COVID-19 and Forestry and Land Scotland
FLS has reduced its operations to felling that is contributing to essential business requirements to help keep Scotland ticking over. Our staff are working from home where possible; staff who are working continue to practise social distancing rigorously following Government and NHS guidance to keep safe.
Fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being, and for local visitors the majority of walking trails on Scotland’s national forests and land remain open. Be aware that staff cannot maintain our standard checks and maintenance. All our mountain biking trails and all car parks are closed.
All visitors are reminded to maintain social distance at all times.
Red Deer Range
Red Deer Range Notice
All deer tours are cancelled until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation.
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 60 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)
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 & access
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.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?