Glamping near the beach in Kirroughtree

In southwest Scotland, Kirroughtree Forest is part of the Galloway Forest Park and a popular spot for mountain biking. Kirroughtree is home to a 7stanes mountain biking centre with a superb variety of graded trails, including an extreme downhill section for seriously experienced bikers. The forest is also brimming with wildlife, including red squirrels, woodland birds, and roe deer. There are also several walking routes to explore and travelling families can make use of the play park, which has several short trails. As part of an official Dark Sky Park, Kirroughtree Forest is also a fantastic place for stargazing.

Kirroughtree Forest is a year-round destination, although those tackling the biking trails will enjoy better conditions in the drier months between April and August. Stargazers, on the other hand, should visit between October and March when the skies are at their darkest and clearest, affording the best conditions for spotting planets, constellations and, with luck, the Milky Way. Wildlife watchers can catch the spectacle of rutting red deer in early October.

• Motorhomes and campervans can stay overnight at the Kirroughtree car park from late April to October.
• Bikes can be hired from The Break Pad bike shop, which also offers repairs, safety checks, and advice.
• Buses between Dumfries and Stranraer stop at Palnure, about a mile from the visitor centre.