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Mabie Forest


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.5/5)

About Mabie Forest

The Forestry Commission bought Mabie Forest in 1943, though forestry has been an important part of life here since 1800.

Today, it is one of the most popular destinations in the area for outdoor recreation and offers something for everyone from world-class mountain bike trails to quiet picnic areas and stunning viewpoints. The forest also offers walks for all abilities.  

All of the routes start from the main car park and cross the Mabie Burn towards the Old Sawmill where picnic areas, barbecues and toilets can be found.

The All Abilities Trail is a short, easy-going introduction to the forest, passing through the old policy woods of Mabie House and visiting a community sensory garden with some fantastic wood carvings along the way.

For the more adventurous, a number of longer walks meander through the forest, such as the Lochaber Trail which takes in a variety of natural habitats that are actively managed for wildlife such as nightjars, butterflies and dragonflies.

For young families, an adventure playground nestling amongst the trees next to the car park offers safe fun for the kids.

The cycle trails start at the top of the car park and head up past the 'Bike Shed' where bike hire and trail information can be found. For more information see the 7stanes website 

Why not come along to one of our events to find out more about the forest? From wildlife walks to den building, there's something for everyone! See the events guide on this page for more information.

How to get there:

Mabie Forest is part of Forests of the Solway Coast. Dumfries and New Abbey are the nearest towns or villages.

From Dumfries, follow the A710 New Abbey road. The forest is signposted four miles south of Dumfries.

Please note that 'Mabie Farm Park' is signposted just before the entrance to the forest, but there is no vehicle access to the forest from here.

The nearest train station is in Dumfries.

OS Grid Reference: NX9371
For details of public transport visit http://www.travelinescotland.com

Start your visit from:

Mabie Forest Car Park

Other places to go in Forests of the Solway Coast

Mabie Forest from The Hills

Facilities:

ToiletsParking ChargeInformationEasy AccessRefreshments

Activities:

WalkingCyclingHorse RidingEducationalWildlife ActivitiesArboretumArtsBarbecuePicnicPlay AreaView Point

Contact:

Dumfries & Borders Forest District

01387 860 247
e-mail: dumfries&borders

User Comments

Where is the information on the wildlife / nature found in Mabie Forest. Naming 1 bird species and 2 catch all headings tells a prospective visitor nothing. I believe there is a butterfly conservation site in the forest. is there an extra charge for this? As usual with Forestry commission info everything is geared towards the active sports groups who ride, drive in and leave seeing nothing. Nature should be foremost in everything that you do not an afterthought.

Anonymous, 9/Feb/2013

The information given on the site is a brief introduction. However we are currently rewriting content for a brand new site due for launch in the summer. This should better refelect the destinations as a whole.

Forestry Commission Response
5 Stars 5 Stars

Anonymous, 29/Jan/2013
4 Stars 4 Stars

It would be nice to have information about annual parking permits for the forests and how to obtain them

Anonymous, 30/Dec/2012

Hi There, Annual Parking passes can be obtained from the local office. Please call 01387 860247 or email dumfries&borders@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Forestry Commission Response
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