Galloway Forest Park

Fantastic place with lots of options for hiking ...beautiful scenery ...amust for hikers in the area ...and loch doon close by for a quick dip

We stopped on Clatteringshaws car park in our Campervan. £7 per night paid at machine through Ringo. We got the place to ourselves overlooking the loch. Visitors centre has a cafe open 10am - 4pm and has a good selection on cakes. There is a lovely little shop with locally made items. Note that there is a chemical disposal point for camper and/ motor homes. Also when paying for overnight it’s a different code for Ringo to the daily charge. See the machine. Some history to the site with Robert the Bruce. Short distance to Newton Stewart if you need supplies. Great views and plenty of wildlife and when clear you are in the dark skies park. There are boards showing the sky at night. Would recommend a visit.

Abundance of amazing walks, great views. Merrick hike was definitely highlight of the trip.

My first visit to Galloway and I was really impressed.The forest is stunning, nestled between mountains.Midges were a problem at the beginning of September, so be prepared.Amazing hike up The Merrick from Loch Trool.

Beautiful place, worth to see x

We had a great time at the Galloway Forest Park. It is so vast and there is so much to do there. Me and my family walked up to Bruce's Stone (two of us Nordic walking). The stone was interesting to read up on and there were great views of the loch below. We also walked through the forest to the loch's edge which was also invigorating and picturesque, offering plenty of photographic opportunities. The trails looked good for cycling (we didn't have our bikes with us but plenty of people did). We spent the day there and only really touched the surface. You could easily stay nearby and explore something different each day for a week. We stopped off at the goat reserve and the red deer refuge - both which were great for our daughters and us. Whether you like hiking, cycling, generally exploring or seeing animals up close, you'll have a great time here.

Brilliant & beautiful. Forest drive, smooth gravel track. Stunning Loch views, dark skies. When you go make sure you chip in and buy a ticket. Can't want to go back.Plenty of places to stop & have a wander about. There's even toilets!You should definitely get up here and experience it yourself. 10/10

A beautiful area for walks. We parked at Glentrool and had a lovely (slightly damp) walk with our dogs, accompanied by hot chocolate from the cafe.

I have been here a few times and I just love galloway forest. In 2 days I saw at least 10 wild deer, rabbits, hares, red deer at the red deer range, the wild goats and plenty of birds. I really wanted to see a red squirrel but theres always next time. I spent the day walking and taking in the breathtaking views and then at night I was lucky to experience clear skies and I have to say was amazed at just how many stars you can see it was stunning! I also saw satellites everywhere and shooting stars and venus was clearly visible. I highly recommend a visit to this forest and if your lucky enough to get a clear night please stay to see the stars and planets you will not regret it!