20 Attractions to Explore Near Galloway Forest Park

Loch Enoch is a multi-basin freshwater loch in Galloway, to the east of Merrick and south of Mullwharchar. The loch is situated in a granite basin and has several small islands and some beaches on its shore. The vegetation in the loch’s basin is mainly purple moor grass and heather.The loch's outflow supplies Loch Doon and the River Doon, both in Ayrshire.

Bruce’s Stone is a large granite boulder commemorating King Robert’s victory over the English. It sits at the top of the hill on the north side of Loch Trool. It also serves as a starting spot for the challenging walk up Merrick (2764 feet), the highest mountain in southern Scotland

The Merrick is the highest hill in Southern Scotland. A popular ascent from Glen Trool, it presides high over a wild landscape, thankfully well away from the extensive forestry plantations. An interesting feature on the mountain is the presence of several large partly buried granite boulders at about 800 m on the broad west ridge.

Loch Trool is a narrow, freshwater loch that is surrounded by stunning scenery due to its elevated position in Glentrool, in the Galloway Forest Park. The loch is the source of the Water of Trool which flows to the Water of Minnoch and the River Cree. There is a walking trail and footpath around the loch's perimeter.

Mullwharchar is a hill in the Dungeon Hills, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills range, part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. There are 3 cliffs on the mountain named The Slock, The Tauchers and The Organ Pipes and some routes on these are occasionally climbed. Mullwharchar's summit is fairly flat and dotted with erratics. Quiet risky trekking location and also it offers nice views from the top.

Corserine is a hill in the Rhinns of Kells, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills range, part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The highest point of the range and the second highest point in Galloway, the usual route of ascent is from the car park at Forrest Lodge to the east of the hill via Loch Harrow and North Gairy Top. Forest Lodge is a short drive from the village of St. John's Town of Dalry.

Glentrool is a collection of mountain biking routes through the heart of Galloway in southwest Scotland. The mountain bike routes are part of the 7Stanes project by Forestry and Land Scotland throughout the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. The most famous route at Glentrool is the 'Big Country' trail, based entirely on minor public roads and forest roads. The trail follows 58 km of road in a loop, starting and finishing at the Glentrool visitor centre. There are areas of off-road bik

Loch Macaterick is a loch in East Ayrshire, Scotland within Galloway Forest Park and Merrick Kells SSSI. The loch is situated to the north of Macaterick, to the west of Craigfionn and to the southeast of Loch Riecawr. Loch Macaterick from Craigfionn A boardwalk through a forested area used to lead to the loch from a nearby track but it was removed during forestry works. The loch area has suffered limited heather beetle impacts.

Shalloch-on-Minnoch is the highest mountain in Ayrshire at 2,520 ft, situated about 26 miles southeast of Ayr next to Loch Riecawr and close to Loch Doon. There are two ways to this mountain, from the Straiton road or Dalmellington road via Loch Doon. a good trekking destination and also you can spend some good time here by enjoying its beauty.

This large freshwater reservoir is part of the wider Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway.It was created by damming the Galloway River Dee as part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme.The Forestry Commission maintain a visitors' centre by the loch to welcome visitors to Galloway Forest Park. Here you can pick up some nice walking trails taking you along the water to the memorial stone and Bruce's Stone.

The Wood of Cree is the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland. In spring, it comes alive, with bluebells on the ground and the sound of pied flycatchers and warblers in the air. It is also the perfect place to see willow tits, as well as barn and tawny owls. Consisting of about 690 acres, it is Southern Scotland's largest ancient woodland, and is home to around 113 bird species. It is also considered one of the best bluebell carpet sites in Scotland.

Loch Doon Castle was probably built in the late 1200s by an earl of Carrick – either Robert the Bruce or his father, also called Robert. This was constructed from fine ashlar and was polygonal with eleven uneven sides, its shape being dictated by the terrain of the island. Entrance into the castle was via an arched gateway protected by two heavy timber doors and a portcullis. There was also a small postern gate. The castle was dismantled and rebuilt on the side of the loch after the loch water l

The Stinchar Bridge, and large Car Park, just in to the left here, are situated 7 miles south of the scenic village of Straiton, next to the B741 road, as seen below. That is the start of the Cornish Hill trail leading into the forest at the T sign.

A beautiful fresh water loch in Carrick, Scotland. The River Doon issues from its northern end, while the loch itself receives waters from Gala Lane and Loch Enoch via Eglin Lane. The loch was dammed in the 1930s, raising the water some 27 feet to provide seasonal storage for the Galloway hydro-electric power scheme. As a reservoir, Loch Doon has an effective capacity of over 82 million cubic metres. It offers so many leisre activates and also you can spend some nice time with your family too.

Stinchar Falls is a waterfall of Scotland. It is located on the Stinchar Burn, east of Barr in Ayrshire. A quiet beautiful location where you can spend some beautiful time and also you can have some adventures too.

Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve is one of the wildest places in south-west Scotland – but is still surprisingly accessible. It’s a paradise for walkers, with panoramic views over a patchwork landscape of muted colours. It is home to the most extensive area of open moorland in Galloway, and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The summit and eastern flanks of the mountain are designated as a national nature reserve, which is managed by NatureScot

Kirroughtree Forest is located near Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, southwest Scotland and overlooks the Irish Sea. It is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland and is part of the Galloway Forest Park. It has been developed as a centre for mountain biking trails. Palnure Burn is a small river which runs through the forest and on into the River Cree. The forest is home to red squirrels, red deer and ospreys.

Kenmure Castle has been a roofless shell since at least 1960. The castle was originally of the 'courtyard' plan consisting of west and south ranges, three storeys and an attic in height, with a high enclosing wall on the north and east and an arched gateway in the north wall. The site was occupied from the Middle Ages, and the house incorporates part of a 17th-century castle. It was the seat of the Gordon family of Lochinvar, later raised to the peerage as Viscounts of Kenmure. The ruin is a sc

The Galloway Forest Park is Britain’s largest forest park, which was established in 1947. It is often referred to as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’ and attracts around 800,000 thousand visitors each year. Home to dramatic ancient woodland, magnificent scenery and an astonishing range of local wildlife, the park is perfect for the whole family.

This picturesque waterfall lies off of a minor road near Doon Bridge, around a mile west of Dalmellington. It is a popular spot for both walkers and photographers; during cold weather it can freeze over completely, resulting in a breathtaking scene. Parking is available in Cathcartston where signs for the trail that lead to the waterfall are located.