Kilsture Forest

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

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 (closed)

A trail notice is in effect

Closed due to storm damage.

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

Walking

Parking

Picnic area

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.

More about parking

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.

Get directions