There are plenty of places to explore in Scotland, with a never-ending list to be explored. Well, we’ve got the highest village in Scotland to add to said list, and it’s just an hour from Glasgow!
The highest village in Scotland is, surprisingly, located in Dumfries and Galloway, sitting at roughly 405 metres (1,329 ft) above sea level, nestled in the Lowther Hills. Wanlockhead was a mining settlement back in the 1700s, and is now home to the highest pub in Scotland, as well as a mining museum. What is more, the highest house in the village measures 444 metres (1,532 ft) above sea level.
Below Wanlockhead lie the surrounding hills, which were used for mining lead and other minerals, such as zinc, copper and silver. What is more, some of the world’s purest gold was found in the hills at 22.8 carats, later used to make the Scottish crown. Lead mining was completely finished in the 1950s after a sharp decline, with the mine becoming abandoned.
The only lead mining museum in Scotland
Now, the hisghest village in Scotland hosts the only lead mining museum in Scotland, where visitors can descend into the lead mine themselves. The spot is also the only underground mine tour in the country.
Guests can go underground and see it for themselves, led by tour guides and learn more about the history of lead mining, visiting the Miners’ Library, Straitsteps Cottages and into Lochnell Mine.
The Lead Mining Museum also offers gold panning courses for those wanting to try, starting from £10 for a day.
Visitors are encouraged to bring along warm clothing and waterproofs, and the tour is not available for children under the age of 5. T
ickets are £25.68 for adults, and £10.48 for children, and you can book them here. What is more, your ticket is valid for the whole season, which ends on September 30 in 2026.
