Wildlife and Nature Holidays in Scotland

Dumfries and Galloway region has an extensive number of wildlife and nature places for visitors to see. This can be initially explored by the new Wild Seasons website.    

At Galloway Holidays we are able to use our experience to design and arrange a Wildlife and Nature themed holiday to include accommodation, transport and other services. Breaks can coincide with wildlife events which take place every year, the first being Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival from March 3rd 2012. 

The three hundred square miles of Galloway Forest Park, the largest forest park in Britain and often referred to as the ‘highlands of the lowlands’ offers breathtaking scenery from coastline to mountain top, from ancient woodland to quiet lochs.

It is also home to an amazing variety of wildlife including red deer, wild goats, red squirrels, otter, black grouse and nightjar. Galloway Forest Park has been named Britain’s first Dark Skies Park because, thanks to the lack of light pollution, it is almost totally dark making it a first class location for star gazing.

With two hundred miles of coastline there are endless opportunities – both summer and winter - to observe bird life. Winter visitors include thousands of barnacle geese which fly in from Svalbard providing an amazing spectacle as well as ducks, swans, and waders.

Birds of prey include buzzards, peregrine and red kites and we are delighted to have ospreys nesting in two locations in the region. The many areas of woodland in summer are alive with the sound of bird song. Resident birds are joined by summer visitors such as redstarts, pied flycatchers and garden warblers.

We have several nature reserves, which are home to an astonishing range of plants, some quite rare and the beautifully named Silver Flowe is a mosaic of bog land plants which attract butterflies and dragonflies.

Dumfries and Galloway also has three of Scotland's National Scenic Areas where outstanding scenery is acknowledged.

We are fortunate to know several countryside rangers, notably Castle Douglas based Keith Kirk who has an extensive website http://www.dumfriesandgallowaynaturalhistory.co.uk/ and local RSPB ranger Calum Murray who is an authority on the local Galloway Kite Trail near the town http://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/

Take advantage of our local knowledge and holiday arranging experience to design a Wildlife and Nature themed break to suit your budget.

 

Itineraries

(Outline info only)

Wildlife and Nature Trail

- 2 days self-guided tour - Ref. WN1 - Cost - from £125 p.p.

Includes - 2 nights 4 star B&B (assuming 2 sharing a double / twin room); welcome meeting with tour info pack provided; and advice contact no.

Itinerary

The route we provide allows you flexibility to take your own car and visit nature reserves and other places noted for their wildlife and nature in our area.

On your first day Ken Dee Marshes Nature Reserve beside Loch Ken near to Castle Douglas is a peaceful site with bird hides. The area around Loch Ken is also the Galloway Kite Trail with a popular daily feeding station spectacle. As well as nearby wild goat park ansd red deer range, the Raiders Road 10 miles forest drive, including views into the Galloway Hills from Clatteringshaws loch completes some of the places we suggest for your first day, - which can be ended by visiting the brewery in Castle Douglas or nearby tea room.

The next day, at some point Threave Estate beside Castle Douglas is worth a visit where wildlife walks, an osprey viewing station and even a bat reserve has been created. A visit along the Solway Firth takes you to Mersehead Nature Reserve where a circular beach walk is part of the attraction. Farther east, Caerlaverock Wetland Centre near Dumfries is an option if you are departing east on the same day.

Accommodation not provided after the tour today but can be arranged at extra cost.

 

Wildlife and Nature Trail - 2 days Guided tour

- Ref. WN2 - Cost - from £195 p.p.

Includes - 2 nights 4 star B&B (assuming 2 sharing a double / twin room); lunch each day; welcome meeting with tour info pack provided.

Itinerary

Using our 7 seat Mercedes minibus we take a route visiting many of the places mentioned on the self-guided tour WN1. With our local knowledge we can of course maximise the tour content whatever the time of year. We are aware of ongoing wildlife events at different times of the year and can 'tweak' the tour accordingly.

In addition we can visit Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Wigtown Bay where live webcam views osprey chicks can be seen in summerand Cairnsmore of Fleet Nature Reserve. We would also hope to meet a wildlife ranger for a chat somewhere along the way. The second day of this tour can be flexible to a degree.

 

Wildlife and Nature Trail - 2 days Tailor Made Guided Tour

- Ref. WN3 - Cost - from £225 p.p.

Includes - 2 nights 4 star B&B (assuming 2 sharing a double / twin room); lunch each day; welcome meeting with tour info pack provided.

Itinerary

From the wealth of wildlife and nature venues in Dumfries and Galloway, we are able to research and design a guided tour to suit your specific interests.

There are many nature reserves and natural locations to visit. Just let us know what you are most interested in and with consultation if necessary, we will provide a 2 day or longer itinerary for your consideration which can be part or fully guided.

You may wish to coincide your visit with annual wildlife events run by our local Council or the Forestry Commission.

In addition to your route and places of interest guide, subject to availability it may also be possible to include the services of one of our wildlife rangers to enhance the detailed information provided on a tour.

Just contact us to discuss this tour.