Cycling is a great way to see wildlife. Dumfries and Galloway has miles of minor roads with very little traffic, all of which pass through a variety of habitats. Being on a bicycle allows you to see and hear much more, with the added bonus of stopping whenever you want.
For further information on cycling check out www.gallowaycycling.co.uk
Criffel Hill
Rating:
Moderate
569 Metre hill overlooking the Solway Firth and River Nith Estuary
Waterside Hill
Distance/Time:
5 miles, allow about 3 hours?
Circular Hill Walk
Fairly easy walk on country roads and low hill ground. SUW is waymarked.
Screel Hill
Rating:
Strenuous
Distance/Time:
5.6km/3 1/2 miles. Allow 2-3 hours
At 1126ft (344m), Screel Hill is smaller than its neighbour Bengairn. However, it provides an excellent, short hill walk with some fantastic views. Despite its relatively low height, conditions at the top may be far worse than at the car park so warm clothing, a map and a compass are advisable.
Almorness Peninsula
Rating:
Moderate
Distance/Time:
3-4 hors
Forest Track down to a beach overlooking the Solway.
Small car park (with limited spaces) at the end of the public road. Do not block the farm access.
National Trust for Scotland, Threave Estate Walk
Rating:
Moderate to strenuous depending on detours taken
Distance/Time:
Depends on route taken
Circular estate walk with optional detours to Lamb Island bird hide, Threave Castle and bird hides
4km/2.5miles, extra 1.5km/1mile to Lamb Island bird hide, extra 4.75km/3miles to Threave Castle and bird hides and extra 2km/1¼miles to Threave Castle only
Allow 1½ hours, or more for detours
Minor road, woodland paths, tracks, dismantled railway, stone paths and grass paths with some steps.
Moderate to strenuous depending on detours taken
Boots or stout shoes recommended
Castle Douglas Town Trail
Rating:
Easy
Distance/Time:
1 hour
Parking is available at the Tourist Information Centre at Market Hill car park. NX767626. Town Walk
Carlingwark Loch Circular Walk
Rating:
Easy
Distance/Time:
Allow 2 hours
Small map on light pole beside car park in Lochside Park
Bennan Viewpoint
Rating:
Moderate to strenuous
Distance/Time:
Option A -3miles/4.5km (return), Option
Circular/linear forest walks with viewpoint
PARKING is available at the Forest Enterprise car park approximately 5.5km/3½ miles south of New Galloway and approximately 19km/12 miles north of Castle Douglas on the A762.
Doach Wood, near Castle Douglas
Rating:
Easy/moderate
Distance/Time:
2 hours
Forest walks leading to a viewpoint.
Castramont Wood. Scottish Wildlife Reserve
Rating:
Moderate
Limited car parking. Around 10-12 cars. Site not accessible to buses.
Information Board at start of the walks.
The wood is on the side of a hill so there are steep paths in places.
During the main tourist season from April to September information and guidance can be obtained from the Gatehouse of Fleet Tourist Information Centre. The Centre is closed during the winter months.
Please park sensibly and don’t block access.
Sculptures in the Galloway Forest Park
Rating:
Easy/moderate
Distance/Time:
2 hours
Interesting man-made sculptures within the Galloway Forest Park
Trusty's Hill and Rutherford's Monument
Rating:
Circular woodland and farmland walk.
Distance/Time:
5.5km/31/2 miles Allow 2 hours
Circular woodland and farmland walk.
5.5km/31/2 miles Allow 2 hours Roadside pavement, minor roads, beaten earth
and grass paths. Stiles. Moderate Stout shoes or boots recommended.
Galloway Kite Trail
Rating:
Fairly easy
Distance/Time:
Depends on location, but most fairly short.
A drive around Loch Ken with various options to stop off for a walk and hopefully see Red Kites. This includes a feeding station at Bellymack Hill farm. A leaflet is available from various outlets locally.
Short Walks on the Southern Upland Way
Rating:
Moderate to Hard
Distance/Time:
Half to Full Day Walks
Short Walks on the Western section of the Southern Upland Way.
Free Booklet for the price of two first class stamps.
Kirroughtree Forest Walks
Rating:
Easy to moderate
Distance/Time:
Various colour coded walks.
Various waymarked forest walks through a variety of habitats.
Walks vary in length from 1 to 5 miles.
