Forestry Commission - News - autumn glory in dumfries and galloway

The dramatic season of Autumn is sweeping over many forests in the region of Dumfries and Galloway, creating a stunning display of red, orange and golden leaves.

Forestry Commission Scotland has been monitoring the colour changes at a number of their key autumn hotspot forests in the region as part of their Autumn Colours campaign.

Mabie and Dalbeattie forests in Dumfriesshire and Glentrool, Cally Wood and Kirroughtree forests in Galloway are all taking part in the campaign.

All the latest information on colour changes and things to do at each forest has been put on a special website - www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn - to help the public plan an autumn trip to the woods.

Keith Muir of Forestry Commission Scotland said:

"The colder weather has triggered the leaves to change colour and we are seeing some amazing sights in the woods and forests. We've been unlucky with the amount of rain we've had lately but hopefully we should get a dry spell soon, just in time to enjoy a scenic forest walk or bike ride.

"Autumn is a favourite season for many people, simply because local woodlands are totally transformed. Make the most of it and go out and stretch the legs, breathe in some fresh air and recharge the batteries."

The woodlands around Dumfries and Galloway are well known for attracting tourists and are well used by locals. The forests offer a wealth of things to do including walking, biking, horseriding and sightseeing.

Keith added: "We've been monitoring a number of forests so there's plenty to chose from in the region. Visitors can nip to Mabie forest just outside Dumfries and enjoy popular walks for all in great woodland settings, or let the kids run riot in the playpark. Dalbeattie forest is also a great place to go as the peaceful views over the lochan in autumn can be breathtaking.

"The more rugged landscapes of Galloway Forest Park are also a fine setting for an autumnal walk or bike ride. If you are really wanting to take a few hours out then why not try the new 7stanes touring route at Glentrool as it's a real wilderness day out.

"There's also plenty to choose from at Kirroughtree Visitor centre near Newton Stewart as there's a variety of walks and biking trails that are getting rave reviews from all over Britain. 7stanes biking routes. Log on to the website or put in a call to the enquiry line to help you plan for a day out."

The autumn hotspots being monitored in Dumfries and Galloway are:

Mabie Forest - just outside Dumfries. Scenic mixed woodland walks, 7stanes mountain biking and bike hire on site and children's playpark.
Dalbeattie forest - a network of walking trails and a scenic lochan, 7stanes biking at the Hardrock Trail.
Kirroughtree forest - near Newton Stewart. Fantastic 7stanes biking trails, woodland walks and visitor centre.
Glentrool - woodland walks in conifer and mixed woodlands, 7stanes touring route and visitor centre.
Cally Woods - near Gatehouse of Fleet. Historic grounds of mixed woodland in the old Cally estate.

More information on all the walks, cycle rides and view points is available on the Autumn Colours website www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn, or alternatively call the public enquiry line 0845 367 3787 (0845 FORESTS).

Media enquiries to: Keith Muir, Galloway Forest District, 0781 842 7423 (m) or 01671 402 420 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.