New Abbey lies 8 miles from Dumfries and on the edge of the village is the intriguing Sweetheart Abbey. New Abbey has a wealth of history that includes the ruined Sweetheart Abbey, founded by Lady Devorgilla in 1273 to commemorate the death of her husband John Balliol. On her death she was laid next to her husband’s embalmed heart and the monks named the abbey in memory of her. A popular walk near New Abbey is the one up Criffel, a hump-backed hill that at 1871 feet is the highest for miles around. The summit offers great views of the surrounding area.