Known as the 'Highlands of the Lowlands' due to its rolling hills and glens, Galloway Forest Park is an adventurer's dream.
Although best-known for its evergreen species, Galloway Forest is also home to ancient oakwoods. Furthermore, a recent initiative to create a new native woodland on Bennan Hill and the lower slopes of Benyellary has seen the planting of tens of thousands of young Downy Willow, Juniper, Aspen, Elm, Cherry, Birch and Hazel trees.
As this area matures further, it will provide a wonderful complement to the surrounding conifer-covered landscapes, and it should look even more impressive with every passing autumn!
Covering more than 300 square miles, Galloway Forest Park takes days to explore and appreciate fully.
Scotland's first Dark Sky Park can be found in Galloway Forest Park, providing a wonderful opportunity for stargazing with minimal light pollution. You can visit the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. We can arrange private tours with a knowledgeable ranger.
The range of outdoor activities available in the park is truly impressive - it's especially well set up for hiking, fishing, cycling, mountain biking, and spotting wildlife. There's even a Wild Goat Park within the forest, where you can meet these quirky creatures up close and watch them navigate the rocky terrain with ease. The best starting point for outdoor activities is the Kirroughtree visitor centre at the gateway to the park.