Red Deer Range
Where we are
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
Meet the deer with our Rangers
April
Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th: 12 noon
Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th: 12 noon
Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th: 12 noon
Rutting Week
Each year we hold a week of drop in events during the autumn rut. Call in to the hide to meet one of our rangers, have a chat and enjoy the action. Please keep an eye here for dates and times later in the year.
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 & 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?