Wednesday, 22 September 2021
Wit...
Kilsture Forest
Kilsture Forest
Where we are
COVID-19 update
- Read our COVID-19 Information in advance of your visit.
- Most of our forests and facilities are open, but use our website to check before you travel.
- Do not light campfires or use disposable barbecues.
- Park considerately, taking care not to park on verges or block gates or roads.
- Take care on or around open water. Find out more on our Water Safety page.
About
The largest patch of woodland in The Machars
There’s a lovely atmosphere all year round in this mixed forest. It’s the largest patch of woodland in the open countryside of The Machars, and a great shelter for roe deer and red squirrels. It looks especially pretty in May, when bluebells carpet the ground.
Walking trails (2)
Walking
Woodpecker Trail
A short loop through charming deciduous woodland, which has a carpet of bluebells in the spring. Listen out for woodpeckers and red squirrels among the trees.
Firm gravel and earth surface, with some uneven and potentially muddy sections. Includes some short fairly steep slopes.
1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km
Allow ¾ hours
Walking
Red Deer Trail
Head deeper into the wood to find the shy red deer and bright wood anemones among the oak, beech and ash trees.
Mostly firm gravel and earth surface, with some uneven rocky sections. Short fairly steep slopes. Includes some muddy sections and low branches.
3 ¼ miles / 5.2 km
Allow 2 hours
More information
You’ll catch views out across the neighbouring farmland along this trail. Sometimes you’ll hear geese calling from the nearby estuary. Visit in early evening and you may well see bats hunting for food.
Activities
The Red Deer Trail is popular with local horse riders: it’s mainly level, and just the right length for a short ride.
Facilities and access
You’ll find toilets and places to eat in Wigtown.
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.
Getting here
From Wigtown, follow signs for Whithorn along the A714 and A746. About 3 ½ miles (5.6 km) south of Wigtown, take the B7004, signposted for Garlieston. Kilsture Car Park is about ½ mile (800 metres) along this road, on the right hand side. The car park is at grid reference NX 436 501.
Using SatNav?
DG8 9DD is the nearest postcode, a little further south along the B7004.
Public transport
Buses between Wigtown and Whithorn pass the junction with the B7004. Check Traveline Scotland for details.
Nearby forests
Follow the Balloch Burn up the hillside above Creetown
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Kilsture Forest': 6.05 miles
Tranquil woodland on the edge of Gatehouse of Fleet
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Kilsture Forest': 7.58 miles
Galloway Forest Park’s gateway centre
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Kilsture Forest': 9.04 miles
Related articles
Thursday, 16 September 2021
Ospreys are one of Scotland’s greatest wildlife revival stories. Considered extinct as a breeding bird in the British Isles in 1916, there are now about 250 pairs across the countr...
Wednesday, 01 September 2021
The Year of Coasts & Waters has...
Tuesday, 31 August 2021
Given the long lives of trees, it can be surprising to learn that many trees in Scotland are at risk from pests and diseases. Whilst some trees can live for centuries, some infecti...
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 2)
Share your experience
Find a forest...
View all forests