Annan: River Routes and Maritime History

Discover Annan through a range of themes: routes follow the River Annan and its salt marshes, while the harbour facilities, streets and museum offer insights into the town’s history. When choosing a hotel, it can be helpful to first consider whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, explore historic sites or plan a distillery tour.

Walking by the River Annan and the Coast

The Annan Shore Walk leads from the town centre to the Merse, a salt marsh shaped by the tides and offering opportunities for birdwatching. The River Annan and Brydekirk circuit provides a different perspective: between Annan and Brydekirk, it follows the wooded banks of the River Annan, which are rich in wildflowers in early summer. The Annan, Waterfoot and Summergate Lane walk also starts in the town centre and explores Annan’s maritime past and the Solway Firth.

The Annandale Way is also linked to the river. It follows the River Annan from its source to the sea, ending where the river flows into the Solway Firth. Its endpoint is at Newbiebarns, near Annan. The routes have different focuses: the Shore Walk leads to the marsh, the circuit follows wooded banks, and the walk through Waterfoot and Summergate Lane explores maritime history.

Waterfoot Road runs along the salt marshes to the remains of two piers, where families boarded boats bound for the New World. For another riverside view, Jubilee Gardens can be reached from Port Street. From there, the view stretches west across the river; steps lead down to the riverside path.

Harbour and Town History

Annan Harbour was a seaport where, among other vessels, tea clippers of up to 100 tons were built. A quay was built in 1810 and later extended. Records from 1837 describe Annan Harbour as a thriving port with 30 boats and a steamer to Liverpool. These details offer a glimpse of how it was used at the time; the harbour facilities are part of the townscape today.

Annan Quays on Port Road has been listed as a Category B structure since 2011 and is part of Annan Harbour. In town, the High Street corridor forms the commercial centre. This includes Fish Cross, Church Street, and the adjoining wynds and narrow streets. Those interested in older memorials can find carved, sometimes unusual gravestones in Annan Old Graveyard; some were reused from medieval sites.

Museum and Historical Connections

The permanent exhibition at Annan Museum covers the history of Annan and its surroundings, from prehistory to the age of nuclear fission. The museum also displays a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial urn. It hosts special exhibitions and events during the season.

The Mote of Annan lies between the western edge of Annan and the eastern bank of the River Annan. Its direct connection to Robert the Bruce is through his father: in 1124, Robert Bruce received the castle and lands of Annandale from David I. This allows visitors to take in both the riverside landscape and a specific historical connection during their stay.

Tours and Tastings

Annandale Distillery offers guided production tours with tastings. The Annandale Distillery 1836 Tour focuses on the history of the distillery, which dates back to 1836. The Whisky Masterclass lasts 45 minutes and includes a tasting of five different flavours. This gives you a specific time frame to factor into your day when planning this tour.

Marches Day and Getting There

The afternoon programme on Marches Day includes a procession with horses, riders, bands and floats, as well as the Annan Pipeband Championship. Between 15 and 25 bands compete in the championship. The Annan Cornet and his Lass also lead a cavalcade around the boundaries of the burgh. If your stay coincides with Marches Day, the programme offers a special reason to plan your travel dates accordingly.

ScotRail Sprinter trains stop at Annan on the route between Carlisle and Glasgow. As services and stops may change, check the timetable before travelling. For cyclists, Port Street is an official Sustrans cycle route leading to Annan’s new cycle bridge. These rail and cycling connections add further ways to plan a trip to Annan alongside the local routes and historical attractions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Gretna Green, Carsethorn, Thornhill, Lochmaben, Langholm, Garlieston, Palnackie, Port William.

For the main travel overview: Dumfries And Galloway.