There are a number of forest walks starting from the Forest Enterprise Visitor Centre at Kirroughtree near Newton Stewart. On the ‘Papy Ha’ Trail you have the option of following a 3.5 mile walk or the 5-mile walk up the valley of the Palnure Burn. Both walks take in a variety of habitats all of which offer the observant the chance of seeing wildlife. From the soaring golden eagles and buzzards high above Cairnsmore of Fleet to red squirrels of the conifer plantations. And if you missed the squirrels on your walk you can always watch them on CCTV in the visitor centre over a cup of coffee on your return.

The Palnure Glen has a long history of woodland and forest management. In recent times it has seen a full rotation of modern forestry, from planting to felling and restocking again, while retaining the character of the mixed woods and pastoral farming of the valley floor. The bird population of the forest is drawn therefore from a wide range of bird communities with a species list running into three figures.

During the spring and summer look out for wood warblers, willow warblers, garden warblers and blackcaps singing to proclaim a nesting territory. In the streams and burns grey wagtails and dippers are a common sight. Come the Autumn, winter migrants arrive including redwings, fieldfares and large finch flocks from Scandinavia. Siskin, crossbill, redpoll and great spotted woodpecker are all specialities of the area.

The word ‘Papy Ha’ is derived from (Papy) the Norse for a preacher or teacher and (Ha) the Saxon word for hall or house. The name refers to a site of a holy dwelling long since derelict.

Leaflets for all the walks can be picked up at the visitor centre.

Habitats include, park and garden, woodland, farmland, heathland, mountain/moorland, marsh, loch and river.

Other walks from the Visitor Centre are; Larg Hill Trail – 6.4km The Viewpoint Trail – 4km. The Bruntis Trail – 2.4km The Bluebell Trail – 3.2km

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 NX4564 for the start point