Galloway Forest Park

Welcome to the Galloway Forest Park, 300 square miles of mixed landscape - yours to explore!

• Our visitor centres at Kirroughtree, Glentrool and Clatteringshaws are ideal places to start your visit.
• Check before you go - for details of trail closures, diversions and changes to listed events see the updates page.

Read our blog!

Keep up to date with what's happening in the park through our blog.

Walking

Enjoy a peaceful stroll on one of our woodland trails, or if you fancy something a little more strenuous, head out to the hills and climb the Merrick, south Scotland’s highest peak. 

Details of all of our Forest Park walks are in our out and about guide (PDF 5Mb).  With 27 waymarked trails to choose from, there is something for every walker.

Wildlife

Galloway has some of Scotland’s most amazing wildlife - but without the long drive north! Red Squirrels, Otter, Pine Marten, Black Grouse, Golden Eagles, Red Deer and even Nightjar. For more details see our wildlife page.

Dark skies

Galloway Forest Park has some of the best dark skies in Europe - ideal for star gazing. There's more information and details of our aim of becoming a Dark Skies park on the Dark skies page.

Fishing 

There are some fantastic lochs and rivers here, all in beautiful surroundings, featuring a variety of fish from Brown Trout to Salmon.

With permits from £6.00 it’s a great way to spend the day.  For more details see the fishing page in the Galloway Ranger.

Wild camping

Wild camping in the Forest Park is permitted as long as it is done responsibly and in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Canoeing

Looking for a place to canoe? Details at www.canoescotland.com and on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website. 

Mountain biking

Some seriously amazing mountain bike trails are here in Dumfries and Galloway. From beginner to adrenaline seeker, there is something for everyone.  See the 7stanes website for more information.

Jobs and opportunities

We agree, the Galloway Forest Park is a great place to work.  For details of all the Forestry Commission's available jobs see the current vacancies page.

Anything else?

Have we missed anything? Please let us know if there's something you can't find.  Email: galloway@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.