Sanquhar is a small Nith Valley town that holds two remarkable distinctions — it has the world’s oldest post office (1712) and is the only town in Scotland to have twice issued a Declaration of Defiance against the Crown. More practically for walkers, the Southern Upland Way passes directly through, and the Lowther Hills rise to the east with Wanlockhead — Scotland’s highest village — just a short drive away.

A fascinating and genuine Scottish small town that sees few tourists, Sanquhar makes an excellent and off-the-beaten-track base for Southern Upland Way walking and the Lowther Hills — where Scotland’s highest road gives access to some fine, remote moorland walking.