Annan - Our history. Our town. Our stories.
Annan Active Heritage Trail
The Royal Burgh of Annan has a long and intriguing story…
Romans settled by the river. Vikings brought haaf-net fishing – a skill still used today. Norman lords followed, and the Bruce family built a castle at Annan, until floods from the River Annan swept it away. In 1538, King James V granted Annan its Royal Charter. Later, as the border wars eased, exciseman Robert Burns rode this coast and wrote lines that now form part of Annan’s rich heritage. By the 1800s, Annan was thriving. Clippers were built here for Atlantic trade, sailing as far as the Far East and Australia. Local red sandstone was exported by rail and sea and can still be found in buildings across Britain and overseas – even in iconic landmarks of the New World.
- Discover all this and more with our Active Heritage Trail
The Annan Active Heritage Trail is a series of walking, wheeling and cycling routes designed to help you explore the town’s history at your own pace.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or something more challenging, there are three routes to choose from – Easy, Moderate and Challenging [to link to Trail Tales]. Each route links key places of interest, guiding you through the people, events and stories that have shaped Annan over time.
As you follow the trails, you can access audio narration by Annan resident Terry Dray, bringing each location to life. His storytelling adds depth and character, helping you connect more closely with what you see around you.
The trails are designed to be flexible and accessible. They are best experienced starting at Panel 1, the Everholm – Annan’s Lost Castle, and finishing at Panel 9, Annan Old Parish Church.
However, you can start and finish at any point, dip in and out along the way, and explore in a way that suits you.
Not got the app? You can also enjoy a fully immersive trail experience, at your own pace, with our own dedicated audio files provided by local resident Terry Dray – simply click here or scan the QR code on each panel as you go.
Whether you’re a local rediscovering your town or a visitor seeing Annan for the first time, the journey is both immersive and informative.
Take your time, follow the routes, listen to the stories, and enjoy Annan’s history as it unfolds around you.
These trails have been developed to support active travel in Annan, encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle while discovering the town’s heritage. With thanks to SWestrans and Transport Scotland for their support in making the Annan Active Heritage Trail possible.
