Follow the A77 to Ayr. From Ayr take the signs for A713 Castle Douglas. At New Galloway pick up the A712 'Queens Way' to Newton Stewart then onto Wigtown. Alternatively, from Ayr, you can follow the A77 to Girvan, then A714 to Newton Stewart via Barrhill
From Edinburgh
Follow the M8 to Glasgow and then pick up the A77 (as per directions from Glasgow). Alternatively, head south on the A702 to Abington and onto the M74, exit at Moffat (junction 15) at follow the A701 to Dumfries. Follow the signs A75 Stranraer, at Newton Stewart roundabout, pick up the signs for Wigtown, 1st exit on the left.
By bus / coach
From the South
The National Express coach service travels across the region on a daily basis with a pick up and drop off at Newton Stewart (6 miles from Wigtown) contact 08717 818181 for further information. The local Stagecoach service can be contacted on 01776 704484.
From the North
Stagecoach operates a daily service from Glasgow to Newton Stewart via Ayr, X77 Glasgow to Ayr, Service 58 Ayr to Girvan, Service 359 Girvan to Newton Stewart/Wigtown. For further information click on stagecoachbus.com or telephone 01776 704484.
In the Region
Stagecoach local services operate on a daily basis, with a regular bus service across the region from Dumfries. The local Stagecoach service can be contacted on 01776 704484.
By rail
From the South
Scotrail services operate on a daily basis from Carlisle to Dumfries. Click on www.scotrail.co.uk or call 03448110141 for further information.
From the North
Scotrail services operate on a daily basis from Glasgow to Stranraer via Ayr stopping at Barrhill to connect by bus to Wigtown.
Visit www.scotrail.co.uk or call 03448110141 for further information.
Scotrail offers up to 20%discount on group bookings for fixed journeys. 3 weeks prior notice must be given. To enquire, telephone 03448 110141.
By ferry
From Ireland
A number of services operate from Larne/Belfast to Cairnryan. For the most up to date information, click on the links below:
- Stena Line (up to 9 crossings daily, Stena HSS fast ferry 2 hours and Superferry 3 hours) www.stenaline.co.uk or call 08447 70 70 70
- P&O (up to 8 crossings daily) www.poirishsea.com or call 08716646464
By air
Regular flights operate from UK airports to Glasgow International Airport. The airport has connecting buses to Glasgow City Centre, including Central Station from where you can catch a train to Barrhill or Stranraer. For help planning your journey from Glasgow International Airport, feel free to contact the Festival Box Office.
Please note: we try to keep information up to date, but please check travel details before setting out
By Bicycle
There is a designated cycle path from Newton Stewart to Wigtown via the Moss of Cree road. This avoids the main road. From other directions, cyclists can travel with care using the main roads. Bicycle parking racks are available in Wigtown Town Centre beside the bus shelter between North Main Street and South Main Street. Wet weather bicycle storage is available by contacting the Festival Office on 01988 403222.
Tourist information
For information on attractions and accommodation in Wigtown and south-west Scotland, please use:
I fixed on Galloway as the best place to go.
John Buchan, The Thirty-Nine Steps