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Troquhain Woods

92%

· Castle Douglas, Scotland

14 acres hosted by Malcolm S.

6 motorhome/tent pitches

Best in Scotland: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

Red squirrels, deer, and woodland birds will be your neighbours at Troquhain Woods in Galloway. Here in the south west of Scotland, you can enjoy a wild camping experience among the trees – with the convenience of a toilet and a tap. It’s a simple set up that’s been put together by host Malcolm, a woodsman whose speciality is building bridges. He’ll more than likely welcome you to your temporary home in the forest, although it’s not hard to find. You might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere when you’re tucked among the trees but this woodland site is actually handily just off the A road which links Dumfries with Galloway Forest Park. It makes this wild camping experience as accessible for campervans as it is for those with tents.

The road can mean a little noise from passing traffic but it’s hardly a distraction from your wild surroundings and nor are the other campers, if there are any here when you stay. There are just a handful of pitches so staying feels like the privilege it is. It also gives you the chance to concentrate on the important stuff – like getting that campfire going. Logs are included in the price of your pitch.

It goes without saying that this 15-acre woodland is a place that suits self-sufficient campers. Only the very basics are provided and if you’re coming here you’ll want to know how to manage with those and your wits. You are asked to bring your own drinking water and to leave no trace of your stay. There’s no shower and no shop – in fact the nearest one is a couple of miles away in Balmaclellan with the closest places to eat or drink out, further than that in New Galloway or St John’s Town of Dalry. But those who’ll like it here the most wouldn’t have it any other way. They’ll likely be here for the campfire craic, for the dark skies and stars, for the wildlife and walking or for the mountain biking in nearby Galloway Forest Park.

Parkup or pitch your tent in our woods. Nice campfire nice walks chill out Packed with bird life, redsquirrels and deer we are in the Galloway Dark Skies, near numerous mountain bike parks and quiet cycling roads. Loch Ken watersports center 5 miles and lots of walking in the hIlls to be done Visit the Solway Coast, local market town Castle Douglas, Village Shop 2 miles,

92%

30 Ratings · 20 reviews

Steve R.recommends

October 31, 2024

Woodland camping and parkup

Wild heaven

A cracking "wild" campsite. Do not expect electric hookups, onsite bistro or complimentary spa facilities. However, if you want to hear the deer barking 20 yards from your pitch or the owls hooting during the night then this is the place for you.

Matthew H.recommends

September 24, 2024

Woodland camping and parkup

The campsite was wonderfully quiet, nestled in the woods. The firepit was a real highlight. Malcolm was very friendly and helpful. Perfect for wild camping lovers!

Nicola B.recommends

September 9, 2024

Woodland camping and parkup

Great camping site

Malcolm was so friendly and helpful, he provided plenty of wood for the camp fire. The set up of the camp is great plenty of space. We saw a bat and heard the owls at night time my little girl loved. We will definitely be back and would recommend this to everyone

Patsy ?.recommends

August 9, 2024

Woodland camping and parkup

Really basic but great. Beautiful surroundings, welcoming fire and lots of walks around the place. Saw deer, bats, swans and heard owls.

Karen O.recommends

August 4, 2024

Woodland camping and parkup

Fabulous back to nature type of camping. Malcolm was so friendly and helpful. If you like having a camp fire this is perfect...firewood provided. Pitch was large and would be ideal for groups of family or friends. Would return.

Stuart T.recommends

April 8, 2024

Woodland camping and parkup

Malcolm was a friendly and considerate host who made our stay a memorable one. The site is picturesque and makes you feel as though you are miles away from civilization,despite being a stones throw from the road. We pitched next to the firepit and got a good blaze going that would have lasted all night but for the rain.The feeling of peace and tranquillity we got from this site was immense,and set us up perfectly for the rest of our trip through this beautiful part of the world. Malcolm kindly wheelbarrowed up us some some firewood and checked in to make sure whether we needed anything. Don't go complaining about lack of facilities if you stay here,it's a pitch,a friendly welcome,a fire,a compost toilet and a beautiful location. We didn't need anything else. Hope to be back soon.

Location

Castle Douglas, Scotland, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Malcolm S.

Joined in September 2022

From the host

Beautiful wild woodland in the Galloway Hills, Situated in the the Galloway Hills we offer space to park up or tent in our woodland. Facilities are basic, we offer a toilet, a sink with wild water (we suggest campers bring their own drinking water although we drink it). We have a campfire with wood provided. No showers yet but you can always warm some water on the fire and have a bucket wash! We are in the galloway dark skies so wonderful starlight nights if its clear. Within the approx 20 miles we have a number of the seven stanes mountain biking parks, the Solway Coast and its spectacular tides, the Loch Ken Water sports center and castle Douglas a lovely small market town.

Nearby attractions

Troquhain Woods are just off the A712 a couple of miles outside Balmaclellan where you’ll find the closest shop. A little further along the road takes you into the Galloway Forest Park. A good place to start exploring it is at the Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre (nine miles) on the edge of a loch. It’s a good place for birdwatching and stargazing as its one of the darkest areas of the park. There’s great walking and mountain biking too – but head to the otherside of the park for more of that. Two 7Stanes MTB parks, Kirroughtree and Glentrool, can be found there, both within a 40-minute drive of site. Two further 7Stanes parks are about the same distance in the other direction; Dalbeattie Forest and Ae Village. There’s adventure on the water at Loch Ken, about four miles from site. Head for the Galloway Activity Centre on its shores for paddleboard hire and other activities. The Solway Coast is 25 miles from the site if you want to dip your toes in the sea or see some of its dramatic clifftop scenery and sandy beaches.

Food and drink

The closest shop to Troquhain Woods is in Balmaclellan (two miles). A mile or so further on is New Galloway where there’s a cafe at the CatStrand art centre, a tea room and a community shop which sells local produce. For a meal out, head to St John’s Town of Dalry (five miles) where The Clachan Inn is a good option. There are more eateries and more shops in Castle Douglas (16 miles), a designated food town where there’s claimed to be more than 50 local businesses which produce or sell good quality local produce. There are also a couple of small supermarkets for other supplies.

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