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Mabie Forest


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.2/5)

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 and woodland pond along its 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 860247
e-mail: dumfries&borders@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

User Comments

why no details about parking and season tickets ?? and availability

hugh, 24/Feb/2011

Season passes are still available for Mabie and applications are available from the district office on 01387 860247.

Forestry Commission Response

Disappointed that there are no Christmas trees for sale this year. No reason given?

B. Humbug, 7/Dec/2010

Unfortunately due to a lack of resources we're not able to run the sales centre at Mabie this year. As Dumfries and Borders forest district has such a large sales centre at Glentress, we decided to channel efforts and budget into it, as the price of trees required to stock it has increased. Sorry for the disappointment this has caused.

Forestry Commission Response
4 Stars 4 Stars

You could take a bit more interest in Woodhead Hill improving the path and maybe clearing some forest from the summit to provide a view. Otherwise found the trails excellent.

Tundraboy, 8/Nov/2010
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