Monday, 27 June 2022
Rachel Orchard is one of our Trees and Timber Apprentices working from our base in Durris, Aberdeenshire. As a newcomer to the forestry sector she has hit the ground running by win...
One of two forest drives in Galloway Forest Park, this drive is an easy way to see more of the Park's woods and wildlife without having to walk too far.
It's a 10 mile two-way forest drive, which is open to vehicles between April and October and for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders year-round. There is a small fee of £3, payable in coins.
There are various places to stop along Raiders' Road. Head for Otter Pool car park, about half way along, for the perfect riverside picnic spot with plenty of room on the grassy banks to play. Alternatively, stop at Stroan Loch for peaceful waterside views, an old viaduct and the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail.
Because it’s so dark, the Forest Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the stars – which is why it has been designated a Dark Sky Park. On a clear night the stars are so bright that you don’t need a telescope or even binoculars to enjoy them. There are information panels about stargazing at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre.
The Galloway Kite Trail, a scenic 24 mile (40 km) tour around Loch Ken, is an exciting way to view spectacular red kites in lovely scenery. During the summer, the trail includes the Raiders’ Road Forest Drive, so look out for red kites soaring overhead as you explore. Bennan Viewpoint car park and trails at the east end of the Forest Drive, near Mossdale, are particularly good for sightings.
Nearby Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre has a café and shop.
The charge to park and drive at Raiders' Road is £3 payable by coin only.
Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol.
Annual parking passes available:
Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at the Riverside and Stroan Loch car parks on the Raider's Road from 1 April – 31 October 2022.
To help plan your stay, please see the details below:
Riverside car park is located just off the A712 near Clatteringshaws Loch. It makes a great place to view the night sky and explore the nearby attractions during the day.
Stroan Loch car park is located a short drive along the Raider's Road. This site offers wonderful views across Loch Stroan and the perfect place to start exploring the Galloway Forest Park and nearby attractions.
Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.
You can drive Raiders' Road Forest Drive in either direction. The west entrance is on the south side of the A712 (also known as The Queen's Way) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway, near Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre. The east entrance is on the A762, just north of Mossdale village.
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Watch for wildlife or gaze at the stars
Get up close to some of Galloway's resident deer
View the starts at the heart of Galloway Dark Sky Park.