Elizabeth's Guidebook
Outdoor activity
Information centre, Cafe and Shop, Bike hire/shop, Dark Sky events, parking, easy access to numerous walks and 7 Stanes bike trails, Playground and hide where visitors can have close up encounters with Red Squirrels, Wood peckers, Pine Martians ... to name but a few of the wild life to be seen and enjoyed in their natural habitat.
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kirroughtree Forest Visitor Centre
Forest DriveInformation centre, Cafe and Shop, Bike hire/shop, Dark Sky events, parking, easy access to numerous walks and 7 Stanes bike trails, Playground and hide where visitors can have close up encounters with Red Squirrels, Wood peckers, Pine Martians ... to name but a few of the wild life to be seen and enjoyed in their natural habitat.
A must do for serious climbers and walkers.
Will take all day and required a degree of fitness.... but the views are amazing.
The Galloway hills offers lots of opportunities and enjoyment for serious and experienced climbers
Merrick
A must do for serious climbers and walkers.
Will take all day and required a degree of fitness.... but the views are amazing.
The Galloway hills offers lots of opportunities and enjoyment for serious and experienced climbers
Love to walk here and the visitors centre offers a lovely coffee and cake. When the weather is warm it’s nice to sit near the river and listen to the water and birds. ❤️
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Glentrool Visitor Centre
Love to walk here and the visitors centre offers a lovely coffee and cake. When the weather is warm it’s nice to sit near the river and listen to the water and birds. ❤️
The best cycling trails in the uk for all abilities.
Great fun and cycles can be hired or brought from the experts
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
7Stanes: Glentrool Mountain Bike Trails
The best cycling trails in the uk for all abilities.
Great fun and cycles can be hired or brought from the experts
The golf course has 18 holes and is a great way of spending a lovely day... for those who love golf
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Newton Stewart Golf Club
The golf course has 18 holes and is a great way of spending a lovely day... for those who love golf
Great seaside walk in the Machars of Galloway
Rigg Bay near Garlieston to Cruggleton Castle (about 10 minutes travelling by car)
Great views, history and wildlife
From Wigtown and Bladnoch and through Kirkinner take the left fork, B7004 towards Garlieston past Kilsture Forest and at the crossroads just past the garage continue straight across to the Rigg Bay car park (small charge here towards the Gardens upkeep).
There are many routes through the old gardens down to the shore. In spring time the rhodedendrons are a magnificent sight.
For Cruggleton Castle follow the signs for the seashore, past the walled gardens and on to the picnic site on the Bay. The beach is fine for children to paddle and play. seals basking are often to be seen here.
Turning right, follow the signs for the Castle. The path climbs upwards through mixed woodland with many wild flowers to see. The fauna changes as you climb and the trees become windblown old oak trees with some ash and beech.
On reaching an old deserted and tumble down lodge house pass through the gate into the fields on the cliff top.
You will soon spot the old arch, all that is remaining of the Castle. Behind you there are wonderful views of the Galloway hills. Watch out for the cormorants basking on the rocks below
Rigg or Cruggleton bay
Great seaside walk in the Machars of Galloway
Rigg Bay near Garlieston to Cruggleton Castle (about 10 minutes travelling by car)
Great views, history and wildlife
From Wigtown and Bladnoch and through Kirkinner take the left fork, B7004 towards Garlieston past Kilsture Forest and at the crossroads just past the garage continue straight across to the Rigg Bay car park (small charge here towards the Gardens upkeep).
There are many routes through the old gardens down to the shore. In spring time the rhodedendrons are a magnificent sight.
For Cruggleton Castle follow the signs for the seashore, past the walled gardens and on to the picnic site on the Bay. The beach is fine for children to paddle and play. seals basking are often to be seen here.
Turning right, follow the signs for the Castle. The path climbs upwards through mixed woodland with many wild flowers to see. The fauna changes as you climb and the trees become windblown old oak trees with some ash and beech.
