Doach Wood

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Wander in the shadow of tall trees at Doach Wood

Doach Wood is dominated by some of the tallest trees in south-west Scotland, towering up to 130 feet (40 metres) above the woodland floor – that’s almost as tall as Nelson’s Column in London. The trail climbs steeply up through the cathedral of tree trunks to a viewpoint, where you can catch your breath and gaze at the dramatic rocky coast and hills.

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

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Everything you need nearby

You’ll find toilets and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at the nearby towns of Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie.

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.

Douglas Trail

Walk beneath towering Douglas firs before climbing to a breathtaking viewpoint on Gaigrie Hill. The view of the Solway Coast is your reward.

Sections of uneven gravel and earth path with exposed tree roots. Some long steep slopes.

1 ¾ miles /
2.7 km
Allow
1½ hours

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Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

A cathedral of conifers

By far the largest trees in Doach Wood are the Douglas firs. The species was discovered by the Scottish colonist Archibald Menzies on the west coast of North America in 1791, but was named after another Scot, David Douglas, who sent seed back to Britain 34 years later.

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

Doach Wood lies beside the B736, which links Castle Douglas with the A711. It’s about 2 miles (3km) from the village of Palnackie. Look for signposts to the car park from the B736. The car park is at grid reference NX 794 577.

Using SatNav?

DG7 1QF is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Dumfries is the nearest railway station. There are regular buses from Dumfries to Dalbeattie, where you change to get a local bus to Palnackie. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Nearby places

Doach is one of several beautiful forests around the Solway Coast. Explore picturesque Dalbeattie for its woodland adventure and granite mountain bike trails. For more splendid Solway coast and Galloway countryside views, head for Screel, south of Palnackie.