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Galloway Forest Park


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.2/5)

About Galloway Forest Park

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

Visitor Centres Development Project

Throughout 2012 and 2013, our Visitor Centres will all be upgraded as part of a re-development project to further enhance the Galloway Forest Park experience. Keep up to date with how the project is progressing via the dedicated web page below -

Galloway Vistor Centres Development Project

Blog and podcasts

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

Newsletter

To get updates on events in the park, sign up to our newsletter.

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. 

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.org 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.

How to get there:

Newton Stewart, New Galloway, Gatehouse of Fleet, and and Dalmellington and Castle Douglas are the nearest towns or villages.


From the South - M6 to Carlisle, A75 to Newton Stewart signposted to Stranraer.

From Glasgow - A77 to Girvan, A714 to Newton Stewart or A77 to Ayr, A713 to New Galloway.

From Edinburgh - A702 to Abington services, M74 to Beattock. A701 to Dumfries. A75 to Newton Stewart.

OS Grid Reference: NX428855
For details of public transport visit http://www.travelinescotland.com

Start your visit from:

Wild Goat Park
Barhill Wood
Red Deer Range
Bennan Wood
Laurieston - Kennick Burn
Cally Wood
Glentrool Visitor Centre
Polmaddy
Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
Whitefield Loch
Kilsture
Knockman Wood
Camer Wood
Penninghame Pond
High Camer wood
Galloway Forest Drives
Carrick - Loch Doon
Kirroughtree Christmas Tree Sales Centre
Kirroughtree Visitor Centre
Test of main GFP banner image

Facilities:

ToiletsParking ChargeInformationEasy AccessVisitor CentreRefreshmentsForest ShopParkingOther Facilities

Activities:

WalkingCyclingForest DriveHorse RidingEducationalFishingWildlife ActivitiesHeritagePicnicView PointArboretumArtsPlay Area

Contact:

Galloway Forest District

01671 402420
e-mail: galloway@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

5 Stars 5 Stars

very good site-more info on where to fish

brannigan, 21/Jan/2012

I used to get a 'scavenging ' licence in the highlands to allow me to collect fire wood - is there any such licence available for me to collect firewood near Lockerbie ?

Jamie, 9/Jan/2012

Please contact the local office for further information. 01387 860247

Forestry Commission Response

Don't these people have any initiative! We think the Forest Park literature and maps are brilliant!

David Gwynne, 5/Jan/2012
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