Picturesque Scottish town is perfect for stargazing and exploring stunning nature trails

Just over an hour from Glasgow, Moffat is near one of the UK's highest and most stunning waterfalls
With summer fast approaching, it's the perfect excuse to get out and explore the wild beauty right on Scotland's doorstep, and you don't have to trek to the Highlands or hop on a ferry to find it.
Located just over an hour from Glasgow, the picturesque town of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway is quietly stealing the spotlight as a must-visit destination for lovers of nature, history, and a bit of stargazing, Glasgow Live reports.
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Scotland's first official 'Walkers are Welcome' town, Moffat is more than just a pretty stopover. It offers the perfect base to experience Grey Mare's Tail, a breathtaking natural landmark that was recently celebrated by BBC Countryfile as one of the top walking routes in the UK.
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Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve lies at the edge of the Southern Uplands and delivers everything from dramatic landscapes and plunging waterfalls to remote lochs and roaming wildlife.
The waterfall itself is a showstopper, tumbling over 200 feet from Loch Skeen into the Moffat Water Valley, it ranks among the tallest and most dramatic in the UK.
According to BBC Countryfile, the walking path is 'easy to follow from the car park 200m up the side of the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall to Loch Skeen at 500m,' and is an ideal route for those hoping to enjoy the scenery in peace. As they put it, 'you might have it all to yourself' during the colder months.
But walkers are urged to tread with care. The magazine adds: 'Check the forecast before setting out and take care on the path,' highlighting the narrow sections with 'precipitous drops.' Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, as the hillsides are grazed by sheep and feral goats.
After a day spent soaking up the views, Moffat itself has plenty to offer. The town is known for its own famous sweet treat — the legendary Moffat Toffee, which you can still pick up at the much-loved Moffat Toffee Shop.
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Brimming with independent shops and cafes, Moffat also has plenty to keep families entertained, including Station Park, which boasts a boating pond and children's playground.
Another highlight is the Moffat Distillery, where visitors can relax in the on-site cafe and bar, sample their unique wood-fired spirits, or browse the shop for a bottle to take home.
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If you're keen to explore Moffat's rich past, the newly refurbished museum is a hidden gem, offering a fascinating look at the area's history.
As for places to stay, Moffat does not disappoint. The Penthouse at St Mary's Church is one of Sykes Cottages' most sought-after properties and it's easy to see why, with its stunning views and character-filled interiors.
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Those after something a bit more rustic can book a stay at Strathannan, a charming country cottage just outside the town, or opt for something truly luxurious like a spacious mansion house with elegant period features, available through Holiday Cottages.
And for something entirely different, there's a handcrafted double shepherd's hut complete with its very own hot tub, perfect for a cosy romantic retreat under the stars.
Moffat is also Europe's first Dark Sky Town, making it one of the best spots in the country for stargazing when skies are clear.
Whether you're after a scenic ramble, a peaceful night under the stars or a taste of local flavour, this charming Borders town has all the makings of a perfect summer getaway.

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