Black Grouse viewing
Notable animal species.
Black grouse
Other wildlife you might spot in this area include: roe deer, buzzard, golden eagle, Peregrine falcon, grasshopper warbler, sand piper.
Best in: open May - October (Closed during the winter)
Location:
The Black Grouse viewing platform is located along the Carrick Forest Drive, in the north of the Galloway Forest Park.
OS Grid Reference: NX 45848 93694
Lat: 55.213356
Long: -4.4244003
How to get there
Driving: from the south (from Stranraer) – follow the A75 heading towards Newton Stewart. Before reaching Newton Stewart take a left turn heading for A714 towards Bargrennan. At Bargrennan take the right hand turn to Glentrool Village. Pass Glentrool village and continue this windy and very picturesque road towards Straiton. You will head over the summit of the hill and after your descent look out for Forestry Commission signs for Carrick Forest Drive.
From the south (from Dumfries) – follow the A75 heading towards Newton Stewart. Before reaching Newton Stewart take a right turn heading for A714 towards Bargrennan. At Bargrennan take the right hand turn to Glentrool Village. Pass Glentrool village and continue this windy and very picturesque road towards Straiton. You will head over the summit of the hill and after your descent look out for Forestry Commission signs for Carrick Forest Drive.
Driving from the north east – Follow the A713 towards Dalmellington. As you get roughly 1 mile away from Dalmellington look out for the Loch Doon turn on your left hand side. Follow this tarmac road all the way to the start of the forest drive.
Driving from the north west – Follow the A713 towards Castle Douglas. Roughly 1 mile after Dalmellington look out for the Loch Doon turn on your right hand side. Follow this tarmac road all the way to the start of the forest drive.
Facilities
Interpretation, lay-by
Contact
Galloway Forest District 01671 402 420