East Dumfries and Galloway is one of the main routes into Scotland from the south, including the main west-coast rail and road routes. Gretna Green, famous for elopements and quick weddings, lies just over its border with England. Thirty or so miles north is Moffat, a popular market town and a good base from which to explore the Southern Uplands and one of the county’s best-known beauty spots, the 200-foot Grey Mares Tail waterfall. In July, the town of Langholm holds its famous Common Riding festival - a unique attraction not to be missed.