Red Deer Range

Get up close to some of Galloway's resident deer

The Red Deer Range was established in 1977 to give our visitors the chance to see these beautiful creatures up close in a natural environment. Around 25 red deer live here today – watch for them from the viewing area and hide. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy spotting deer and other wildlife from the shelter of the hide.

Guide map to Galloway Forest Park (PDF 4.6MB)

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.

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.

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

You can watch the deer from the viewing area and hide at Red Deer Range every day, all year round. Entry is free!

Other wildlife

As you savour this wild place and watch for red deer, you're likely to spot other amazing wildlife too. Keep an eye on the skies for buzzards and other birds of prey who haunt these hills. The hide is also a great place to see a variety of moorland and woodland birds that gather at the feeding station at the hide.

Stargazing

If seeing red deer up close isn't exciting enough already, this is also a fantastic place to stargaze. 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. You can find out more online at Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park.

Learn more with our rangers

All tours are cancelled until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Wildlife hide

You'll find public toilets (including accessible facilities), a café and a shop at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre or Kirroughtree Visitor Centre at each end of the Queen's Way.

Getting here

Red Deer Range is on the north side of A712 (also known as The Queen's Way) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway.

The larger, lower car park is a short but steep walk from the viewing area and hide. The entrance to the upper car park is 250 yards west of the lower car park - This one provides direct access to the viewing area and hide. 

Using SatNav?

DG8 7BL is the nearest postcode.

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