Red Deer Range

About Activities Facilities and access Directions Contact Nearby forests

Where we are

About

A male visitor stands close to a wire fence with a stag deer standing across from him

A female visitor in a white cap stands in a wooden shelter with a window that has a stag deer peering in

A female deer on a grassy ledge with misty hills behind

A lone male red deer in a meadow with a tree filled hillbehind

A wide shot of a herd of deer next to a wildlife hide with mountains in the background

A group of red deer standing in a grassy field together

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.

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

Facilities and access

Wildlife hide

Walking

Parking

You'll find parking, toilets (including accessible facilities), a café and a shop at Kirroughtree Forest Café.

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

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.