Galloway Forest Park

It's a dog walker, hiker paradise. Loads of trails and expanses of nature. Amazing wild life, with frequent sightings of deer, red kites, goats, etc.. A less manicured, much quieter lake district in many respects.

Galloway Forest Park is a hidden gem worth discovering. The drive there is half the adventure, winding through breathtaking landscapes with panoramic views that make every turn exciting. Once inside the park, you're surrounded by a tapestry of rugged mountains, serene lochs reflecting the sky, and ancient woodlands filled with the whispers of history. For hikers, there's a trail for every pace, from leisurely walks to challenging climbs. Mountain bikers will love the exhilarating routes that wind through the park's diverse terrain. Anglers can find peace by the lochs, casting lines into clear waters teeming with fish, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot red deer and varied range of bird species. A highlight of Galloway Forest Park is its Dark Sky Park status, a haven for stargazers seeking pristine night skies. On clear evenings, the stars illuminate the heavens, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Whether you're drawn by adventure or simply crave tranquility in nature's embrace, Galloway Forest Park promises an unforgettable experience with its natural beauty and diverse activities.

Stunning. What a drive. The trails and walks. The interaction with the wildlife. Amazing

My first visit to Galloway and I was really impressed. The forest is stunning, nestled between mountains. Midges were a problem at the beginning of September, so be prepared. Amazing hike up The Merrick from Loch Trool.

We had a great time at the Galloway Forest Park. It is so vast and there is so much to do there. Me and my family walked up to Bruce's Stone (two of us Nordic walking). The stone was interesting to read up on and there were great views of the loch below. We also walked through the forest to the loch's edge which was also invigorating and picturesque, offering plenty of photographic opportunities. The trails looked good for cycling (we didn't have our bikes with us but plenty of people did). We spent the day there and only really touched the surface. You could easily stay nearby and explore something different each day for a week. We stopped off at the goat reserve and the red deer refuge - both which were great for our daughters and us. Whether you like hiking, cycling, generally exploring or seeing animals up close, you'll have a great time here.

Brilliant & beautiful. Forest drive, smooth gravel track. Stunning Loch views, dark skies. When you go make sure you chip in and buy a ticket. Can't want to go back. Plenty of places to stop & have a wander about. There's even toilets! You should definitely get up here and experience it yourself. 10/10

We originally planned to do the Raiders Road Forest Drive but with poor signage and information on Google, ended up here and I'm so thankful we did! Beautiful location, great walks and so many activities available! Restrictions in the cafe due to Covid-19 but otherwise as normal. Such a beautiful place to visit!

I have been here a few times and I just love galloway forest. In 2 days I saw at least 10 wild deer, rabbits, hares, red deer at the red deer range, the wild goats and plenty of birds. I really wanted to see a red squirrel but theres always next time. I spent the day walking and taking in the breathtaking views and then at night I was lucky to experience clear skies and I have to say was amazed at just how many stars you can see it was stunning! I also saw satellites everywhere and shooting stars and venus was clearly visible. I highly recommend a visit to this forest and if your lucky enough to get a clear night please stay to see the stars and planets you will not regret it!