The three Dumfriesshire dales of Nithsdale, Annandale and Eskdale are a rural playground of heatherclad hills, linns with tumbling waterfalls, babbling rivers and evershifting merse and firth. Despite being bisected by the main road into England, these dales were known more intimately by the discerning Victorians than they are today. Time, then, to rediscover the charms of this peaceful corner of Scotland. Whether it¿s a morning exploring the country¿s highest village, an afternoon paddling the shores of the Solway or an evening gazing at star-filled skies, Darren Flint and Donald Greig¿s hand-picked selection of 40 walks reveals what it is that makes this unassuming part of the world so special.