On reaching an old deserted and tumble down lodge house pass through the gate into the fields on the cliff top.
You will soon spot the old arch, all that is remaining of the Castle. Behind you there are wonderful views of the Galloway hills. Watch out for the cormorants basking on the rocks below
The highland cows are amazing and to have the opportunity to meet and greet them is a WOW for me!!
We offer farm tours and experiences where you can see Highland cows and Beltex sheep in their natural, farm environment in beautiful south west Scotland.
Our tours are designed to help you get close to the Highland cattle from the safety and comfort of a purpose built trailer – it’s basically a farmer-led Highland cow safari! Wind and water tight - and with padded seats – our farm tour trailer means you can experience a working Scottish farm and meet our Highlanders without even the need for wellies! Your tour will finish with a cuppa and some home baking fresh from the farmhouse kitchen - it's all included in the price.
We created Kitchen Coos & Ewes as a way to share our passion for these amazing animals. Highland cattle are iconic and beautiful to look at, and the way they graze is really good for the environment too. Your farm tour will include information about how Highland cows help wildlife, and there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph them
Kitchen Coos and Ewes
The highland cows are amazing and to have the opportunity to meet and greet them is a WOW for me!!
We offer farm tours and experiences where you can see Highland cows and Beltex sheep in their natural, farm environment in beautiful south west Scotland.
Our tours are designed to help you get close to the Highland cattle from the safety and comfort of a purpose built trailer – it’s basically a farmer-led Highland cow safari! Wind and water tight - and with padded seats – our farm tour trailer means you can experience a working Scottish farm and meet our Highlanders without even the need for wellies! Your tour will finish with a cuppa and some home baking fresh from the farmhouse kitchen - it's all included in the price.
We created Kitchen Coos & Ewes as a way to share our passion for these amazing animals. Highland cattle are iconic and beautiful to look at, and the way they graze is really good for the environment too. Your farm tour will include information about how Highland cows help wildlife, and there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph them
Historic
Where people come as part of those pilgrimage hoping to seek spiritual support
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
St Ninian's Cave
Where people come as part of those pilgrimage hoping to seek spiritual support
The smallest cathedral where Scottish kings would visit annually as part of their pilgrimage.
There is a museum.
There is replica of an ancient Round house to view and experience the lives of how Stone-age people lived.
St Ninians Priory Church Of Scotland
Bruce StreetThe smallest cathedral where Scottish kings would visit annually as part of their pilgrimage.
There is a museum.
There is replica of an ancient Round house to view and experience the lives of how Stone-age people lived.
The two cairns of Cairn Holy are an impressive survival, particularly Cairnholy I with its concave façade of tall pillar stones. Their landscape position is equally impressive, situated on a hill offering fine views over Wigtown Bay. Both were built in the 4th millennium BC. They are known as Clyde Cairns, a type of tomb characteristic of southwest Scotland.
Both tombs are now open to the sky – their covering stones were robbed long ago to build field dykes. Cairn Holy I is the more elaborate of the two, while Cairn Holy II is said to be the tomb of the mythical Scottish king Galdus.
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Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn
The two cairns of Cairn Holy are an impressive survival, particularly Cairnholy I with its concave façade of tall pillar stones. Their landscape position is equally impressive, situated on a hill offering fine views over Wigtown Bay. Both were built in the 4th millennium BC. They are known as Clyde Cairns, a type of tomb characteristic of southwest Scotland.
Both tombs are now open to the sky – their covering stones were robbed long ago to build field dykes. Cairn Holy I is the more elaborate of the two, while Cairn Holy II is said to be the tomb of the mythical Scottish king Galdus.
From the car park, it’s just a short easy stroll to Bruce's Stone, which stands on a wonderful vantage point overlooking the shimmering waters of the loch to the rolling hills beyond. It commemorates Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, and the Battle of Trool in 1307.
