| Castramont Wood is 2½ miles from Gatehouse of Fleet on an unclassified road just off the road between Gatehouse and Laurieston. Owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust the reserve has an open access policy, but please keep to the paths to avoid disturbance to wildlife.
The wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is probably best known for its bluebells and breeding songbirds, although a walk through this wood on one of its many paths is pleasant at any time of year. As the summer migrants arrive the wood comes alive to bird song. Pied flycatchers, redstarts, wood warblers, chiff-chaffs along with the many residents species like blue tit, great tit, great spotted woodpecker and tree-creeper make it a must on any naturalists list. With an under-story of plants such as hazel, stitchwort, wood anemone, dog violet and dog’s mercury all attracting a variety of insects and butterflies. There is much more to see than I can mention here and repeat visits are essential to make the most of this special place.
For a map of the area click to view agree conditions on first page, on the second page in the top left box and type in NX5960 for the start point.
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