Walkmates
Walk
Route by PaulWalkmates
Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.
Start at the public Kilsture Forest car park on the B7004 Garlieston Road, southeast of Kirkinner. From the A746 turning, the signed parking entrance is about half a mile along the B7004 on the right. Parking is currently free. Begin at the woodland edge of the parking area beside the trail information board.
Follow the yellow Woodpecker Trail waymarkers into the trees. The outward path bends southwest before turning south around the western side of the loop. Continue east on the connecting woodland path, then take the northbound section at the next junction. Follow the marked trail as it curves northeast and back northwest towards the car park. Keep to the Woodpecker circuit at the junctions; the longer white-marked Red Deer Trail continues farther south.
This is a compact walk through the mixed woodland of the Machars, with oak, beech and other broadleaf trees, patches of conifers and seasonal woodland flowers. Spring brings bluebells, while autumn changes the colours beneath the canopy. Listen for woodland birds and woodpeckers, but treat any wildlife sighting as a possibility.
The operator allows about 45 minutes of walking. Allow around an hour here with pauses. Gravel and earth paths make the route easy to follow, but uneven ground, roots, mud and short fairly steep slopes mean sturdy footwear is sensible. This is not a level, all-weather accessible trail. Keep dogs under close control, leave space for any horse riders or cyclists and follow signs if forestry work changes access. Bring drinking water. There is a picnic area at the forest, but toilets and places to eat are in Wigtown rather than at the start.
The council map, current Forestry and Land Scotland trail and parking information, and local access notices were checked on 3 October 2026.
Use the route details to plan your walk
If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.
The interactive map will load when you reach this section.
Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.
For walkers
Watch: portrait video or landscape video.
Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.
Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.
No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.
Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: Walks in Dumfries and Galloway
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
Necessary storage keeps Walkmates working. With your permission, Google Analytics, Mixpanel and Simple Analytics help us understand how the site is used. Optional analytics stay off until you choose.