It’s hard to imagine, looking at this peaceful landscape, that such a bitter battle took place here 700 years ago. From the site of the stone you would have seen the drama unfold, as English soldiers were ambushed as they walked along the far shore of Loch Trool. A bugle was sounded as the soldiers approach the Steps of Trool and Bruce’s men released a volley of stones onto the surprised troops. Those who turned to flee met heavily armed men behind them. Victory was swift and bloody. Robert the Bruce went on to win the Battle of Bannockburn near Stirling in 1314, securing independence for Scotland.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bruce’s Stone
From the car park, it’s just a short easy stroll to Bruce's Stone, which stands on a wonderful vantage point overlooking the shimmering waters of the loch to the rolling hills beyond. It commemorates Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, and the Battle of Trool in 1307.
It’s hard to imagine, looking at this peaceful landscape, that such a bitter battle took place here 700 years ago. From the site of the stone you would have seen the drama unfold, as English soldiers were ambushed as they walked along the far shore of Loch Trool. A bugle was sounded as the soldiers approach the Steps of Trool and Bruce’s men released a volley of stones onto the surprised troops. Those who turned to flee met heavily armed men behind them. Victory was swift and bloody. Robert the Bruce went on to win the Battle of Bannockburn near Stirling in 1314, securing independence for Scotland.
Explore the well-preserved ruins of a delightful 16th-century tower house and take a look into the life of Scotland’s landed gentry after the Protestant Reformation of 1560.
Carsluith Castle
Explore the well-preserved ruins of a delightful 16th-century tower house and take a look into the life of Scotland’s landed gentry after the Protestant Reformation of 1560.
Roam among a rich prehistoric landscape at one of the best-preserved stone circles in Scotland.
Torhouse Stone Circle lies in the Bladnoch Valley. It is the best surviving monument in what was once clearly an important landscape during prehistory.
The stone circle is in an excellent state of preservation. Its 19 stones are graded in height, with a line of three boulders in the centre. This was recorded in 1684 as ‘King Gauldus’s Tomb’.
Torhouse
B733Roam among a rich prehistoric landscape at one of the best-preserved stone circles in Scotland.
Torhouse Stone Circle lies in the Bladnoch Valley. It is the best surviving monument in what was once clearly an important landscape during prehistory.
The stone circle is in an excellent state of preservation. Its 19 stones are graded in height, with a line of three boulders in the centre. This was recorded in 1684 as ‘King Gauldus’s Tomb’.
indication of the existence of late Neolithic
or Bronze Ages communities within this area.
Drumtroddan Standing Stones
indication of the existence of late Neolithic
or Bronze Ages communities within this area.
Admire the elegant tower house – a well-preserved example of a 15th-century Scottish nobleman’s residence
Spot fine features in the hall in the tower, from the splendid fireplace to a wall cupboard for the family silverware
Shudder at the horror of the pit prison – one of the best surviving in a Scottish tower house castle
Climb up to the battlements and be rewarded with views over the Water of Fleet to the Solway Firth beyond
Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle. Available on site
Learn about the lawlessness of the McCullochs, for whom this six-storey tower house was built. Godfrey was executed for killing John Gordon, to whom the castle passed when the McCullochs lost their money.
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cardoness Castle
Admire the elegant tower house – a well-preserved example of a 15th-century Scottish nobleman’s residence
Spot fine features in the hall in the tower, from the splendid fireplace to a wall cupboard for the family silverware
Shudder at the horror of the pit prison – one of the best surviving in a Scottish tower house castle
Climb up to the battlements and be rewarded with views over the Water of Fleet to the Solway Firth beyond
Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle. Available on site
Learn about the lawlessness of the McCullochs, for whom this six-storey tower house was built. Godfrey was executed for killing John Gordon, to whom the castle passed when the McCullochs lost their money.
