Welcome to the Galloway Forest Park
Galloway Forest Park Situated in the heart of Galloway, southern Scotland, the Galloway Forest Park managed by Forestry Commission Scotland offers spectacular views and a diversity of dramatic scenery. Three hundred square miles of wild beauty are waiting to be explored, here, in Britain's largest forest park.
Galloway Forest Park Established in 1947; the park boasts tranquil valleys encompassed by heather-clad hills, rugged rock faces, burns cascading down magestic slopes and the forest, moorland and lochs rising up to the grandeur of the mountains. The Merrick, Mulwharcher and the Rhinns of Kells stand proudly above the home to much of the unspoilt, ancient woodland which attracts some 800,000 visitors every year.
Stretching from seashore to mountaintops, The Galloway Forest Park has an outstanding variety of wildlife. Red and Roe Deer thrive in this woodland park while mighty birds of prey patrol the skies
Known affectionately as the "highlands of the lowlands", the Galloway Forest Park offers an endless assortment of things to see and do, to suit everyone, in some of the most breathtaking scenery Scotland has to offer....well worth a visit! There are many things to See & Do within the Galloway Forest Park to keep you and your family entertained.
From forest walks, scenic lochs, wildlife, visitor centres, forest drives plus the popular Red Deer Range as well the Wild Goat Park.Dumfries and Galloway, in the heart of southern Scotland, has a great deal to offer to the tourist looking for a holiday to remember in Scotland.
Often overlooked by visitors to Scotland in favour of the Highlands and Islands, Dumfries and Galloway has been described as 'Scotland in miniature' and has a great deal to offer walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts or those who just want to enjoy the stunning countryside.
Everywhere in Dumfries and Galloway the visitor will find a multitude of outdoor activities to thrill and entertain and quaint towns and villages that will entice you back to enjoy memorable holidays in this magical corner of Scotland.Within the park, it is also possible to see many types of birds including birds of prey and insects, as well as a range of mammals. These are just some of the animals, birds and insects that it is possible you might come into contact with while in The Galloway Forest Park, some quite rare indeed! :
- Red Squirrels
- Red Deer
- Otters
- Wild Goats
- Roe Deer
- Fallow Deer
- Badgers
- Adders
- Black Grouse
- Nightjars
- Woodlarks
- Capercallies
- Red Kites
- Large Heath butterfly
- Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly
- Silver-washed Fritillary butterfly
- Black Hairstreak butterfly
and if you're really lucky:
- Golden Eagles
- White-tailed Eagles
- Ospreys
Camping in the Galloway Forest Park
There are several bothies in the Forest Park, see: Bothies What the Code says
Access rights extend to wild camping. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place. You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid causing problems for local people and land managers by not camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals and by keeping well away from buildings, roads or historic structures. Take extra care to avoid disturbing deer stalking or grouse shooting. If you wish to camp close to a house or building, seek the owner’s permission. Leave no trace by:
-taking away all your litter;
-removing all traces of your tent pitch and of any open fire (follow the guidance for lighting fires);
-not causing any pollution.