Waterside glamping in Galloway
Dark skies, forests and spectacular golden beaches, Galloway is an often-overlooked corner of Scotland.
- Galloway
Popular camping styles for Galloway
Waterside glamping in Galloway guide
Overview
From rocky shorelines and sandy beaches to gentle hills and lush valleys, some of southern Scotland's best attractions and most inspiring landscapes lie in Galloway. The region is home to quaint towns and villages, including the 'national book town' of Wigtown, and the scenery is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities including mountain biking along forest trails and windsurfing off the coast. Galloway Forest Park, a recognized dark sky site, is one of the region's biggest draws with its biking and walking trails and abundant wildlife, including red deer, otters, golden eagles and kites. Galloway also offers some of the best camping in Scotland, from beachside caravan sites to clearings in Galloway Forest Park.
Where to go
Galloway Forest Park
The 299-square-mile (744-square-kilometre) Galloway Forest Park is a must for nature lovers and keen outdoor adventurers who can enjoy challenging hillwalking and rock climbing within the park. Camping is available within Galloway Forest Park, close to the Southern Upland Way, and in bucolic settings just outside the park.
Rhins of Galloway
The windswept western corner of Galloway lies along one of the most scenic stretches of the 214-mile (344-kilometer) Southern Upland Way. From the headlands and cliffs the views stretch toward Northern Ireland, just a ferry ride away from Stranraer. You can find small, peaceful campsites close to Stranraer.
Castle Douglas
The old market town of Castle Douglas is known for its excellent food and drink. Around 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Dumfries, Castle Douglas also appeals for its proximity to Carlingwark Loch, a great place for boating and sailing. Birdwatchers can watch wintering wildfowl from the hides at nearby Threave Wildfowl Reserve. You’ll find campsites along the shores of Loch Ken, north of Castle Douglas, and inside the Galloway Activity Centre.
The Solway Firth
Marking the border between Scotland and England, the Solway Firth has a rugged coastline that is perfect for walking and birdwatching. Here you’ll find camping options on one of Galloway’s most attractive sandy beaches, with easy access to such outdoor activities as sailing, fishing and horse riding.
Mabie Forest
The woods and hills of Mabie Forest, just 20-minutes south of the region’s main town, Dumfries, are a magnet for walkers and mountain bikers. Wildlife lovers also flock to Mabie Forest to spot red squirrels, badgers, roe deer and foxes, as well as 20 species of butterfly and osprey fishing on Lochaber Loch. Camping options here run the gamut from tent pitches to yurts and even an Iron-Age roundhouse.
