Thursday, 25 April 2024
Many don’t realise that Scotland is home to a native apple species, the wild apple (Malus sylvestris). Due to hybridisation, and historically being seen as unimportant the nat...
The Hills
Where we are
About
Follow overgrown railway tracks through a wild wood
This quiet woodland on the edge of Mabie Forest is being managed to encourage the trees to regenerate naturally. This approach gives native plants a better chance of re-establishing and encourages birds like pied flycatchers and owls to feed and nest amongst the young trees.
What species will you spot as you explore?
Walking trails
Walking
Flycatcher Walk
Explore this lovely ash and oak woodland, home to the long-eared owl and the pied flycatcher. Follow the line of the former railway near the striking Goldielea Viaduct.
Loose gravel track with some uneven sections. One steep slope.
1 miles / 1.6 km
Allow ¾ hour
More information
This attractive woodland is a popular place for dog-walkers and those looking for a gentle leg-stretch. There are bluebells in spring, the chance to spot visiting flycatchers in summer and the trees put on a colourful show in autumn.
Listen for the sweet warble of the black and white pied flycatchers, and watch for short-eared owls hunting over areas of open ground. Part of the route follows an old railway line that once linked Dumfries and Stranraer, and now provides a refuge for wildlife, including ferns and lizards. Look across the valley to see the Goldielea Viaduct, which was also a feature of the old line.
Facilities and access
Grab a refreshment
Visit nearby Mabie forest for parking and toilets, including accessible facilities. You’ll also find refreshments at Mabie House Hotel on site.
There are also plenty of places to eat, drink and shop as well as public toilets in nearby Dumfries.
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
The Hills lies beside the A711 Dumfries to Dalbeattie road. Look out for signs to the car park about 3 miles (5km) from Dumfries.
Using SatNav?
DG2 8HY is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Dumfries is the nearest railway station. There are regular buses from Dumfries to Dalbeattie, which stop at Goldielea. The Hills car park is less than ½ mile (1km) from here. You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6900 (option 1)
Nearby forests
Escape from it all in a forest buzzing with nature
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'The Hills': 1.61 miles
Quiet woodland walks next door to Dumfries
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'The Hills': 4.10 miles
A mountain biking classic with gorgeous lochside trails
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'The Hills': 9.15 miles
Related articles
Thursday, 18 April 2024
An ancie...
Thursday, 11 April 2024
Around 270 species of bees are found in the UK, with nearly 90% solitary species. Some that can be seen in Scotland include the red mason bee, common carder bee and the chocolate mining bee that...
Thursday, 04 April 2024
Find a forest...
View all forests