Skip to main content

Cally Woods

Where we are

About

Tranquil woodland on the edge of Gatehouse of Fleet

The oak, birch, sycamore and beech that make up the woodland of Cally are relatively young, but they already make a fine forest of peaceful beauty.

In early spring there are splendid drifts of snowdrops, which is why Cally is part of Scotland’s annual snowdrop festival. Later in the year you can find primroses and bluebells, and watch for red squirrels, buzzards and treecreepers.

The woods were once the grounds and open parkland of Cally House, now the Cally Palace Hotel. The grounds were laid out as a designed landscape in the mid 18th century by the local landowner, James Murray of Broughton. The old walled garden is now home to Cally Gardens, a nursery dedicated to interesting and unusual plants.

Walking trails

Walking

Motte Trail

Wander through the deciduous woods along the Bush Burn to a 12th century stronghold at Cally Motte.

Firm gravel surface throughout with some slightly uneven sections. Includes some short steep slopes and two bridges 0.9m wide.

Moderate trail grade icon grade icon
¾ miles / 1.1 km

Allow ½ hours

More information

Back in the 1100s, there was an Angle-Norman stronghold on the Motte. There are several mounds like this across Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders: they would have had a fortified tower on top, probably with enough space inside to shelter local villagers in times of trouble.

Walking

Bush Bridge Trail

An enjoyable exploration of the Bush Burn and the varied woodland of the Cally Estate. Ash, oak, beech and sycamore all shelter a carpet of wonderful wild flowers.

Firm gravel surface throughout. Occasional section may be uneven or muddy. Includes several short steep slopes and two bridges.

Moderate trail grade icon grade icon
1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km

Allow ¾ hours

More information

The Bush Burn once drove a water-powered sawmill in the village in the 19th century.

Activities

Horse riding

If you'd like to explore Cally Woods on horseback, follow the waymarked Cally horse route. The 2 ½ mile route is lovely at all times of year and will take around an hour to ride. It has a mixture of firm, wide paths and narrow earth paths (some of which can get muddy after rain). Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you make your way around, from soaring buzzards to humble snowdrops.

Longer distance routes

If you'd like to explore further, you can follow the Cally Drive past Cally Palace Hotel, through Laundry Wood and Cally Mains Wood all the way to Sandgreen beach. Ordnance Survey maps Landranger 83: Newton Stewart & Kirkcudbright and Explorer 312: Kirkcudbright & Castle Douglas cover the forest and its surrounding area.

The National Cycle Route 7 passes through the forest.

Facilities and access

Horse riding
Horse riding
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking

The nearest public toilets, shops and cafès are in Gatehouse of Fleet.

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

The main entrance to Cally Woods is on the B727, a ¼ mile east of Gatehouse of Fleet. A car park can be found 100m beyond the gatehouse.

Using SatNav?

DG7 2DB is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There is a bus stop at the main entrance to Cally, served by buses to Gatehouse of Fleet. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

Home to red kites and a babbling burn

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Kennick Burn': 6.53 miles
Drooping conifer branch

A short climb rewarded with bird’s eye views of Loch Ken

Facilities and activities
Parking
Parking
Walking
Walking
Distance from 'Bennan Viewpoint': 10.46 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Galloway Forest Park’s gateway centre

Facilities and activities
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Wildlife hide
Wildlife hide
Walking
Walking
All ability trails
All ability trails
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Play area
Play area
Tourist information
Tourist information
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Shop
Shop
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Bike hire
Bike hire
Shower
Shower
Changing places
Changing places
Stay the Night
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Kirroughtree': 10.88 miles