The views out from the chapel, particularly to the south and east, are outstanding, encompassing the Dumfries & Galloway coast, the outline of the Isle of Man, and the peaks of the Lake District in the far distance.
St Ninian’s Chapel clearly played a significant spiritual role in medieval times, chiefly as a focus for pilgrims heading for the shrine of St Ninian at Whithorn. This aspect of popular religion persists to this day, with many visitors using the place to reconnect with medieval spirituality. A ‘Witness Cairn’, where modern pilgrims add a stone to a pile, has been created at the entrance to the field from the Isle of Whithorn.
St Ninian's Chapel
The views out from the chapel, particularly to the south and east, are outstanding, encompassing the Dumfries & Galloway coast, the outline of the Isle of Man, and the peaks of the Lake District in the far distance.
St Ninian’s Chapel clearly played a significant spiritual role in medieval times, chiefly as a focus for pilgrims heading for the shrine of St Ninian at Whithorn. This aspect of popular religion persists to this day, with many visitors using the place to reconnect with medieval spirituality. A ‘Witness Cairn’, where modern pilgrims add a stone to a pile, has been created at the entrance to the field from the Isle of Whithorn.
Knockman Wood is a fine mix of semi-natural oakwoods, forestry and more open areas; this excellent circuit visits a neolithic chambered cairn as well as more recent archaeological remains from medieval times.
Knockman Wood
Knockman Wood is a fine mix of semi-natural oakwoods, forestry and more open areas; this excellent circuit visits a neolithic chambered cairn as well as more recent archaeological remains from medieval times.
The story of the young women who died in the most horrific way defending her beliefs is humbling and the monument where she died is heartbreaking.
Martyr's Memorial
The story of the young women who died in the most horrific way defending her beliefs is humbling and the monument where she died is heartbreaking.
Old Minnigaff
Old MinnigaffThe Old School is situated in the Old Minnigaff village
The beautiful ruin is the place where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last days on Scottish soil.
Dundrennan Abbey
The beautiful ruin is the place where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last days on Scottish soil.
Great place to visit
The ancient seat of the Clan Hannay, it is in an L-shaped format, rubble-built in the late sixteenth century,[1] possibly by Patrick Hannay. The poet and courtier at the court of James VI, Patrick Hannay was a member of this family.
It was sold to the Earl of Galloway in 1677, and when the last of the line died in 1748 the tower became ruinous. It was given to the Clan Hannay by its owner in 1965.
It remains to second floor level, although notably for a building of this kind there is no wall-walk or parapet.[2] It is a scheduled monument.[3] There are plans to restore it.[4]
The structure can be viewed both from the outside, free of charge, or, if you go to Garlieston Village and enquire within the village shop, you can go inside.
Sorbie Tower, Scotland
B7052Great place to visit
The ancient seat of the Clan Hannay, it is in an L-shaped format, rubble-built in the late sixteenth century,[1] possibly by Patrick Hannay. The poet and courtier at the court of James VI, Patrick Hannay was a member of this family.
It was sold to the Earl of Galloway in 1677, and when the last of the line died in 1748 the tower became ruinous. It was given to the Clan Hannay by its owner in 1965.
It remains to second floor level, although notably for a building of this kind there is no wall-walk or parapet.[2] It is a scheduled monument.[3] There are plans to restore it.[4]
The structure can be viewed both from the outside, free of charge, or, if you go to Garlieston Village and enquire within the village shop, you can go inside.
Free Admission to The Galloway Hoard
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Kirkcudbright Galleries
3B St Mary St
Free Admission to The Galloway Hoard
Date
11th February 2022
12th February 2022
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One of my favourite places
Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
Beautiful place to see how the Gulf Stream enables these beautiful plants to thrive and create these beautiful gardens
39 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Логанский ботанический сад
Beautiful place to see how the Gulf Stream enables these beautiful plants to thrive and create these beautiful gardens
This award winning gin is lovely.
