The Stewartry has some fantastic cliff top walks for seabirds and other wildlife. Balcary near Auchencairn and Meikle Ross headland near Kirkcudbright are probably the best, although Rockcliffe to Portling is also very good.
RSPB Ken/Dee Reserve, Loch Ken near Castle Douglas
Map
Reference: Location: The car park is on the minor road north from Glenlochar on the B795
Broadleaved woodland and freshwater wetland.
Facilities: Goose viewing platform, two hides and the trail is 2.4km/1.5 miles to the furthest hide.
RSPB Mersehead on the Solway Coast
Map
Reference: NX92/55
Location: Situated on the Solway Coast, 25km/15 miles from Dumfries off the A710 at Sout
This reserve contains lowland wet grassland, saltmarsh, low sand dunes and mud flats. The site is also part of a SSSI, SPA and Ramsar site.
Summer: breeding waders and passerines.
Winter: Geese, duck, waders and wintering passerine flocks. Various hides or just a great place to walk.
Castramont Wood. Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve
Map
Reference: NX59/60
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.
Mull of Galloway and Scare Rocks RSPB Reserves
The Mull of Galloway is the most southerly point in Scotland and it is a marvellous place to visit at any time of the year. From the orange and grey lichen covered rock, you are able to take in the breathtaking views (on a clear day) to Ireland and the Isle of Man, emphasised by thousands of nesting seabirds during the spring and summer.
Wood of Cree RSPB Nature Reserve
Map
Reference: Map Ref: NX38/70
The Wood of Cree is on the east bank of the River Cree 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Newton Stewart. It is on the minor road from Minnigaff to Glentrool, or from the A714 south of Bargrennan.
The Wood of Cree is in the heart of the Cree Valley and is the largest ancient woodland in southern Scotland. This RSPB nature reserve is now part of the Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust. It is hoped that the Trust will link the fragments of native woodland in this valley, creating a continuous belt of woodland from Newton Stewart to Glentrool. This will enhance the biodiversity of the area and create a greater visitor experience to this beautiful part of Dumfries and Galloway
Galloway Kite Trail
A circular drive in the Loch Ken area with the option of stopping off at various locations for a walk and hopefully seeing Red Kites. This includes a feeding station at Bellymack Hill Farm near Laurieston and a chance to visit one of the secret cages where the kites were released from.
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Caerlaverock
Map
Reference: WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre lies east of Dumfries near a village called Bankend.
WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre. Open all year. Many viewing hides. Excellent for wintering geese and ducks. Swan feed daily at 11.00am and 2.00pm during the winter months. Best winter bird viewing in the region. Barnacle Geese and Whooper Swans a speciality. Centre Opens at 10.00am
Osprey, live TV pictures, plus edited highlghts.
Live camera link from Osprey nest 2006
A FREE BOOKLET ON BIRDWATCHING IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
A full colour guide to Birdwatching in Dumfries and Galloway
