The Hills

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Head to The Hills

This quiet woodland on the edge of Mabie Forest is being managed to encourage the trees to regenerate naturally. This approach gives native plants a better chance of re-establishing and encourages birds like pied flycatchers and owls to feed and nest amongst the young trees. What species will you spot as you explore?

Our guide to the Forests of Dumfries and the Solway (PDF 6.5MB) will help you explore The Hills and other woodlands in this wonderful part of Scotland.

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Grab a refreshment

Visit nearby Mabie forest for parking and toilets, including accessible facilities. You’ll also find refreshments at Mabie House Hotel on site.

There are also plenty of places to eat, drink and shop as well as public toilets in nearby Dumfries.

Walking trails

Our guide to the Forests of Dumfries and the Solway (PDF 6.4MB) will help you explore woodlands in this wonderful part of Scotland.

Flycatcher Walk

Explore this lovely ash and oak woodland, home to the long-eared owl and the pied flycatcher. Follow the line of the former railway near the striking Goldielea Viaduct.

Loose gravel track with some uneven sections. One steep slope.

1 miles /
1.6 km
Allow
¾ hour

More information...

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This attractive woodland is a popular place for dog-walkers and those looking for a gentle leg-stretch. There are bluebells in spring, the chance to spot visiting flycatchers in summer and the trees put on a colourful show in autumn.

Listen for the sweet warble of the black and white pied flycatchers, and watch for short-eared owls hunting over areas of open ground. Part of the route follows an old railway line that once linked Dumfries and Stranraer, and now provides a refuge for wildlife, including ferns and lizards. Look across the valley to see the Goldielea Viaduct, which was also a feature of the old line.

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Contact: Dumfries and Borders Forest District

Address: Ae Village, Parkgate, Dumfries

Postcode: DG1 1QB

Telephone: 0300 067 6900

Email: dumfriesborders@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

The Hills lies beside the A711 Dumfries to Dalbeattie road. Look out for signs to the car park about 3 miles (5km) from Dumfries.

The car park is at grid reference NX 930 731.

Using SatNav?

DG2 8HY is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Dumfries is the nearest railway station. There are regular buses from Dumfries to Dalbeattie, which stop at Goldielea. The Hills car park is less than ½ mile (1km) from here. You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

The Hills is one of several beautiful forests around the Solway Coast.

Mabie is buzzing with nature, full of forest fun and always a great escape. Explore picturesque Dalbeattie forest for its granite trails, woodland adventure and glimpses of red squirrels, roe deer and dragonflies. Both Mabie and Dalbeattie are part of the 7stanes mountain biking network.