I often enjoy their gin, cocktails or lunch and coffee, whilst soaking up the lovely views of the Cairnsmore hills
15 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Crafty Distillery
Wigtown RoadThis award winning gin is lovely.
I often enjoy their gin, cocktails or lunch and coffee, whilst soaking up the lovely views of the Cairnsmore hills
Love this part with great views, gardens and beaches
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Galloway House Gardens
Love this part with great views, gardens and beaches
Getting here
Red Deer Range is on the north side of A712 (also known as The Queen's Way) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway.
The larger, lower car park is a short but steep walk from the viewing area and hide. The entrance to the upper car park is 250 yards west of the lower car park - This one provides direct access to the viewing area and hide.
Rutting season is from October to November, an amazing sight.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Red Deer Range
Getting here
Red Deer Range is on the north side of A712 (also known as The Queen's Way) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway.
The larger, lower car park is a short but steep walk from the viewing area and hide. The entrance to the upper car park is 250 yards west of the lower car park - This one provides direct access to the viewing area and hide.
Rutting season is from October to November, an amazing sight.
Great views
Mull of Galloway
Cairnsmore of Fleet is a mountain in the Scottish Lowlands, on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park. The mountain forms an unafforested granite massif, whose highest point is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Newton Stewart. It is the highest of the "Solway Hills", and the southernmost of Scotland's 219 Grahams.[1] The view to the south takes in the Cree Estuary and Wigtown Bay, and extends as far as the Lake District, the Isle of Man and Snowdonia.[2] The highest summits of the Galloway Hills can be seen to the north, and Ireland is in the view to the west.[3]
Cairnsmore of Fleet
Cairnsmore of Fleet is a mountain in the Scottish Lowlands, on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park. The mountain forms an unafforested granite massif, whose highest point is about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Newton Stewart. It is the highest of the "Solway Hills", and the southernmost of Scotland's 219 Grahams.[1] The view to the south takes in the Cree Estuary and Wigtown Bay, and extends as far as the Lake District, the Isle of Man and Snowdonia.[2] The highest summits of the Galloway Hills can be seen to the north, and Ireland is in the view to the west.[3]
Great place to visit the lighthouse and visitors centre
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
RSPB Mull of Galloway
Great place to visit the lighthouse and visitors centre
Murray's Monument
This remarkable man who achieved the impossible educationally
Wildlife
Amazing seeing these animals with all their different wee characters.
We take them apples cut up into small pieces. They love them and my wee grandson loves them.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Wild Goat Park
Amazing seeing these animals with all their different wee characters.
We take them apples cut up into small pieces. They love them and my wee grandson loves them.
The best ever close up opportunity to see Red Kites.... it’s just amazing!!!!
16 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Red Kite Feeding Station
The best ever close up opportunity to see Red Kites.... it’s just amazing!!!!
Opportunities to see the otter’s. In their natural habitat and lots of amazing birds including the woodpeckers in this beautiful setting.
RSPB Wood of Cree
Opportunities to see the otter’s. In their natural habitat and lots of amazing birds including the woodpeckers in this beautiful setting.
This is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful spot to see our native birds 🦅
Golden eagles 🦅 are back in dumfries and galloway. The breeding programme has been successful and I believed one is nesting in Wigtown area.
re no 2 bird hides at the Martyr's Stake car park in Wigtown and at Wigtown Harbour and a newly flooded area to attract resident birds.
2 bird hides at the Martyr's Stake car park in Wigtown and at Wigtown Harbour and a newly flooded area to attract resident birds
Wigtown Bird Hide
Harbour RoadThis is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful spot to see our native birds 🦅
Golden eagles 🦅 are back in dumfries and galloway. The breeding programme has been successful and I believed one is nesting in Wigtown area.
re no 2 bird hides at the Martyr's Stake car park in Wigtown and at Wigtown Harbour and a newly flooded area to attract resident birds.
