Doach Wood

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Where we are

Storm Update

10 June 2025

The Doach continues to be badly affected by tree damage sustained during Storm Eowyn. On Tuesday 10 June 2025, the next phase of work clearing the windblown trees will be starting. We anticipate that the work will take approximately 3 weeks, but this is dependant on weather conditions and our contractors being able to work uninterrupted on site.

Visitor safety is our number one priority and we are asking the public not to visit the site until the trail is made safe and officially reopened. Any public access to the site during this closure not only puts lives at risk but will also lead to further delays reopening the trail. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation.

About

Woman in blue jacket walks dog on woodland path through giant Douglas firs, Doach Wood, near Castle Douglas

Wooden sculpture of red squirrel, Doach Wood, near Castle Douglas

Woodland path, Doach Wood, near Castle Douglas

Rear view of young man walking woodland trail lined with Douglas Fir trees, Doach Wood, near Castle Douglas

Landscape view from hillside over mixed green fields and small woods under a grey sky.

Wander in the shadow of Scotland's tallest trees

Doach Wood is dominated by some of the tallest trees in south-west Scotland, towering up to 130 feet (40 metres) above the woodland floor – that’s almost as tall as Nelson’s Column in London. The trail climbs steeply up through the cathedral of tree trunks to a viewpoint, where you can catch your breath and gaze at the dramatic rocky coast and hills.

By far the largest trees in Doach Wood are the Douglas firs. The species was discovered by the Scottish colonist Archibald Menzies on the west coast of North America in 1791, but was named after another Scot, David Douglas, who sent seed back to Britain 34 years later.

Walking trails

Doach Wood route card (PDF)

Walking

Douglas Trail (closed)

Walk beneath towering Douglas firs before climbing to a breathtaking viewpoint on Gaigrie Hill. The view of the Solway Coast is your reward.

Sections of uneven gravel and earth path with exposed tree roots. Some long steep slopes.

1 ¾ miles / 2.7 km

Allow 1 ½ hours

Facilities and access

Viewpoint

Walking

Parking

Everything you need nearby

You’ll find toilets and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at the nearby towns of Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

Doach Wood lies beside the B736, which links Castle Douglas with the A711. It’s about 2 miles (3km) from the village of Palnackie. Look for signposts to the car park from the B736.

Using SatNav?

DG7 1QF is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Dumfries is the nearest railway station. There are regular buses from Dumfries to Dalbeattie, where you change to get a local bus to Palnackie. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Get directions