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Walking Kilsture Forest Walks Location From Dumfries follow the A75 to Newton Stewart, to reach Kilsture forest travel south from Wigtown on the A714/ A746, pass through Braehead and Kirkinner and at the fork take the B7004 Garlieston Road. After a half mile turn right into the forest car park. The information board provides route details. For public transport - From Dumfries to Newton Stewart - X75, 500 From Newton Stewart to the Machars - 415 Description To use the Woodpecker Trail follow the yellow waymarkers. If you are following the Deer Trail use the white waymarkers. The end loop of the Deer Trail takes you to a car park at the far end of the forest, cross this in order to pick up the continuation of the trail. When the path rejoins the outgoing path remember to turn right to return to your car. The forest trails of Kilsture are shared with cyclists and horse riders and take an interesting meandering line through the thinned hardwoods. Look for the fine specimen larch trees and the views out to lush pasture from the margins of the forest. In spring the constant birdsong is punctuated by the alarm calls of cock pheasants and the overhead mewing of buzzards. Look out for the attractive group of Dawn Redwood trees on the end loop of the Deer Trail. These graceful trees are natives of the Western Seaboard of the United States and have thick spongy fireproof bark. Start Point Start both walks from the car park at Kilsture Forest. More Info For further information on walking in Dumfries & Galloway please telephone 01387 253862 Walk Details Distance Approx. time Height gain OS Map Woodpecker Trail: 2km Deer Trail: 6km Woodpecker Trail: 30 minutes Deer Trail: 1.5 hours 50m Landranger 83 Why not join one of our walking festivals? Get active at one of our walking festivals.     Walking Holidays Feel the warmth of a Dumfries & Galloway welcome.     The Moffat Hills Immerse yourself in the histrory of the Moffat Hills.     Galloway Hills & Glenkens Discover the contrasts of the Galloway Hills.     The Southern Upland Way Take on the challenge of the mighty Southern Upland Way.     In and Around our Towns and Villages Walks for everyone, on your doorstep.     Stay Safe in Dumfries & Galloway Heading for the hills? Register your details with the mountain rescue to stay safe.     The Lowther Hills Enjoy the dramatic views from the Lowter Hills.     The Coast With over 200 miles of coastline you'll be spoilt for choice!