2 bird hides at the Martyr's Stake car park in Wigtown and at Wigtown Harbour and a newly flooded area to attract resident birds
it’s The best of Galloway Forest Park from the comfort of your car
One of two forest drives in Galloway Forest Park, this drive is an easy way to see more of the Park's woods and wildlife without having to walk too far.
It's a 10 mile two-way forest drive, which is open to vehicles between April and October and for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders year-round. There is a small fee of £2, payable by card or in coins.
There are various places to stop along Raiders' Road. Head for Otter Pool car park, about half way along, for the perfect riverside picnic spot with plenty of room on the grassy banks to play. Alternatively, stop at Stroan Loch for peaceful waterside views, an old viaduct and the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail. so dark, the Forest Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the stars – which is why it has been designated a Dark Sky Park. On a clear night the stars are so bright that you don’t need a telescope or even binoculars to enjoy them. There are information panels about stargazing at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre.
Red Kite Trail
The Galloway Kite Trail, a scenic 24 mile (40 km) tour around Loch Ken, is an exciting way to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery. During the summer, the trail includes the Raiders’ Road Forest Drive, so look out for red kites soaring overhead as you explore. Bennan Viewpoint car park and trails at the east end of the Forest Drive, near Mossdale, are particularly good for sightings.
Facilities & access
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Picnic area
Picnic area
There are public toilets with accessible facilities at Otter Pool car park, half way along the forest drive. Nearby Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre has a café and shop.
Raiders Road
Raiders Road it’s The best of Galloway Forest Park from the comfort of your car
One of two forest drives in Galloway Forest Park, this drive is an easy way to see more of the Park's woods and wildlife without having to walk too far.
It's a 10 mile two-way forest drive, which is open to vehicles between April and October and for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders year-round. There is a small fee of £2, payable by card or in coins.
There are various places to stop along Raiders' Road. Head for Otter Pool car park, about half way along, for the perfect riverside picnic spot with plenty of room on the grassy banks to play. Alternatively, stop at Stroan Loch for peaceful waterside views, an old viaduct and the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail. so dark, the Forest Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the stars – which is why it has been designated a Dark Sky Park. On a clear night the stars are so bright that you don’t need a telescope or even binoculars to enjoy them. There are information panels about stargazing at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre.
Red Kite Trail
The Galloway Kite Trail, a scenic 24 mile (40 km) tour around Loch Ken, is an exciting way to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery. During the summer, the trail includes the Raiders’ Road Forest Drive, so look out for red kites soaring overhead as you explore. Bennan Viewpoint car park and trails at the east end of the Forest Drive, near Mossdale, are particularly good for sightings.
Facilities & access
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Picnic area
Picnic area
There are public toilets with accessible facilities at Otter Pool car park, half way along the forest drive. Nearby Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre has a café and shop.
The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) - at a secret location in the Moffat Hills - has seen young birds relocated to the region from the Highlands
Golden eagles are the classic symbol of wild places. Scotland holds almost all the UK’s population of these magnificent birds, which glide over forest, moorland and mountain on long, powerful wings.
Although they hunt mostly in open ground, forests are important as sources of prey as well as material to build their large nests. We manage our forestry operations to create exclusion zones around golden eagle nests, and when we cut down timber or plant new trees, we make sure to leave open areas they can hunt for prey.
Where do they live?
Golden eagles build their nests in remote, inaccessible places and are very sensitive to disturbance. They mate for life, with birds controlling territories where they might have two or three nest sites called eyries and several places to roost at night.
Male and female birds work together to build the nest, using branches, twigs and heather, and lining it with grass and rushes. They add to the nest each year: the record is probably a nest 15 feet (4.6 m) thick, which had been used for 45 years.
They usually lay two eggs, but the second chick to hatch has only a 20% chance of surviving. Young birds stay in their parents’ territory until the early winter, begging for food for as long as the adult will carry on feeding them.
What do they eat?
They’re skilled hunters, but not particularly choosy about what they eat. Grouse and other mountain birds, hares, rabbits and snakes are all on the menu, and they’ll sometimes eat carrion (dead animals). Stories of them carrying off lambs, or even babies, are probably folk tales – a hare is about as much as they can carry.
golden eagle 2 white border
When is the best time to see them?
Golden eagles are here all year round. You’ve got to be lucky to see one, but you’ve got the best chance on calm, clear days: the sort of conditions that make for good hunting.
Where might you see them?
There are golden eagle territories in and around most of Scotland’s upland forests. Keep your eyes on the sky in Argyll, Galloway, and Glenmore Forest Parks, on Mull and Skye, and in Glen Affric.
How do you know if you’ve seen one?
Adults have glorious light golden brown plumage on their head, neck and shoulders. But if you see large, brown raptor perching on a fence post, it’s almost certainly a buzzard! Golden eagles are significantly bigger – their wingspan is the size of a door – and they don’t pose conveniently by the roadside. If you spot something high in the sky, gliding lazily with only the occasional wingbeat, and you think, “That’s very big!” you might have spotted Scotland’s most famous bird of prey
Forest Drive
Forest Drive
The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) - at a secret location in the Moffat Hills - has seen young birds relocated to the region from the Highlands
Golden eagles are the classic symbol of wild places. Scotland holds almost all the UK’s population of these magnificent birds, which glide over forest, moorland and mountain on long, powerful wings.
Although they hunt mostly in open ground, forests are important as sources of prey as well as material to build their large nests. We manage our forestry operations to create exclusion zones around golden eagle nests, and when we cut down timber or plant new trees, we make sure to leave open areas they can hunt for prey.
Where do they live?
Golden eagles build their nests in remote, inaccessible places and are very sensitive to disturbance. They mate for life, with birds controlling territories where they might have two or three nest sites called eyries and several places to roost at night.
Male and female birds work together to build the nest, using branches, twigs and heather, and lining it with grass and rushes. They add to the nest each year: the record is probably a nest 15 feet (4.6 m) thick, which had been used for 45 years.
They usually lay two eggs, but the second chick to hatch has only a 20% chance of surviving. Young birds stay in their parents’ territory until the early winter, begging for food for as long as the adult will carry on feeding them.
What do they eat?
They’re skilled hunters, but not particularly choosy about what they eat. Grouse and other mountain birds, hares, rabbits and snakes are all on the menu, and they’ll sometimes eat carrion (dead animals). Stories of them carrying off lambs, or even babies, are probably folk tales – a hare is about as much as they can carry.
golden eagle 2 white border
When is the best time to see them?
Golden eagles are here all year round. You’ve got to be lucky to see one, but you’ve got the best chance on calm, clear days: the sort of conditions that make for good hunting.
Where might you see them?
There are golden eagle territories in and around most of Scotland’s upland forests. Keep your eyes on the sky in Argyll, Galloway, and Glenmore Forest Parks, on Mull and Skye, and in Glen Affric.
How do you know if you’ve seen one?
Adults have glorious light golden brown plumage on their head, neck and shoulders. But if you see large, brown raptor perching on a fence post, it’s almost certainly a buzzard! Golden eagles are significantly bigger – their wingspan is the size of a door – and they don’t pose conveniently by the roadside. If you spot something high in the sky, gliding lazily with only the occasional wingbeat, and you think, “That’s very big!” you might have spotted Scotland’s most famous bird of prey
Red squirrels are at home in all types of woodland and can even be spotted in parks and gardens, but they like mixed conifer forests best.
Scotland is home to most of Britain’s red squirrels but their numbers are quite small – less than 150,000 across the whole of Britain. They are under threat from their bigger and more adaptable grey American cousins, so we work hard with our partners to control grey squirrel numbers and to plant and maintain the conifer forests across Scotland that red squirrels prefer.
Dumfries & Galloway is one of your best chance to spot these colourful forest favourites.
There are family-friendly trails to squirrel-watching hides at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre near Newton Stewart. Spot roe deer and plenty of colourful woodland birds there as well.
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Kirroughtree Forest
Red squirrels are at home in all types of woodland and can even be spotted in parks and gardens, but they like mixed conifer forests best.
Scotland is home to most of Britain’s red squirrels but their numbers are quite small – less than 150,000 across the whole of Britain. They are under threat from their bigger and more adaptable grey American cousins, so we work hard with our partners to control grey squirrel numbers and to plant and maintain the conifer forests across Scotland that red squirrels prefer.
Dumfries & Galloway is one of your best chance to spot these colourful forest favourites.
There are family-friendly trails to squirrel-watching hides at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre near Newton Stewart. Spot roe deer and plenty of colourful woodland birds there as well.
Food scene
ReadingLasses
17 S Main StI enjoyed a family meal here and was totally delighted. It was amazingly tasty and I would definitely recommend for good food and lovely atmosphere and service.
The Auld Alliance
29 St Cuthbert StI enjoyed a family meal here and was totally delighted. It was amazingly tasty and I would definitely recommend for good food and lovely atmosphere and service.
Lovely place, good food for the whole family s and alway had good service and experience.
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The Crown Hotel
102 Wigtown RdLovely place, good food for the whole family s and alway had good service and experience.
Had a lovely birthday meal with my family after a lovely long scenic walk with the dogs, Peter and Keith. Amazing food
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The Clachan Inn
8-10 Main StHad a lovely birthday meal with my family after a lovely long scenic walk with the dogs, Peter and Keith. Amazing food
Fun activity
The children can enjoy outdoor and indoor adventure play.
Everyone can have a Funtime with chocolate activities and then enjoy something to eat or drink at the cafe, having visited the shop to take home a chocolate treat.... heaven!
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Компания Cocoabean
AshlandThe children can enjoy outdoor and indoor adventure play.
Everyone can have a Funtime with chocolate activities and then enjoy something to eat or drink at the cafe, having visited the shop to take home a chocolate treat.... heaven!
A local favourite from enjoying the local ice cream to having outdoor adventure fun
Ice Cream Making 2022
12th February 2022
13th February 2022
14th February 2022
15th February 2022
16th February 2022
17th February 2022
18th February 2022
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13th March 2022
15th March 2022
19th March 2022
20th March 2022
22nd March 2022
26th March 2022
27th March 2022
29th March 2022
Cheese making courses 2022
Date
13th February 2022
17th February 2022
24th February 2022
5th March 2022
10th March 2022
17th March 2022
22nd March 2022
24th March 2022
31st March 2022
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Cream O' Galloway
RaintonA local favourite from enjoying the local ice cream to having outdoor adventure fun
Ice Cream Making 2022
12th February 2022
13th February 2022
14th February 2022
15th February 2022
16th February 2022
17th February 2022
18th February 2022
19th February 2022
20th February 2022
22nd February 2022
26th February 2022
27th February 2022
1st March 2022
5th March 2022
6th March 2022
8th March 2022
12th March 2022
13th March 2022
15th March 2022
19th March 2022
20th March 2022
22nd March 2022
26th March 2022
27th March 2022
29th March 2022
Cheese making courses 2022
Date
13th February 2022
17th February 2022
24th February 2022
5th March 2022
10th March 2022
17th March 2022
22nd March 2022
24th March 2022
31st March 2022
A lovely locally run cinema, one of my favourite things to do.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Newton Stewart Cinema
35 Victoria StA lovely locally run cinema, one of my favourite things to do.
CatStrand is an Arts Centre, Live Music Venue and Cinema in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway. Booklet on line to view drama and events
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
CatStrand
High StreetCatStrand is an Arts Centre, Live Music Venue and Cinema in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway. Booklet on line to view drama and events